Bembridge Illusion 2022 Valentine Trophy & Prince Philip Memorial Cup

Despite a windy forecast for the two trophy weekend (Valentine Trophy on Saturday and Prince Phillip Cup on Sunday), twenty four boats launched on Saturday afternoon to do 'battle' in the SW'erly F4 to F6 breeze.

Although a little tedious for those who launched first, the half hour postponement so that everyone was able to reach the start area two thirds of the way up the harbour actually worked in everyone's favour as the wind over tide chop in the middle of the harbour had smoothed off a bit.

Bembridge Illusion 2022 Valentine Trophy - photo © Mike Samuelson

Too many boats overcooked the first start so it was back for a second go after a General Recall. As usual, Flag U was displayed as the preparatory signal for the second start which got away cleanly albeit new girl Anna Row had to be reminded after the race what Flag U meant!

Re-start of Race 1

After a shortish first beat, Raymond Simonds led the way round the windward marks, chased by Mike Toogood, Mark Downer and Bruce Huber. By the third round Bruce and Mark were well ahead of the rest of the fleet, many of whom decided to play safe and not fly a spinnaker in the gusty conditions; a wise decision as at one stage the anemometer on the Committee Boat registered 25 knots! Raymond was third and Rory Morrison was fourth. As usual there were a number of close finishes; and there were also a few retirements! The most spectacular was Owen Pay who filled up and had to be towed by James Row who was manning the safety RIB to Attrills Point beach to bail out; no easy task!

The start to the second race, again under Flag U was called clear save for visitor James in the red loaner boat, however Raymond who was the pin side of him (and therefore shielded from view) owned up to being OCS and retired. Mark & Bruce took up their usual positions at the front of the fleet with Jo Downer and Mike Toogood playing cat and mouse as the race progressed.

Start of Race 2

Although on the runs Jo went for no spinnaker, she was not that much slower than Mike who did use his, albeit with some difficulty at times! Out front, Mark and Bruce match raced against each other with Mark coming out just ahead at the finish. The 'old man of the fleet' Robin Ebsworth had a great first round but sadly was unable to keep up with the front group so finished mid fleet. Mike was third and Jo was fourth, but only by the narrowest of margins. It was good to see Caroline Simonds in fifth place.

It was gusting 22 knots as they came up to the line for the third race. Again the Flag U worked and it was another clean start.

Start of Race 3

Mark and Bruce, again dominated at the front until the former took on too much water on the second beat and unusually had to stop to pump out. This left Bruce a long way ahead of Caroline Simonds, Raymond and a jubilant Serena Gosling who took fourth.

Although the breezy conditions (it gusted 27 knots half way through the third race) saw a number of boats head back to the Illusion Quay prior to the start of the fourth and final race, competition was as keen as ever for those who stayed on. Bruce and Mark took up their usual positions as the front of the fleet with Raymond, Jo and Mike always playing catch up.

Start of Race 4

For the front two it was always going to be close and having taken different sides of the gate for the final time, it was to close to call until the final tack close to the Committee saw Mark cross the line a boat length ahead. Jo was third and Mike was fourth.

On count back as both Mark & Bruce were on equal points, Bruce was initially placed first with two firsts and two seconds and awarded the Valentine Trophy. However after a re-read of RRS A8.1 & 8.2 this had to be reversed and the Trophy was re-awarded to Mark! Raymond was third, Mike was fourth and Jo was fifth and also picked up the 'Ladies' Trophy (the original Valentine Trophy picture).

Bembridge Illusion 2022 Valentine Trophy - photo © Mike Samuelson

Sunday's forecast for rain & winds in excess of 30 knots (& Sunday lunch) sadly decimated the fleet and in the end there were only six 'brave' souls who launched and made their way up the harbour to the start area. With so few boats jostling for prime position on the line, Mark and Raymond decided to do some pre-start match race practice! Mark ended up in front and never looked back for the rest of the three round race. Jo held onto second despite no spinnaker and Caroline, who also stuck with her genoa, pipped Raymond into third.

There was more match racing practice prior to the start of the second race! However the only person to end up taking a penalty was Jo!

Start of Race 2

Mike Toogood was first to reach the windward mark with Mark a few boat lengths behind. With Mike still ahead on the second run, it was decided to finish the race after two rounds in the hopes that he would remain ahead to the finish line! However it was not to be and Mark overtook on the short beat back from the leeward gate. Raymond, Jo and Caroline finished within inches of each other.

A similar start to Race 3 and another overwhelming win for Mark after two rounds; Raymond was second and Jo third.

Start of Race 3

For the fourth and final race, the course was changed to twice round the windward marks and then a running finish opposite the Club pontoon. Despite not flying her spinnaker, Jo lead for three quarters of the race but was unable to hold off Mark whose vast experience meant he could keep his spinnaker under control in the stronger gusts. Caroline did well to take third and it was a very close finish between Mike & Raymond.

Start of Race 4

It did not need a spreadsheet to work out that Mark was the clear winner of the Trophy, presented so generously by John Raymond last year. Jo was second two points ahead of Raymond.

Additional photos at flic.kr/s/aHBqjzBnV9

Bembridge Illusion 2022 Prince Philip Memorial Cup - photo © Mike Samuelson

No racing next weekend; the weekend after (19th & 20th February) is Match racing. All sixteen slots are currently filled but we do need a couple of reserves. Please contact Raymond if interested.

Valentine Trophy Results:

Prince Philip Memorial Cup Results: