The National Solo Class Association (NSCA) Southern Area Circuit travelled to Bough Beech Sailing Club for the first event of the 2026 season. Bough Beech reservoir is situated in the Weald of Kent enjoying 400-acres of water in what is arguably one of the premier inland sailing locations in Southern England. The Bough Beech Open, along with NSCA Southern Circuit, is generously sponsored by Pinnell & Bax. 23-boats entered with 14-visitors joining the 9-home boats for an excellent, sun filled, days racing in a shifty 8/10 mph W breeze. Entry numbers were up 25% from 2025, which was encouraging to see at the first event of the series; also reflecting the popularity of BBSC as a venue. Visitors travelled from Littleton, Fishers Green, Papercourt, Hayland Island, Tamesis, Chipstead, Frensham Ponds, Langstone, Martello Lakes and Largos Yacht Club (RYA). Race O ffi cer, Mike Warwicker, set a trapezoidal port rounding course using the maximum available distance across the reservoir. This provided good tactical racing particularly upwind and on the long run back down the reservoir. Three of the planned four races were held each being approximately 40- minutes in duration. Race 1 The fleet got clearly away on a slightly port biased line. At the windward mark Jamie Clementson led from Fraser Hayden and Simon Derham. On the second lap Jamie extended followed by Fraser and John Clementson who had moved up to third. By the third lap the fleet had closed up with six boats all contesting the lead (Jamie, John C, Simon, Fraser, John Reed & James Hart). At the windward mark John R demonstrated his mastery of the shifty conditions by moving into the lead; closely followed by Fraser, Simon and James. At the finish John R took the win followed by Fraser and James with Simon taking fourth.
Photo credit: Sarah Seddon
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