ILCAuk ILCA 7 Masters Inland Championship at Rutland Sailing Club

ILCA Masters Inlands at Rutland © Georgie Altham

In the days leading up to this final Masters event of 2024, the forecast was, at best, unpredictable. As the weekend neared, however, predictions started aligning — unfortunately, in a rather bleak direction. Yet, with typical optimism, over 70 sailors turned out, ready to race.

Years back, a curious sailor once asked the legendary yachting journalist John Roberson, aka "Robo," about the scene in the dinghy park. Robo's quick reply? "Knee-deep in bulls**t, old chap." After a week at the Masters Europeans in Vilamoura, it felt all too familiar. With no wind on Saturday, racing was canceled, though spirits remained high as sailors gathered for a "bangers and mash" dinner and a prize draw featuring exceptional items from sponsors — including Ovington Boats, Sailingfast, and multi-tools from Tideway Wealth.

ILCA Masters Inlands at Rutland - photo © Georgie Altham

Sunday dawned with slightly more promise, though it began under postponement. Finally, the wind stirred, sluggishly growing like the last 15 years of UK Government social housing projects. But by late morning, a gentle 4-7 knots allowed racing to commence.

Race 1 was a slow grind, with the right side paying off handsomely on the first beat. Tom Taylor from King George Sailing Club claimed victory, followed by Simon Odling in 2nd and Phil Bevan in 3rd, with Stephen James finishing a strong 6th.

ILCA Masters Inlands at Rutland - photo © Gordon Upton / www.guppypix.com

Race 2 shifted towards the south shore, where local knowledge was crucial as the westerly wind funnelled down, adding some punch but also bringing tricky bends and shifts. Paul Davies, Guy Noble, and Joza Cic led the fleet initially, but Joza's penalty turn opened the way for Stephen Videlo to overtake Guy. The race wrapped up with Paul in 1st, Stephen 2nd, and Guy 3rd.

Race 3 saw a slightly steadier 8-10 knots. With three beats to navigate, Tom Taylor, having been OCS in Race 2, executed a flawless race to secure 1st, followed by Paul Davies and Alan Davis in 2nd and 3rd respectively. David Gale also showed his best form, finishing 4th.

ILCA Masters Inlands at Rutland - photo © Gordon Upton / www.guppypix.com

Race 4 brought stronger conditions with most sailors hiking hard. With the discard in play, it was a showdown between Tom Taylor and Paul Davies. However, Stuart Hudson, hitting his stride, took control and dominated the race, with Tim Keighley finishing 2nd and Stephen Videlo 3rd. Paul's 7th and Tom's 4th were just enough for Tom to clinch the overall series win.

The age category winners were:

Apprentice Masters
1st Tom Tayor 1st (1st overall)
2nd Paul Davis (2nd overall)
3rd Stephen Videlo (3rd overall)

Masters
1st Martin Faray

Grand Masters
1st Alan Davis

Great Grand Masters
1st Guy Noble

ILCA Masters Inlands at Rutland - photo © Gordon Upton / www.guppypix.com

This brings to a conclusion a tricky season of ILCA Masters events but sets things up nicely for next year. The Masters kicks off with a May outing to Parkstone - hopefully racing in the bay and then the Master Nationals in early June closely followed by the Europeans at Hayling. Check out ILCA.uk for more info.

Our great sponsors give these events a bit of pizazz, they help create a sense of occasion - so with this in mind we say Thank you sponsors and we look forward to next season.

• Rooster Wildwind
• Sailingfast
• Ovington
• Noble Marine Southeast sailboats Fernhurst Books

Overall Results: