2003

The Soling Inland Championships were held at the Kielder Water Sailing club over the weekend of 11^th and 12^th October.

14 solings took part with teams from all over the UK from Fort William in the Highlands of Scotland down to Salcombe on the south coast of England. To add more of an international flavour to the event one boat made the journey from the impressive new fleet in Barry, South Wales. It was very encouraging to see new solings arriving from emerging fleets around the UK. The resurgence of the soling throughout the UK has been despite (or maybe because of!) the loss of our Olympic Status.

The event was one of the most openly contested events of recent years with 5 different boats taking "line honours" during the 7 race series.

Saturdays sailing took part in very light winds, that required the very special skills of delicate kite trimming (preferably without breathing), intense concentration, and patience! Only 4 boats were able to complete the first race within the prescribed time limit. This meant an early use of the discard for the other 10 boats.

Sunday brought more wind from the south east (over the dam) in the order of 5 – 10 knots, providing some great conditions for the final 3 races.

The event was eventually won by Mike Preston, Bryan Bottomley and Ron Preston in GBR 143, this result also secured first place in the 2003 UK Soling Series.