Autumn 2005 Solent Circuit

— 30 Dec 2005

In the Autumn 2005 Solent Circuit, organised by the Lymington Town Sailing Club, the top three overall positions in IRC Class 1 were all taken by boats designed by Humphreys Yacht Design.

First place went to the Humphreys 40 Eclipse VII (pictured above), owned and sailed by Doug and Clare Hassell.

Second place went to the HOD 35 Zarafa, owned by Peter Scholfield. The HOD 35 is a highly regarded 35 ft cruiser-racer generally considered an excellent sea-going boat which, while not designed to any particular rule, has proved itself capable of competing under a variety of handicap systems. Following the launch of the first in 1996, around twenty were subsequently built and boats can now be found in the UK, Ireland, France and the Netherlands.

Third place was taken by the Elan 37 Fidelitas, owned by Jo and Mark Broadway. The Elan 37 was first introduced in 2003 and continues the Humphreys theme of designing fast, good looking yachts that have the space and fit-out below to make excellent fast cruising boats when away from the race-course. Elan Yachts is based in Slovenia and with has over fifty years experience of boat building. Sold in the UK by Moody Yachts International, the Elan range also includes a 31, 333 and 40, all designed by Humphreys Yacht Design.

The Solent Circuit is one of the mostly contested autumn series contested on the South Coast. Over the course of eight races, more than 60 boats compete in six classes.