Allen Endurance Series – Solent Forts Race
The Solent Forts Race is an annual long-distance event for catamarans and other high-performance boats, run by Hayling Ferry Sailing Club from their base at the entrance to Langstone Harbour. It is set in the Eastern Solent and comprises a series of legs to various marks (such as the Napoleonic channel forts that give the race its name), with boats returning to Langstone Harbour entrance to complete each leg by rounding a turning mark.
Part of the Allen Endurance Series since this began in 2018, the Solent Forts Race was the opening round of that series for 2023. This year’s race was held on 4th June and was the eleventh edition of the event.
The race started at 10:30 from Langstone Harbour entrance under blue skies and a Force 4 breeze. The 18-boat entry was split into two fleets – Orange and Blue, and the first mark of the course for both fleets was the Nab Tower (a lighthouse approximately 7.5 nautical miles from the race start line).
(more…)