2022 ILCA Nationals at Hayling Island Sailing Club - Ovington Day 4
by UKLA 21 Jul 20:10 BST
17-22 July 2022
After a couple of hours waiting for the South westerly to fill in the 250 strong ILCA sailors headed out in a light 7 to 11 breeze.
With later start it was touch and go that two races could be completed but with the very efficient race teams its seems anything is possible. This time it was the turn of the ICA 4 to be in Bracklesham Bay and the ILCA 7s and 6s racing in Hayling Bay.
ILCA 4 Fleet
Henry Redmond is still out front but getting a Black Flag was a less than ideal start to. The days racing. Race 8 saw him bank a second. With one race to go he is looking good for the title but now his discard is effectively gone he'll have to be careful. Freddie Sunderland also has a high scoring discard, as do all the top four, so they all have to take care in the final race tomorrow.
Henry Keegan had a good day with a win in race 8. As did Toby Smith, Ralph Surguy and Samson Cross all picking up thirds.
ILCA 6 Fleet
Daisy Collingridge is looking good for the title. Having bagged another two wins she has asserted her dominance over her rivals. Matilda Nicholls has moved up level on points with Ben Elvin, who incidental did a brilliant race clinic on starting. So the top three look reasonably safe.
Of course Ross Harvey could sail a blinder and take second but these top sailors won't make it easy for him. A special shout out to Charles Robinson and Olly Payne both still 16 and in the top 20!
ILCA 7 Fleet
Is Jake Farren-Price starting to crack? He is still leading but a run of less than perfect results means Finley Dickinson is now only 6 points behind. Jake's a smart guy so is unlikely to let this one slip through his hands. James Foster and Luke Deegan (recent UK Masters National Champion) have been consistent and that's paid off with third and fourth.
Ovington Boats have sponsored the day and are putting on the Gala dinner. This should be a very special evening and UKLA would like to welcome its new Chairman Mark Lyttle. Mark takes over from Rob Cage who together with the many great volunteers have built the class back ups top the force it now is in the sailing world.
More on Mark Lyttle later but for now its the final day tomorrow - last push.
Results after Day 4: