ILCA UK Midlands Grand Prix at Chelmarsh Sailing Club

On Saturday 28th September fourteen sailors gathered at Chelmarsh Sailing Club, in Shropshire for the ILCA UK Midlands Grand Prix, including five helms from the home fleet.

The forecast - a light and dying south westerly promised a challenge for both helms and the race management team.

PRO Mat Thursfield and his team, provided courtesy of the the Chelmarsh Supernova Fleet, made the very best of the conditions, ensuring that the playing field was as level and interesting as possible - setting challenging courses and delivering excellent race management.

ILCA UK Midlands Grand Prix at Chelmarsh - photo © Matthew Robinson

Given the promise of fading breeze the first two races were sailed back to back. Race 1 was dominated by John Ling (Bartley SC) who managed to find breeze where most others floundered, sailing away to a comfortable win, second was Paul Keeling (Blithfield SC) and third Christine Burnham (Attenborough/Burton SC).

Race 2 followed a similar pattern with many place changes in the lower orders. Nilesh Parekh (Chelmarsh SC) chased and sometimes led his club compatriots in his first open meeting, posting a clear indication of more to come! Aimee Evans (Chelmarsh SC) the youngest entrant and new to sailing and the class, in her first open meeting, chased hard and was never far from the pack. Her final placing totally belied what was without question an outstanding performance. John Ling took line honours followed by Paul Keeling and Steven Thomas (Bartley SC).

ILCA UK Midlands Grand Prix at Chelmarsh - photo © Matthew Robinson

Lunch was outstanding - provided by Linda Thursfield and Lesley Dickinson, the cake almost wrote off the third race - few were willing to walk away from it and return to the water!

Race three provided a small upset, John Ling having to forgo his usual winning gun, second would have to do. Paul Keeling took line honours and third was Dean Jung (Midlands SC).

ILCA UK Midlands Grand Prix at Chelmarsh - photo © Matthew Robinson

John Ling had kindly returned the winners trophy from last year although he could have saved himself the effort, it was his again, I believe he's had a cabinet made for it!

Paul Keeling was second followed by Dean Jung.

ILCA UK Midlands Grand Prix at Chelmarsh - photo © Matthew Robinson

Christine Burnham from a high point of 3rd maintained a good average and was first lady and 5th overall. Robyn Taylor (TrimpleySC) was first Junior - and by default first Radial, chasing hard and finishing a very creditable 8th in the final race. Will Ranson led the home fleet scoring very consistently and finishing 8th overall.

A great if not wildly exciting days sailing was had by all thanks were expressed to Mat and his race team - and Lesley and Linda in the Galley who were also turning out to cater for the Supernova Open the following day!

ILCA UK Midlands Grand Prix at Chelmarsh - photo © CSC

Overall Results: