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Solo and Laser Open Meeting at Middle Nene Sailing Club

by Wilf Kunze 3 Jun 15:40 UTC 31 May 2025

After a more than a 15 year-long break, Middle Nene SC has re-introduced the joint Open Meeting for the Solo and Laser (ILCA) classes, and 19 competitors from MNSC and Cransley SC made the most of the near-perfect conditions on 31st May 2025.

Announced as a friendly neighbourhood event, the Open fulfilled all expectations and was nonetheless a challenging day because of the high level of competition and the occasionally gusty conditions. Race Officer Roo Jarvis and his team competently matched the courses sailed to the varying conditions and kept everybody safe throughout the day.

The less experienced contestants, including some in their early teens, were competing in their ILCA4 (4.7) and ILCA 6 (Radial) boats with accomplished racing sailors, giving them a good run for their money.

First and foremost this was Solomon Day who came third in his ILCA4, just a few points behind experienced top-level sailors Tom Vessey and Daniel Wigmore (both ILCA 7) who were separated after five exceptionally close races by a single point. Rachel Nicol achieved a good fourth place and was awarded the First Lady trophy.

In the Solo fleet the experience level was equally broad and the results came up with a surprise, in that Mark Greer (of Flying 15 fame) managed to take the trophy, with Ian Burns coming second and visitor Hugh Ambrey (Cransley SC) third.

Ian Burns, main organiser and Solo Class Captain at MNSC, summarised the Open Meeting, saying, "Many thanks to all the sailors who turned out today to make our first Solo/Laser Open in quite a few years so memorable. Many thanks also to all the race staff and galley ladies for some great sailing courses and for keeping us so well fed.

"Finally, to all the youth for joining in and especially to the ladies who sailed and overcame any reservations they might have had. Simply Middle Nene at its best!"

Following last Saturday's success, the next event is planned for June 2026 and details will be announced in good time. For any questions about the Open or about MNSC in general, please contact

Solo Fleet Results:

PosSail NoHelmClubR1R2R3R4R5Pts
1st5095Mark GreerMNSC1111(DNS)4
2nd4311Ian BurnsMNSC3222(DNS)9
3rd4087Hugh AmbreyCransley SC24‑55112
4th4085Andrew ConnellanMNSC‑5334313
5th4089William AmbreyCransley SC7‑846219
6th4753Paul AnsteeMNSC4973(DNS)23
7th6049Andrew LeatherMNSC‑8588425
8th5095Ray GreerMNSC6767(DNS)26
9th4309Simon ShawMNSC1010(DNF)9534
10th3476Simon DayMNSC96(DNF)DNSDNS37

Laser/ILCA Fleet Results:

PosRigSail NoHelmClubR1R2R3R4R5Pts
1stILCA 7211405Daniel WigmoreMNSC1‑22115
2ndILCA 7215418Tom VesseyMNSC‑211226
3rdILCA 4190904Solomon DayMNSC‑5433313
4thILCA 6126411Rachel NicolMNSC4344(DNS)15
5thILCA 4190904Josh GillsonMNSC7755(DNS)24
6thILCA 40Heather TrollingerMNSC8‑976425
7thILCA 6182464Harry AmberyCransley SC366(RET)DNS25
8thILCA 4143931Julie WestMNSC‑9897529
9thILCA 6158096Harry JarvisMNSC658(DNS)DNS29

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