UKLA ILCA 6 Nationals - Laser Radial Masters entrants

One of the Radial starts during the Noble Marine Laser Autumn Qualifier at the WPNSA in 2018 © Ian Bullock

Following on from the ILCA 7 (standard full rig) Masters write up on YachtsandYachting.com we now look at the ILCA 6 (Radial) Masters runners and riders competing in the 2020 UKLA national championships in Weymouth.

A quick reminder that due to an ongoing legal dispute regarding the use of 'Laser' and the starburst logo, the standard is now referred to as the ILCA 7, Radial as ILCA 6 and 4.7 as ILCA 4.

The whole event has attracted 200 entries and the Radi... oops ILCA 6 Masters make up 10% of this fleet. This event is split into two, ILCA 7's and ILCA 4's On the first 3 days and the ILCA 6's from the 27th to the 29th August 2020.

Who's Who is the Masters ILCA 6 fleet:

Of the many eminent masters taking part 2018 Apprentice Masters World Champion and 3rd in 2019 Open Radial (ILCA 6) European Championships, Ben Elvin should be mixing it up with the British Sailing Team at the front of the fleet.

Ben is one of the fittest sailors on the circuit, when not sailing at Stokes Bay, he is often found peddling the hills of Hampshire and the South Downs. Ben will be challenging Jon as well as the BST girls and the top youth sailors at the Nationals.

Jon Emmett will also give the youngsters a run for their money as current Apprentice Masters European and World Champion. Jon regularly competes in his ILCA 6 at both Masters and UKLA Qualifier events. As a leading ILCA 6 Olympic Coach there is not much you can teach Jon that he has not already coached himself to win! Jon is likely to be challenging the very front of the fleet.

Sailing legend (no, he is not that old!) Paul Brotherton will likely be up with the regulars. Not known for his Laser sailing, Paul made his name as a successful Olympian and Coach in the 470 Class, he also successfully campaigned the 49er and 505. It is great to see him bringing hull number 164460, a boat built in 1998. I am sure he will be showing the fleet that a 22 year old boat is still competitive!

Ian Gregory has been absent from the Masters circuit recently, but as a previous Masters National Champion, is one to watch. Grand Masters Max Hunt and Rob Cage both have a good turn of speed and should not be dismissed, especially with their winter sun training prior to lockdown. Gareth Edwards and John Reay have both 'mastered' (sorry, too easy) the art of close tactics and will quite happily sneak into any space.

Natalie Campbell and Alison Stevens will be taking a well earned break from their own childcare and home schooling responsibilities. Alison has most recently been spotted doing some mid week sailing at Queen Mary Sailing Club, but is unsure about whether practicing with an 8 year old on her ILCA 6 will help or not!

Thank you the UKLA and WPNSA for all their hard work so far in (hopefully) making this event happen. It would also not be possible without our sponsors: Ovington Boats, Sailingfast, Sailboats.co.uk, Southeast Sailboats and Noble Marine.