ILCA 7 UKLA Worlds & Europeans Qualifier 3 at the WPNSA

Coming into last weekend's UKLA Worlds and Europeans qualifier in Weymouth, the ILCA 7 racing promised to be extremely close. With many of the younger 7's having missed the UKLA Nationals back in August due to their U-21 worlds in Gydnia, this would be the first time in a long time where the 7's fleet was complete.

On Saturday morning the boat park had a buzz. Every qualifier is a good chance to see friends and everyone seemed to have a smile on their face, ready to race. Along with the return of the U-21 contingent, this was also the last regatta before a portion of the fleet headed off to Barcelona for the Senior World Championships, and so everyone was on the top of their game.

ILCA 7 UKLA Worlds & Europeans Qualifier 3 at the WPNSA - photo © Georgie Altham / www.facebook.com/galthamphotography

With wind coming from the South-West and racing in the harbour, the competitors knew that playing the shifts while still hiking hard would be paramount for a successful day. Race 1 was taken by Mr. Hanson himself, fresh off his Olympic rest period and gearing up for Barcelona. He was closely followed by Sam Whaley, coming from a successful Europeans in Varna, Bulgaria, and Krishan Bhogal who 'absolutely loves' those hiking yet still shifty off-shore conditions.

After a slower start in race 1, recently crowned European Champion Michael 'Micky' Beckett came storming back for the win in race 2, ahead of Elliot in second and Krishan in third.

ILCA 7 UKLA Worlds & Europeans Qualifier 3 at the WPNSA - photo © Georgie Altham / www.facebook.com/galthamphotography

Going into the final race of the day, the fleet knew it would be a physical test. With conditions picking up to 15-18 knots in race 2, this last race was going to be a battle of physical endurance and mental toughness in chilly conditions. With the right side having paid throughout the day, Elliot played the first beat well and took the win on the last race of Day 1. He was followed by Sam Whaley in second and Krishan Bhogal in third, who wrapped up a successful day with three third places leaving him tied in second overall with Sam Whaley. The leaderboard was tight after Day 1, and with the Sunday promising to be a windy one the fleet went home to rest, recover and eat lots of food with another big day to come.

The boat park on Sunday morning was eerily quiet. After a heavy day of hiking, Day 2 promised to be even heavier, with the wind slightly more South and forecasts projecting 20-25 knots. The cold also left the sailors moving quite begrudgingly, but after donning their warmest clothing the fleet took to the water.

Theo Gumbley avoids a swimmer during ILCA 7 UKLA Worlds & Europeans Qualifier 3 at the WPNSA - photo © Georgie Altham / www.facebook.com/galthamphotography

Race 1 of the day was taken by Sam Whaley after a good battle with Mickey who took second. Just behind was Jake Farren-Price in third.

In Race 2, Elliot learned from his first race (a 4th place that ended up being his drop race in the regatta) to take the win ahead of Sam Whaley and Krishan Bhogal, who put up another 3rd.

Going into the final race of the event there were some close battles. Learnings from previous races on Day 2 showed that unlike Day 1, the left side was tending to pay. Kai Wolgram, the 17-year-old out of Llyn Brenig SC recognised this and sailed a great first beat, racing in the front pack all the way around the course and finishing a great regatta for himself with his second 4th of the weekend. Kai was the top U-19 sailor and was tight on the heels of the older sailors throughout. Krishan Bhogal finished the event as the top U-21 sailor and 4th overall, often stealing points from the 3 British Sailing Team sailors ahead.

Andy Le Grice during ILCA 7 UKLA Worlds & Europeans Qualifier 3 at the WPNSA - photo © Georgie Altham / www.facebook.com/galthamphotography

Mr. Hard Work Micky Beckett proved he had the legs in the fleet over the weekend by winning the last race of the day and managing to get ahead of teammate Sam Whaley to come second overall on count-back. Micky was followed by Elliot who secured the win for the event with only 7 points counted in 6 races. James Percival-Cooke snagged third place in race.

A big thank you to the UKLA for their organisation of the event and all the hard work that they do behind the scenes. Another thanks to WPNSA for hosting another ILCA event, and all of the volunteers and staff who keep these events running! A huge thank you goes out to the UKLA Race Committee and Peter Jackson who ran yet another extremely efficient event with well-set courses and minimal time spent waiting on the water - an extremely impressive feat.

Norman Struthers during ILCA 7 UKLA Worlds & Europeans Qualifier 3 at the WPNSA - photo © Georgie Altham / www.facebook.com/galthamphotography

And finally, a thank you to the event sponsors:

• Sailingfast - Duncan brings his battle buss down from Scotland for most the big events, which is so ridiculously well equipped, you could replace everything on your boat. Although based in Scotland they will get anything to you super fast. He also supplied many of the prizes for the draw on Saturday evening. sailingfast.co.uk

• Noble Marine - Ian MacManus (the man behind the name) has crafted a very competitive and excellent insurance product for all Laser/ILCA sailors. A very personal service and a extremely useful website help make this the 'go to' company. www.noblemarine.co.uk

• Ovington Boats - Chris Turner lives dinghies and has been a significance presence in the boat building world for decades. OB are now the official UK builders of ILCAs. A very smart new Ovington ILCA Dinghy was on display at the Masters event. www.ovingtonboats.com

• Vaikobi - a brand born on the waters of Sydney Harbour, out of a passion for all ocean sports. Across the team, we paddle, Surfski, SUP, Wing Foil and Sail. Sailing has been a passion within the business right from the start. The senior management team at Vaikobi comprise more than fifty years of marine industry and sailing experience between them. www.vaikobi.com

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