Bembridge Illusion Ice Breaker Trophy 2025-2026

After some very windy weather over Christmas and the wrong tides over New Year, it was champagne (albeit cold champagne) conditions over the weekend for the oldest Illusion trophy in the programme - the Ice Breaker!

Although there was no sign of any ice actually in the harbour, there certainly were a few of the Illusions that needed de-icing early on Saturday morning. And Sea Breeze needed some serious de-icing on Sunday morning.

Bembridge Illusion Ice Breaker Trophy 2025-2026 - photo © Mike Samuelson

With the F4 NW'erly forecast to increase later in the morning, it was decided to set the course for the twenty Illusionists in the harbour. A wise decision as it was certainly looking pretty lumpy in the entrance of the harbour towards the end of racing.

With one of the cranes malfunctioning, it took longer than normal to get all the boats afloat so the start of the first race was delayed by half an hour. In the event not a problem as it was a big tide and there was plenty of water. Jockey Wilson had the best start and was the first to round the windward marks, but Bruce Huber and Mark Downer were close behind.

Start of Race 1 Saturday

Split tacks had given everyone the opportunity to work out the best windward course to take. At the front end, Bruce found the extra pace on the run and having chosen wisely the best leeward gate mark to round had built a substantial lead by the end of the three round race. Mark was second, |Jockey was third and Rory Morrison was fourth.

The start of the second race was close with one unidentified boat just OCS; however as the X Flag was not displayed as quickly as it should have been, they got away with it!

Start of Race 2 Saturday

Jockey was the first to round the windward marks with Bruce, Mark and Rory pressing hard. On the second round he extended his lead and Bruce consolidated his second place, Rory just pipped Mark and Alex Downer, sailing Simon Birchenough's boat, was fifth. At the back of the fleet Will Lowe filled up and although his buoyancy kept him well afloat, he had a lot of pumping to do and so retired.

The start of the third and final race of the day had a similar start to the previous race in that there was another unidentified boat OCS and although Flag X was displayed and a second hoot sounded, they got away with it as neither the RO or Mark Layer who was positioned at the pin end could identify who it was. Watch the video on a laptop or equivalent and see who you think it was!!

Start of Race 3 Saturday

Mark lead the way off the line with Bruce and Jockey vying for second. David Russell-Jones was also up there keeping the pressure on. However Mark was not for catching and by the end of the three round race was well ahead of the rest. Bruce was second, Jockey was third and David was fourth.

It was great to see two 'old' Illusionists back seeing if they could remember the tricks of the trade! Piers Thomas sailing Andy Christie's boat (149) and Paul Newell (winner of the inaugural Ice Breaker in 1982 and also in 1983) was in Illustration. Both said they enjoyed being back, so hopefully we will see them again soon.

Bembridge Illusion Ice Breaker Trophy 2025-2026 - photo © Mike Samuelson

Although cold, the bright sunshine and 9 knot NW'erly breeze greeted Sunday morning's twenty one entries. After a short discussion it was decided to keep racing in the harbour again rather than risk heading outside off Silver Beach. After a short postponement and notwithstanding a couple of late comers, the first race saw one boat OCS at the pin end, however they came back quickly so were not too disadvantaged.

Start of Race 1 (4) on Sunday

Bruce was the early leader with David R-J, Oliver and Jockey trying their best to not let him get too far ahead. By the finish after three rounds, David had narrowed the gap and was only feet behind at the finish. Meanwhile Mark was well off the pace and could do no better than to finish equal ninth with his wife Jo!

There was an excellent start to the second race with a line of boats mere inches from the line - impressive stuff!

Start of Race 2 (5) on Sunday

Jockey lead the way ahead of Mark, David, Monty and Rory. On the second round Jockey extended his lead and a substantial gap developed between the front two and the rest of the fleet. With the breeze flicking by 20 degrees, it was decided to shorten the race down to two rounds. Having moved the Committee Boat to allow the same windward marks to be used, the third and final race of the day got away to a clean start (just!).

Start of Race 3 (6) on Sunday

Although most remained on starboard, a few tacked early onto port hoping to get a lift on that side of the course. Jockey and Mark were first to round the windward marks; Alex Downer, Monty and Rory were next with Bruce having to work hard to catch up. Mark moved into a substantial lead ahead of Jockey on the second round and Bruce moved up into third. On the final round, Mark's lead was reduced but he was still safe even from Bruce's late charge to move into second place. Certainly good enough for him to retain the Ice Breaker Trophy for another year. Mark was the runner up on 10 points and Jockey was third on 11 points.

Bembridge Illusion Ice Breaker Trophy 2025-2026 - photo © Mike Samuelson

Finally, it was great to welcome Alastair Luxford to the fleet on Sunday. Alastair is a member of BSC, and although he probably found Illusions a bit tame compared to his foiling Switch, he nevertheless found it drier and warmer cocooned in an Illusion! Hopefully he will be racing again soon.

No racing next weekend as there are early/late tides. The following one (17 & 18 January) is for Prince Philip's Cup.

Overall Results: