2023 Bailey Bowl for Illusion class at Bembridge Sailing Club
by Rory McGuffin 23 Jan 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:
| Pos | Sail No | Helm | R1 | R2 | R3 | R4 | R5 | R6 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | 101 | Bruce Huber | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 6 |
| 2 | 164 | Mark Downer | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 10 |
| 3 | 161 | Ed Peel | 2 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 17 |
| 4 | 165 | Raymond Symonds | 4 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 22 |
| 5 | 135 | Alastair Speare‑Cole | 9 | 4 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 28 |
| 6 | 67 | Tiger Tilright | 12 | 10 | 13 | 2 | 9 | 6 | 39 |
| 7 | 142 | Mike Toogood | 11 | 7 | 11 | 10 | 4 | 8 | 40 |
| 8 | 151 | John Raymond | 13 | 14 | 5 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 41 |
| 9 | 166 | Jo Downer | 5 | 9 | 12 | 11 | 7 | 10 | 42 |
| 10 | 120 | Rory Morrison | 7 | 12 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 43 |
| 11 | 12 | Robin Ebsworth | 14 | 11 | 17 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 60 |
| 12 | 169 | Oliver Morgan | 10 | 15 | 4 | 14 | R | R | 67 |
| 12 | 152 | Mike Issiais | 16 | 16 | 14 | 7 | 16 | 14 | 67 |
| 14 | 136 | Simon Birchenough | 17 | 17 | 15 | 15 | 12 | 11 | 70 |
| 15 | 37 | John Birchenough | 19 | 19 | 19 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 78 |
| 16 | 91 | Anna Row | 18 | 18 | 20 | 16 | 13 | 15 | 80 |
| 17 | 22 | James Row | 22 | 21 | 22 | 17 | 15 | 16 | 91 |
| 18 | 147 | Monty Irwin | 8 | 3 | 7 | S | S | S | 98 |
| 19 | 155 | David Russlle Jones | 6 | 8 | 6 | S | S | S | 100 |
| 20 | 106 | Crispian Kenyon | 15 | 13 | 16 | S | S | S | 124 |
| 21 | 125 | Matt Solan | 21 | 20 | 21 | S | S | S | 142 |
| 21 | 80 | Liza Guy | 20 | R | R | S | S | S | 142 |
| 23 | 150 | ? | 23 | R | R | S | S | S | 151 |