Noble Marine ILCA 7 ILCAuk Inland Championships at Grafham Water Sailing Club

The highly anticipated 2024 ILCA 7 Inland Championships took place at Grafham Water sailing club last weekend. The forecast was a sailors and race officer's nightmare, however despite this a 40-boat strong ILCA 7 fleet contested for the win.

Day one brought a very light north easterly breeze in the morning that faded as the sun made a very rare appearance. After a period on shore waiting for the wind to build, we finally got launched in the afternoon in a steady 4-7 Knots with hope that it would continue to build. The ILCA 7 managed one abandoned start after a big left shift caused the fleet to descend on the pin. Despite the best intentions of the race team, unfortunately racing was not possible. As we packed away in a fading light there was a distinct lack of optimism in the boat park as the bad luck from the 3rd Autumn qualifier appeared to be repeating itself.

Noble Marine ILCAuk ILCA 7 Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

The day ended with a prize draw. Several fabulous prizes from Tideway Wealth, Ovington Boats and Rooster were handed out to many happy recipients. Thank you sponsors.

Day two saw four races in a 5-10 knot easterly. Light winds, flat water and a shifty breeze saw the day shaping up to be a typical lake sailor's dream. If nothing else, it promised to provide some entertainment.

Noble Marine ILCAuk ILCA 7 Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

2022 champion James Foster took the win in race 1 setting the bar very high. However, it was tightly contested by new young talent from Hamish Collingridge who was able to show his maturity to very quickly switch on to the right shift shortly after the start. Ed Baker from CVLSC was able to bring years of lake sailing experience to also anticipate this permanent right shift that continued onto the second beat and rounded off the podium in 3rd.

Race 2 was sailed in a steady 5- 10 knot breeze. The middle right came out strong on the first leg. However ultimately the race was decided on the second beat where Leo Yates and Ollie A-W where able to capitalise on a few shifts to give them a commanding lead. Ewan Mcanally rounded off the medal positions.

Noble Marine ILCAuk ILCA 7 Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Race 3 saw the left side of the track dominate early before a right shift levelled up the fleet at mark one. Rounding well was Ali Brown defending champion 2023, Hamish Collingridge, Jack Graham-Troll, Henry Redmond, Ewan and Ollie. After a considerably light downwind, where Jack displayed his incredible pace and expertise in these conditions, we began placing our educated bets on where the wind would fill in from on the second beat. Ollie and Jack choose the left side whilst the rest of the fleet continued right. When the breeze filled in Ollie and Jack had a commanding lead followed by Ali who sailed a strong final downwind to finish 3rd.

Noble Marine ILCAuk ILCA 7 Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

With the overall event win all to play for, Race 4 was under way after a short delay and one abandoned race. With tensions high, and a lot to race for, the excitement was high. A pin bias line saw Ali capitalise well and get an early tack onto port followed by the rest of the fleet. Leo in his first ILCA 7 event showed his composure to separate from the fleet with Ollie to exploit the left shift and pressure. A closely contested run saw Leo lead around the leeward gate, and hold strong in the following 3 legs. Ollie managed to hold off James, who was on the charge.

Noble Marine ILCAuk ILCA 7 Inlands at Grafham Water - photo © Paul Sanwell / OPP

Overall, a big thank you to all the race team and organisers for providing some exceptional racing in very tricky conditions. And thank you to our great sponsors for not only sponsoring this event but for supporting ILCAuk this season.

Overall Results: