Seconds count!

Published 20:08 on 15 Feb 2026

Races 5 and 6 of the Brass Monkey Open Series took place on Sunday 15th February. There was no sign of the exchange of valentine cards as the racers throughout the fleet of 17 dinghies swapped places throughout each race to finish only seconds apart on corrected time. In race 5 the home team asserted their local knowledge, grabbing all three podium positions with Mark Nield just nine seconds ahead of fellow Laser helm Ian Duncan. Solo Simon Dolman sneaked into third, two seconds ahead of Eric in fourth.

In race 6 the visitors hit back. First place Eric Haselden dominated the race finishing well ahead of his rivals. Local sailor Mark Nield was second, with the K1 of Steve Pooley just seven seconds behind Mark and only two seconds ahead of Simon Dolman.

Overall our visitors retain a slender hold on first and third as we move towards races 7 and 8 next weekend, but with local racer Mark Nield on equal 8 points with leader Eric, and Steve Pooley on 10 points it is all to play for.

For those following the ongoing (friendly) battle between Simon Dolman and Dave Thomas, currently both sailing Solos, I can report that after six races Simon is ahead in fifth place with Dave only just behind in sixth! Watch this space.

Truly mixed fleet racing, with 11 classes competing, it is time to blow the dust off your own craft, stop adding that 30th coat of varnish (Jon!), and get out on the water! 

Sunday 15th February: Brass Monkey Series:

Race 5: 1. Mark Nield (Laser), 2. Ian Duncan (Laser) +9secs, 3. Simon Dolman (Solo) +41secs

Race 6: 1. Eric Haselden (Supernova), 2. Mark Nield (Laser) +1m3s, 3. Steve Pooley (K1) +1m10s 

Overall after 6 races:

1. Eric Haselden (Supernova) 8 points, 2. Mark Nield (Laser) 8 points, 3. Steve Pooley (K1) 10 points

Full results can be found at: https://club.shotwicksailing.org/racingresults/2026/brass_monkey_2026.htm

Photo: Shotwick Lake Sailing aerial view from 2025

Last updated 20:10 on 15 February 2026