Illusion class opening weekend at Bembridge Sailing Club

Illusion class opening weekend at Bembridge © Anna Row

Illusion class opening weekend at Bembridge ©Mike Samuelson

What a perfect start on Saturday afternoon to the 2024-2025 Illusion season with 15 boats enjoying the lovely sunny conditions. That said, a somewhat variable 12-15 knots from the SE (mainly!) proved testing for both the helms and the mark layers.

In Race 1, Owen Pay read the first of many wind-shifts perfectly, and sailed a blinding first beat to lead at the first windward mark, but there was very close racing behind him for the other podium places. Despite losing his spinnaker halyard on the final run Owen's lead was never challenged, and he was followed home by David Peerless and Olly Laughton-Scott.

Bruce Huber joined for Race 2, and quickly showed that he remains a hard man to beat. After a very tight start he led at the first mark, and was never headed. The wind was flicking through 45 degrees, so the windward marks were moved to give better beats, and form a tightly bunched fleet Mike Issaias was second, and Mike Toogood third. Owen was fourth.

In Race 3 a very competitive start may possibly have merited a general recall, but unfortunately the Race Officers were unsighted as Charlie E-W started very close to the committee boat. A signalling error by the RO caused David Peerless to return needlessly, which cost him many places, but up front David Russell-Jones in 155 eeked out a lead which he kept for the first two rounds.

He couldn't fight off Bruce, though, who went right on the third beat and came home ahead of David, with Olly Laughton-Scott in third.

A fourth, non-counting, half race was run, which was again won by Bruce from Owen and David R-J in a photo finish.

Illusion class opening weekend at Bembridge - photo © Mike Samuelson

Sunday's forecast was not very encouraging, but in the event the heavy rain held off and although a bit shifty and gusty at times, the SSE F3/4 breeze provided some keen racing for the 16 boats that were clearly keen to do battle. The first race began with a General Recall after too many boats blanketed the pin

The re-start under Flag U was considerably better, although not for David R-J who wandered over the line with 10 seconds to go, so was disqualified.

Bruce's lime green spinnaker was the first to fly after the spreader with Mike T, Oliver and Mike I leading the chasing group. As the race unfolded Mike I closed the gap on Bruce during the second round, however he was still not close enough to put him under serious pressure.

The second race of the day, also starting under the U Flag, was another good one particularly so soon into the new season.

Bruce continued where he had left off in the previous race and was comfortably ahead at the windward mark. Mike T, Oliver, David R-J and Owen lead the chasing group with Owen overtaking David R-J during the third round to take second place. Oliver was fourth.

The third race continued the use of Flag U to curb the over exuberant!

Having managed to sort his boat out in time for the previous race, Bill Daniels initially lead round the windward mark, albeit not for long! By the time they were navigating the leeward gate, Bruce was comfortably ahead and the only question was whether second place was going to be Bill or Matt Solan.

At the finish after three rounds it was Matt with Bill third and Oliver picking up his third fourth place of the weekend.

A fourth, two round, non-scoring race saw Bruce finish well ahead of David R-J with Mike T in third.

A great opening weekend of the 2024-2025 winter season. Although no prizes, Bruce was overall first; Owen was second and Oliver was third. No racing next weekend but the Trafalgar Trophy is the weekend after (19 - 20 October).

Illusion class opening weekend at Bembridge - photo © Mike Samuelson

Overall Results:

Illusion class opening weekend at Bembridge - photo © Mike Samuelson