Solo Class
 Why Sail a Solo at Littleton?
Littleton is one of the best clubs for Solo fleet racing in the country. At many clubs an individual class start is something members only dream of, but at Littleton Solo on Solo racing is a regular part of the club sailing calendar.
The depth of the fleet means that you will find good competitive racing whatever level you are currently at, be it new to sailing (or new to the Solo) or an experienced campaigner. Although the Solo is not particularly fast, it is a tactically challenging boat, and the nip and tuck of racing on our lake is addictive.
With a fleet of about 50 Solos berthed at the club and additional winter members joining us most years, we regularly have entries in double figures for weekly our class series.
The Solo is a single handed dinghy ideally suitable for sailors between 70 and 95 Kg (thats between 11 and 15 stone in old money..) It has such a wide weight range due to the different mast options available, with bendy rigs available for the lighter sailors and stiffer rigs for the heavier.
A Bit About the Solo
The boat was designed by Jack Holt in 1956, which sounds like a long time ago - but the design was visionary back then. It has fully battened (powerful) sails, traveller, easy to use control lines, centre main, stayed mast, and comfortable (and easily adjustable) hiking. There is loads on the Class Association website about the boat if you want to find out more. You can build a Solo at home, or buy a ready built one in either traditional wood or modern FRP construction. There is also a strong demand in the second hand market for the boats, so you don't lose much money in devaluation when you sail a Solo.
If you would like to see a little piece of history, then take a look at this Marketing Brochure for the Solo circa 1965.
Where Do I Find Out More?
The class captain Trevor Rawlins, would be delighted to answer any questions you may have about sailing Solo's at Littleton.
Also at the club we have a member who sits on the National Solo Class Association committee - Jonathan Jowett |
