ILCA 6 Rooster / Noble Marine Qualifier 5 at the WPNSA

Of the 170 entries 73 ILCA 6s registered for the ILCA UK Qualifier 5 at WPNSA, the stage was set for an exciting weekend of racing. However, with Sunday's forecast predicting gusts of up to 50 knots, it was clear Saturday would be the key day for competitors.

In response to the forecast, the Race Committee scheduled 4 races for Day 1 in Portland Harbour. Fortunately, the sailors were treated to clear skies and a lovely breeze of 8-14 knots. The wind, starting from a WNW direction, ensured this wouldn't be tour typical "smash left" day, offering plenty of opportunities and tight racing across the fleet.

ILCAuk Rooster/ Noble Marine Qualifier 5 at the WPNSA - photo © Steven Angell

The ILCA 6s, the last fleet to start, had the benefit of observing how the ILCA 4s and 7s tackled the conditions. It soon became apparent that it wouldn't be an easy day, with many shifts across the course. In Race 1, Charlotte Videlo came flying off the start line and capitalised on the first shift, giving her a nice jump on the fleet. The first windward mark saw a couple sailors getting to the lay lines a little too early and missing the final shift allowing Dru Townsend to sail smartly and take the lead, closely followed by Matilda Nicholls. It was a tight battle, with Matilda only just nipping past Dru at the final windward mark. Matilda finished the race in 1st, Dru in 2nd and Hugh Andrews in 3rd at their heels.

Race 2 saw a shift in strategy with some pin end bias. Hugh Andrews, fresh off his strong finish in Race 1, won the pin end, securing a top-three position at the windward mark. Jon Emmett and Matilda Nicholls also started well at the pin, allowing them to take advantage of the first shift. The fleet split on the second beat, demonstrating there were gains to be made on both sides of the course. In a close battle, Hugh took the lead, but a patchy outer loop allowed for some gains to be made by sailors on the final downwind. In the end, Matilda finished 1st but closely followed by Hugh in 2nd and Jon in 3rd. Also a special mention to young gun, Amelie Hacker, for banking an 8th in Race 2 after a great start!

ILCAuk Rooster/ Noble Marine Qualifier 5 at the WPNSA - photo © Steven Angell

After back-to-back wins, Matilda was approached by some of the younger sailors for advice, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the Qualifiers, where experienced and up-and-coming sailors learn from each other. Following a quick discussion about playing the shifts and staying aware of compass numbers, Race 3 got under way.

This race saw the Youth ILCA 6 boys make a strong statement. With the wind gradually shifting left, a packed port lay line formed at the windward mark. Six boys rounded first, chased by Molly Sacker, Charlotte, and Matilda. Lewis Bacon executed a flawless second beat, securing the win, followed by Olly Mayo in 2nd, Tom Rawlings in 3rd, and Leo Yates in 4th.

ILCAuk Rooster/ Noble Marine Qualifier 5 at the WPNSA - photo © Steven Angell

Fatigue set in as the sailors lined up for Race 4. The wind continued to shift left, and it was crucial for competitors to stay alert. Those starting at the pin end had a clear advantage, as the wind provided a long port tack towards the windward mark. Ben Anderson led the fleet, capitalizing on a small right shift near the top of the course, with Matilda close behind. The two extended their lead, with Ben maintaining his composure to take the win, followed by Matilda in 2nd and Adriana Penruddocke in 3rd.

After 5 hours on the water, it was time for the sail home! Lots of tired sailors but luckily the sun was still shining and there was pasta waiting for them onshore to keep everyone in good spirits. With an updated forecast still showing 30-50kts the following day, it was clear that racing would be cancelled and prize-giving was imminent. A special mention to Leo Yates who perfectly demonstrated the power of consistency in such tricky conditions, finishing 2nd overall.

ILCAuk Rooster/ Noble Marine Qualifier 5 at the WPNSA - photo © Steven Angell

Hugh Andrews, 3rd overall and from Blackwater Sailing club, gives his take on the days racing...

"The key to success for the start was getting off the line cleanly, driving to the oncoming phase so that when it came you had the option to tack at the best point. Since staying in phase with the shifts were crucial throughout the day. This overruled being in better pressure since the speed gains made in 2 more knots of breeze at 10-12knots is minimal compared to 4-6 knots where speed is more noticeably different in gusts and lulls. Though if both were possible: being in phase as well as being in pressure was ideal. After the start, if it went well, my focus was to keep it "stupid simple". Avoiding potential collisions by minimising tight tactical calls I needed to make as well as not giving my nearby competitors any leverage if I was in front of them.

"For me personally the pin end worked well. I started pin boat for three out of the four races which allowed me to control the left side, which was favourable due to a persistent left shift clocking round throughout the day as well as generally better pressure as a result. Though other strategies were viable especially in the first race where some of the leaders came from the middle right starting at the committee end.

"On the downwinds, since the water was flat the only major boat speed gains were made through pressure differences. Therefore looking behind you often was essential, to get in the gusts then taking them down to the mark to maximise VMG."

A big thank you goes out to all ILCAuk's sponsors and a special mention to Rooster and Noble Marine who sponsored the weekend's racing.

Overall Results: