2025 Oliver davenport’s P+B pimped, winder mk 1a/superspars m2/p+B maxx and paul davis’s innovative home build utilising the sb mould (lovett shape) and some tricked up frp lay-up were on show at the farnborough dinghy exhibition. This solo is yet to hit the water in anger and Paul would have a majestic season in his other boat (boatyard at beer/superspar m2/impact marine radial) so no hurry to change anything. 36 competitors contested the noble marine winter championship at rutland, davenport laying down a marker for the year which would prove definitive. The fleet was rich in talent, signifying a season ahead of some intensity. Sadly, Ron Beasley passed away, builder of some fine examples in the 70’s-80’s. Mark Maskell would win the chessboard trophy at Broadwater, historically this was the first event of the season and they have seen over forty entries which would not leave much room on the water for the ducks. Salcombe, probably the best solo club in the world hosts two events per year and Tim Law showed his class to beat a field bristling with talent. fleet captain Adrian griffin has held the post for decades, testament to his dedication to the solo cause. Lake Como provided an idyllic setting for the nation’s cup and the sixty three sailors enjoyed four days of bliss, ten to twelve knots, thirty degrees and a stormy welcome to be remembered. We must go back there. Tom gillard was a worthy winner from menno huisman and ted bakker, indicating the strength of the dutch. The national championship at north berwick was so windy but seeing davenport bash his way to a perfect score and title was humbling for me and the other competitors. It was man and solo in perfect harmony. John Charles took victory in the vintage championship at Leigh on sea, the conditions mirroring como but the accents slightly less sexy. It is always a pleasure to see these solos in action, like watching old nags running with abandon in a field, they are doing what they were designed for, racing. Davenport won the ferry marina inland championship with some impunity, even starting thirty seconds late in race four, Andrew Wilde and Paul Davis completing the podium. Jasper Barnham won the EOS and a ferry marina holiday on the norfolk broads, harry lucas won the north sails series voucher and davenport would be super series champion 2025.
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