Illusion St George's Day Trophy & Woodford Long Distance Race
by Mike Samuelson 28 Apr 2014 16:46 BST
26-27 April 2014
Illusion St George's Day Trophy © Mike Samuelson
The last two days racing of the 2013 - 2014 Illusion season and although not many takers, racing was close and keenly fought. Saturday's St George's Day Trophy followed its usual format of 4 races with all to count and in view of the small numbers and the southerly breeze forecast to increase, racing was held in the harbour in bright sunshine.
In the first race, Mark Downer was well ahead throughout but the following four were close with plenty of place changes. Raymond Simonds somehow came in second despite broaching on the last run and then wrapping his spinnaker rounding the leeward gate. Julia Bailey, Bruce Huber & Jo Downer all finished within seconds of each other.
Mark was well ahead again in Race 2 with Bruce working himself into an easy second ahead of Raymond. Barnaby Edwards & Julia had a good battle in mid-fleet with Barnaby just squeezing across the line ahead.
Race 3 saw Bruce & Mark battle it out for all 4 rounds with Bruce choosing the better leeward mark to round to secure a first. Raymond had an good 3rd round and took 3rd place with Julia & Bill Daniels and Jo & Barnaby battling it out all the way to the line.
Jo & Julia were both out in front for most of the first round of the 4th & final race, and although Julia remained in front for most of the second round she was overtaken by Bruce & Mark. Mark took over the lead on the 3rd beat and remained there with Bruce second & Julia third.
Overall Results:
1st Mark Downer
2nd Bruce Huber
3rd Raymond Simonds
Conditions for Sunday's Woodford Long Distance Race were less than ideal with a southerly F3 and rain, however, the decision to start in the harbour and venture outside using the RIB as a moveable leeward rounding mark worked very well - particularly as it provided a good way to close up the back markers and keep the fleet together.
After about three quarters of an hour racing and three rounds of varying distance the winner was Mark who was just ahead of Bruce with Raymond & Bill tied in third place. And then it stopped raining and the sun came out!