Sailing - Solo Thames Valley Series

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Gusty Arctic winds made for exciting sailing at the Solo Thames Valley Series event in Maidenhead last weekend. 

Dinghy sailors from across the region took to the waters of Summerleaze Lake last weekend to scrap and fight for a place on the podium. 

Competitors needed all their wits about them as brisk cross winds drove many a hapless boatsman off course.
A total of 16 solo sailors entered the competition from sailing clubs the length and breadth of the Thames. 

"It was an exciting days racing," said Maidenhead's press officer, Craig Hendry, 47.
"The variable winds made it very difficult for competitors but it was excellent to watch."   

Tension in the club house rose as the Maidenhead captain Jon Hirsh left everyone trailing in his wake to win the first race of the day. 
Using all his experience the solo sailor battled hard against quality opposition to claim the club's first podium finish in many months. 

In the end he was pipped for first and second place by Kingsmead Sailing Club's Daniel Goodman, who took gold, and Godfrey Clark of Fishers Green Sailing Club who placed second.