2025 ILCA UK National Open 2 at the WPNSA - ILCA 7 fleet report

The second 2025 ILCA UK National Open (formerly known as the Qualifiers) commenced last weekend at WPNSA with the Rooster/Noble Marine Open 2, attracting another impressive entry of nearly 160 boats.

The ILCA 7 fleet of 29 boats, were met with considerably warmer temperatures compared to the previous weekend. Weymouth Bay delivered a steady easterly breeze ranging between 5 and 15 knots along with some sea state. This meant boatspeed was key as well as making the most of any shifts coming down the course.

2025 ILCA UK National Open 2 at the WPNSA - photo © Lotte Johnson / www.lottejohnson.com

Elliot Hanson showed the rest of the fleet how it's meant to be done, scoring 3 bullets, with James Foster in second. Hamish Collingridge led the competitive U21 fleet overnight in 4th position overall.

The second day was raced in the harbour and saw a dying 15 knot breeze from the north, meaning the emphasis was now on decision making rather than speed. Elliot Hanson continued his momentum from day 1, winning the event with a race to spare. James Foster took second place with an impressive set of results. The last spot on the podium went to Alfie Noel who was also 1st U19. Mark Lyttle was first master (excluding Elliot) and Hamish Collingridge first U21, picking up a bullet in the final race.

2025 ILCA UK National Open 2 at the WPNSA - photo © James Harle

The race committee delivered a highly professional and efficiently executed weekend of top-tier racing, despite the challenging conditions. The strong winds tested sailors' endurance and boat-handling skills, making for an exciting regatta. A huge thank you to the organisers, race committee, WPNSA, and volunteers for running such a fantastic event. With Trac Trac providing race tracking for the ILCA 4 and 7s this weekend (the ILCA 6 will have tracking next weekend), the season has started in style—offering valuable learning experiences for all competitors.

2025 ILCA UK National Open 2 at the WPNSA - photo © Steve Angell

Thanks also to the event sponsors, particularly Rooster for their support and Noble Marine as both the series and class sponsor.

Series and Event Sponsors: Noble Marine, Sailingfast, Rooster, Ovington Boats, Trac Trac/Blue Sky, Tideway Wealth.

Interviews with Competitors on the ILCA UK Facebook Page
TracTrac Race Tracking

Overall Results: