National Solo Class

Come and join MSC's fastest growing fleet with a super midland region circuit for those keen on Open Meetings. All skill levels welcome! This single-hander is well suited to our sailing water, and gives the opportunity for the sailor without a regular crew to race competitively in our pursuit racing.   Mike Burke Solo Class Captain

Class History at Midland Sailing Club

The regular Solo fleet consists of 8 boats, with a couple more expected this year. Solos have been at Midland for several years now, although it's only in the last couple of years that numbers have grown to the point where we qualify as a fleet in our own right.

The Solo start is at 6 minutes after the warning gun in our pursuit race series.

Open Meetings

We have a few members who compete in the National Solo Class Association's Midland Traveller Series. We hosted our first Solo Open Meeting in 2009 and are now a regular fixture. See News & Events for details of this year's Midland Open meeting.

Design

The Solo was originally designed by Jack Holt in 1958. Over 5100 have been produced and about 120 new boats being build each year.

The Solo is a one-design class, although the class rules allow some flexibility in rigging and tuning. Built from wood, GRP, FRP or a combination of the three, the use of carbon fibre has been restricted and modern boats are still very similar to the originall, principally to keep the boat as cheap as possible and equal in performance. Results are down to your sailling skill and a perhaps a little bit of luck, not the depth of your wallet. Most boats have centre mainsheet although aft sheeting is permitted and many also have a traveller.

There has been a few changes in recent years, including an option for a loose-footed sail. The requirement for centerboards to be made from wood has recently been relaxed too.

Additional Information

Acknowlegements: National Solo Class Association.