Illusion Vernon Stratton Trophy at Bembridge Sailing Club

Rupert Holmes, Xander Shaw & Andy Blundell during the second race on Sunday at the Bembridge Illusions Vernon Stratton Trophy © Mike Samuelson

The first run on Sunday during the Bembridge Illusions Vernon Stratton Trophy © Mike Samuelson

Despite a strong wind warning for Saturday, the early afternoon tides this weekend proved to be a good incentive and we had a total of 15 boats out racing for the Stratton Trophy (13 on Saturday & 13 on Sunday).

Although bright, Saturday's ENE F4 breeze was bitterly cold; quite how Illusion sailors cope with cold hands is a mystery but clearly they somehow do! RO's Rob Mathieson & Fred Warren-Smith were able to set up a long course in the harbour albeit the left side was very much favoured with the lay line very close to Attrill's Point.

In the first race of the day, Bruce Huber lead for most of the race only to be overtaken by Mark Downer on the final short beat to the line after Mark benefited by rounding the port leeward gate mark and Bruce had gone for the starboard one. Julia Bailey, who had never been far off the pace came in a close third ahead of Xander Shaw.

In the second race, Bruce was able to work up a hefty lead ahead of Mark and Julia with Rupert Holmes in fourth.

In the final race, despite best efforts by Julia, Bruce was again unbeatable and ended the day with two firsts and a second. Mark & Rupert meanwhile were having their own battle but in the end Mark came out in front to take third place.

Sunday's conditions were much kinder, and certainly warmer, although no less challenging as the F2-3 breeze flicked from NNE to NNW as racing progressed.

It was a clean start for the first race of the day with boats well spread out along the line. Julia Bailey was first round the windward mark and unusually Mark Downer was well down the field having gone to the right of the course. Julia continued to make gains on the next two rounds and it was good to see Xander Shaw leading the chasing pack with Andy Blundell & Rupert Holmes snapping at his heels.

Three boats were OCS at the start of the second race of the day, however all came back (we think!). Mark lead for the round and was uncatchable as the wind backed and it was sensibly decided to stop the race after the second round. Rupert & Xander were never far part and finished ahead of Andy; although he been second round the windward mark on the first round, it was still good to see relative new comer David Peerless finish in fifth.

With the course reset, the final race turned out to be a triumph for Andy Blundell who finished well ahead of Rupert & Mark who almost ended up match racing; Xander was fourth. Having been messed up at the start Julia ended up in seventh place however it was good enough to secure her 2nd place overall.

Overall Results:

Rupert Holmes (3rd), Mark Downer (1st) & Julia Bailey (2nd) during the Bembridge Illusions Vernon Stratton Trophy - photo © Mike Samuelson

Next Regatta: Sat & Sun 21st/22nd February - Match Racing

Start of Race 1 on Sunday

Start of Race 2 on Sunday< br />