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2023 Bailey Bowl for Illusion class at Bembridge Sailing Club

by Rory McGuffin 23 Jan 2023 15:03 GMT 21-22 January 2023
Bembridge Illusion Bailey Bowl © Rory McGuffin

Saturday 21 January

A cold start for the first day of Illusion racing at Bembridge, with some of the fleet taking time to get to the start line for the first race.

23 boats finally arrived at the start for the first race, with 7-9knts from the NE and gloriously sunny. The weather stayed the same for the 3 races completed on the Saturday.

For the first race, the fleet of 23 boats got off to a clean start with little changing after the first beat was completed. Bruce Huber (101) held off the challenge by Mark Downer (164). A close finishing tussle was had between John Raymond (151) and Robin Ebsworth (12).

The second start was called back for a general recall as the fleet as a whole decided to start early! The restart under 'U' flag proved to be much more orderly.

The third race of the day was also started under 'U', and all got away cleanly. The leading pack managed to put some boat lengths between them and the rest of the fleet, with Mark Downer just managing to hold off Bruce Huber at the finish.

Sunday 22 January

Again a cold start but with bright sunshine and light NE wind. The decision was made to hold the racing outside the harbour to make the most of the favourable conditions.

The first start was good and clean. The leading group of Bruce Huber (101) Mark Downer (164) Alastair Speare-Cole (135) and Ed Peel (161) were joined by Tiger Tellwight (67). Tiger managed to work his way up the leading group and finished second in the first race.

The fleet stayed together for most of the second race with Mark Downer coming out on top just in front of Bruce Huber and Ed Peel. In the middle of the fleet there were some close finishes, with Jo Downer (166) just pipping John Raymond (166) and Simon Birchenough (136) holding off Anna Row (91).

The third race was delayed for a short time as the wind had shifted and had dropped off. With a new, slightly shorter course set the fleet got off to the the closest start of the series, and under the 'P' flag!! By the end of the first run Bruce Huber had a good lead but was being chased by Raymond Simonds and Mark Downer.

After the six races were completed over the two days Bruce Huber came out on top followed by Mark Downer and Ed Peel.

A special prize was awarded to Tiger Tellwright for most improved sailor.

Overall Results:

PosSail NoHelmR1R2R3R4R5R6Pts
1101Bruce Huber1121216
2164Mark Downer32131310
3161Ed Peel26353417
4165Raymond Symonds45965222
5135Alastair Speare‑Cole941046528
667Tiger Tilright12101329639
7142Mike Toogood11711104840
8151John Raymond1314588741
9166Jo Downer59121171042
10120Rory Morrison7128910943
1112Robin Ebsworth14111712111260
12169Oliver Morgan1015414RR67
12152Mike Issiais1616147161467
14136Simon Birchenough17171515121170
1537John Birchenough19191913141378
1691Anna Row18182016131580
1722James Row22212217151691
18147Monty Irwin837SSS98
19155David Russlle Jones686SSS100
20106Crispian Kenyon151316SSS124
21125Matt Solan212021SSS142
2180Liza Guy20RRSSS142
23150?23RRSSS151

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