2026 Results | Solution Class Association

The second Solution Open of the year was part of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston SC’s 77th Beach Regatta on 27th and 28th June. 3 local Solutions were joined by 11 visitors.

Some of the visitors stayed a few extra days to make a holiday of it. Jon Steward decided to take the shortest scenic route from the south coast to admire the sights of central London. It could be the first time a boat has gone over rather than under Tower Bridge!

The weather was amazing and the sailors were thankful for the breeze out on the water. The small Phantom fleet started first and we were second away ahead But hang on a minute, it was a general recall in the first race, which is most un-Solution like. I don’t think we’ve even had a handful of general recalls before in total, ever.

Making the most of his new boat, Ian Morgan, from Warsash won all three races on Saturday, although he was pressed hard by Jon Steward from Lee on the Solent. Gorleston local Paul Jarvey claimed third in the first two races and Richard Gibbon from Lee on the Solent third in race three. Ian was a clear overnight leader with Jon second and Paul third.

The sailors and partners were treated to an excellent meal at the club on Saturday evening.

Sunday brought a stronger offshore breeze which was shifty with some big gusts. Ian gave an impromptu sail setting training session on the shore before once again showed his form by winning the first race of the day with James Jarvey making the most of the conditions to take second from Jon. The second race went to form with Ian, Jon and Paul taking the honours. This secured Ian and Jon as first and second respectively, so they ducked out of the last race. Local Ian Hearsum made the most of this to take the win in the final race, in one of the first Solutions ever built, with Richard Gibbon taking second and Paul Jarvey third. This give Paul third overall just ahead of Richard.

The Solution class would like to thank Gorleston for putting on such a great event, with special thanks to Richard Brown and Louise for all their hard work.

Report: Martin Tubb Photos: Many thanks to Bob Girling GYGSC

A central location and hot weather attracted a record 17 Solutions to the beautiful Emberton Park SC for the first open meeting of the year. This year is the 20th anniversary for the Solution class and the 70th anniversary of Emberton Park SC, so it was a fitting venue. Day 1 started with hints of wind appearing randomly across an otherwise glassy water surface. By the afternoon, a vague direction could be discerned, enough at least to set a course, and the fleet got away with a surprisingly clean start. The boats then dispersed around the lake as everyone tried to anticipate where, and when, the next breath of wind would appear. Col Smedley led for most of the race but was overtaken on the final downwind by Ian Morgan with James Jarvey in third. The variable wind saw a postponement for the second race, and then three course changes before finally getting under way. This time Col held on to the lead with James second and Ian third.

For day two, the wind had increased slightly, and served up a full mix of gusts, lulls and direction changes, going from becalmed, to planing, and back to becalmed in minutes. After a chaotic start to race three, Jon Steward and Ian Morgan quickly took the lead and despite Jon leading for most of the race, Ian again managed to overtake at the last minute and take the race. The start for race four developed from chaos into mayhem, with a number of boats over the line and others rafted in a becalmed huddle. Some managed to get away cleanly and scored their best results. Ian and Jon again took first and second with Richard Brown third. The course was changed for the final race to give a long first beat diagonally across the lake. By now, the wind had picked up, and so had the punchiness of the gusts. Jon again took the lead and this time held on to it, winning the race. Ian was second and James third. At the end of the event, Ian Morgan's consistency paid off and he took first overall, Jon Steward's strong second day was enough to secure second. Col Smedley took third, James Jarvey fourth and Tom Whittingham, another consistent performer, was fifth.

As a small, inland lake surrounded by trees, Emberton Park was always going to be a good test of boat handling. Penalty turns and near misses abounded, but everyone left happy and damage free. Thanks to EPSC for the warm welcome, close racing and wonderful food.

Report: Col Smedley Photos: EPSC