Opening weekend of the 2025-2026 Illusion Season at Bembridge Sailing Club

Opening weekend of the 2025-2026 Illusion Season at Bembridge © Robin Joy

Storm Amy's 40kt gusts meant no sailing on Saturday, so it was on a calmer Sunday morning that the Illusions started their new season. Just five boats which was a bit disappointing but understandable given the weekend forecast.

Class Captain Mike Toogood was joined by Caroline Simonds, Mike Issiais and John Birchenough along with the newer face of Dominic Breen-Turner.

Conditions were still testing at 20kts from the SW, and a conventional windward/leeward course was laid in the harbour, avoiding the boats still on swinging moorings. The five boats started cleanly off a short line, with Dominic getting the best of it at the pin end. Experience in sailing an Illusion upwind in a gusty breeze soon told, however, and he was soon passed by both Mikes.

Unfortunately John suffered forestay failure downwind, but no further damage was done, and the safety RIB towed him back to the crane. Mike T was the winner, with Mike I second, then Caroline, and Dominic.

(Thanks to Will Toogood for the video footage.)

Race two saw Hugh Doherty join the fleet, and at the start Dominic again led the way. He was more at home by now, and the others couldn't catch him. He didn't seem to suffer from not flying a spinnaker (which caused some lively moments for those that did), and increased his lead to win by 20 seconds from Mike I, Caroline, and then Mike T. Hugh retired.

This was a very rare win for the old red loaner boat, and in the hands of a newcomer, too!

Four boats remained for the third race, and Mike T was ahead on the second beat when he was caught in irons whilst tacking for the line and saw his lead disappear. Both Mike I and Caroline worked through him, with Mike I being the eventual winner. Caroline was second, and Mike T third. Dominic was fourth, having never really got on terms this race.

Next weekend's early afternoons racing is for the Trafalgar Trophy.