Tim and Richard, thank you for your comments above. I must admit to being a little daunted by the repair procedure you suggested Tim, but basically the advice was spot on. I did chicken out of doing the job myself. The answer was in these very pages; next post down concerned wooden Solos and mentioned J J Boats, near Diss in Norfolk. Some other Blakeney Sailing club members are having restoration work done by James to a composite Seafly; investigation of his website shows he works on almost anything and the results are stunningly good. So, Solo 4435 had a little trip down to James and is now fixed and looking good again. James also drilled some suitable holes and re-roped her for continuous lines. Real craftsmanship and a great guy.

Graham, I'll have to add a comment to support the use of the "B" plan sail. I am only a recent recruit to the Solo, buying an older Winder 1 last year. I sail on the coast at Blakeney in tidal water which although sheltered from the North sea can be rough. Many here sail Lasers and the choice of a smaller sail can mean the difference between having the confidence to sail- or not. Bearing in mind we can't sail every weekend, the chance to go sailing in less than ideal conditions is often taken. This weekend was just such an occasion. I bought a plan "B" sail through this website for around £30 last year and have used it a few times. On Sunday it was gusting to nearly 30mph with some decent waves and the sail was ideal, great fun and manageable most of the time. You can flatten it too much with kicker and cunningham, it has to be able to breathe. It is not going to be a race winner though I did manage a second - which was more to do with staying upright than sailing prowess - as you have to sail to the normal handicap. I'll be interested to hear how Ian Cherill get on with his plan "B" and read his blog with interest.