Illusions Woodford Long Distance Race
by Barnaby Edwards on 4 May 2007
Illusion racing at Bembridge SC Mike Samuelson htttp://
www.bembridgesailingclub.org
Certain memories stick. Racing around St. Helen's fort in a very, very small yacht is one such memory. The sun blazed, the winds were fair and the sea a lumpy, but manageable challenge.
After an hour long race, the fleet were separated by less than a minute! Given that the breeze enabled a true beat upwind, this is quite remarkable.
Vernon Stratton lead the way for the first half hour, proving that there is no substitute for experience. Piers Thomas suffered some crew misbehaviour on the first reach and let Rudy Jurg and Barnaby Edwards through.
Rudy held is pace downwind and was nearly, but not quite caught by Piers. James Axtell had terrific downwind speed, climbing well to a third place finish.
The race was a total joy from start to end. All credit to the race officers who set an inspired course.
Sunday drew our Commodore out from the woodwork; Bruce Huber, as ever, went very quickly. Rudy and Piers battled hard for the number two spot. Phil Woodford sailed well and claimed a podium finish in the final race of the whole series!
The Illusion sailing at Bembridge brings winter to life. The faultless planning and race-officer support, coupled with a superb job done by all at BSC and a little help from Climate Change has made for a record number of superb races.
Illusion Results: Woodford Long Distance Race
1st Rudy Jurg
2nd Piers Thomas
3rd James Axtell
Sunday Fleet Racing
1st Bruce Huber
2nd Rudy Jurg
3rd Piers Thomas
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