Bembridge Illusion Icebreaker 2021-2022

As the tide 'waiteth for no man (or woman)', the programmed start of the first race for this winter's Icebreaker Trophy (the oldest Illusion Trophy, first competed for in 1982) had been planned for 09:30 on both days.

It was therefore with some trepidation, particularly given the mid-week forecast for strong winds, that twenty plus Illusion sailors congregated on the Illusion Quay at 08:30 on New Year's Day! The SSW'erly F4, gusting F5 breeze allowed a reasonably long course in the harbour and although there were 10-15 degree windshifts throughout the morning, conditions provided some close racing.

Illusion Icebreaker 2021-2022 at Bembridge - photo © Mike Samuelson

After a short postponement to allow the last of the twenty competitors to launch, the first race got away to a clean start. Class Captain Mark Downer got himself blocked in at the pin end and took a bit of time to get back into the charge, however this was only a momentary aberration as he rounded the windward mark in third place not far behind Bruce Huber and Raymond Simonds.

Start of Race 1

During the second round, Raymond extended his lead and Bruce made some gains over Mark, however in the third round things got much tighter and victory could have gone to any of them. In the event, Raymond held onto his slender lead and Mark pipped Bruce by inches. David Russell-Jones had an excellent race and was fourth ahead of Philip Russell.

Although Owen Pay very nearly over cooked the start to the second race, the X-Flag remained down and everyone made it safely across the line; impressive sailing particularly as it was gusting 20 knots as they lined up for the off.

Start of Race 2

Bruce was first to reach the windward marks with Raymond and Colin Simonds not far behind despite Raymond starting mid-fleet. On the beat back up through the line to start the second round, there was a clash of masts between Raymond and Roly Wilson which although it put paid to Raymond's chances of winning could have had more serious repercussions with one or both masts broken. In the third round, Bruce consolidated his lead and held Mark to a rather distant second. Colin was third and Raymond was fourth.

Race 2 Leeward Mark (mid-fleet)

Another clean start for the third and final race of the day. Unfortunately Anna Row never made it to the line as much to the surprise of a number of inquisitive walkers on the beach, she ran aground on Attrill's Point. Perhaps it was no real surprise that it was Bruce's green spinnaker that was first to fly on the down wind leg well ahead of Raymond, Colin, David R-J and Rory Morrison. On the third round Mark began to power through and moved up into second place ahead of Raymond, David R-J and Rory.

Illusion Icebreaker 2021-2022 at Bembridge - photo © Mike Samuelson

Sunday started overcast but brightened up mid-morning, indeed at times the sun made it almost impossible to spot boats close to the line. Although three of yesterday's fleet did not launch, there where two new entries (John Birchenough and David Peerless) so still excellent numbers.

With the breeze slightly more westerly than the previous day, a slightly longer and more challenging course was set up; the only problem was that with the left side of the course judged to be the more favourable, there were a lot of calls for water as they tacked up past Selwyn Pontoon! The first start was extremely close and looking back at the video should probably have been a General Recall, however it would have disadvantaged the majority.

Start of Race 1 on Sunday

Mark was first at the windward mark with Bruce and Raymond close behind. Caroline Simonds, Oliver Morgan and David Peerless were at the front of the chasing fleet as they headed downwind in the 10 knot breeze. As the race unfolded, Raymond got the breaks and established a safe lead ahead of Mark. There was then a sizeable gap to David, Bruce and Oliver.

With the sun making the line almost impossible to spot, the Race Officers decided to display Flag U as the prep flag for the second race in the hopes that it would get people to hold back from the line in the last few seconds. In the event it worked but only by the narrowest of margins! Mind you not easy to judge things with the wind strength varying from 12 knots to 18 knots!

Start of Race 2 on Sunday

Bruce's green and Mark's grey spinnakers were the first to appear after the windward marks and frankly no one else got a look in as they 'match raced' to the leeward gate to regular cries of 'protest' particularly from Bruce!

Bruce & Mark - First round of Race 2 on Sunday

In the second round, Mark established what looked like a winning lead but on the third round Bruce caught back up and the final order was only decided on the short beat back to the line which saw Bruce cross less than a boat length ahead. Raymond was third and David was fourth. Mid-fleet saw some more close racing with Rory, Philip, Robin and Hugh finishing seconds apart. On the third run the breeze peaked at 23 knots which proved testing for the less experienced, however although Owen Pay filled up and had to stop to pump out, everyone survived which speaks volumes for their tenacity and the capability of the Illusion.

Illusion Icebreaker 2021-2022 at Bembridge - photo © Mike Samuelson

With the sun tucked behind the clouds for the start of the third and final race of the day and plenty of water should there be a General Recall, the decision was made to revert to the P as the prep flag. In the event and despite the wind strength increasing to 19 knots just before the start, the X-Flag remained furled.

Start of Race 3 on Sunday

Bruce led round the windward marks with David P, David R-J, Philip, Raymond and Mark playing catch up. As the race unfolded, Mark moved into third with Oliver, Philip and David R-J all in the running for third. After the third beat, Bruce had developed a substantial lead and Mark dropped back a bit after he had a problem with his spinnaker. However on the final beat from the leeward gate to the line he pulled himself up into second ahead of David P and Oliver. Lower down the fleet there were a number of very close finishes with only inches separating the boats as they crossed the finish line. Sadly after an excellent start and holding her own for the first round and a half, Anna Row had to retire after getting banged on the head when another Illusion failed to spot her in time.

Illusion Icebreaker 2021-2022 at Bembridge - photo © Mike Samuelson

With four firsts, a third and a fourth, Bruce won the Trophy with 7 points; Mark was second with ten points and Raymond was third with 12 points.

No racing next weekend as the tides are wrong. Saturday 15th January is going to be a coached Regatta (by Graham Sunderland) for the January Jacket with Sunday 16th January programmed for the Prince Philip Trophies.

Additional photos at flic.kr/s/aHBqjzx4Ug

Overall Results: