Bembridge Illusion Flying Dutchman Trophy 2025

Another year flies past and sadly again no sign of the 'Flying Dutchman' (Rudi) to challenge for 'his' trophy! With so many people enjoying family time it was not perhaps surprising that there were initially only eleven boats on the start line for the first race of the day.

With the forecast predicting a light SSE breeze it was decided to set the course outside the harbour where the actual windspeed was 7.8 knots from the SSE!

Start of Race 1 on Monday

After a close but clean start, the fleet soon split tacks as they headed inshore. Progress was slow but there was just enough breeze to keep the boats moving. First round was James (Jockey) Wilson with John Birchenough close on his heels. However, by the time they reached the leeward gate, John had moved into the lead and had it been a one round race, he would probably have won. As it was Jockey regained the lead on the longish beat to the windward marks to finish a few boat lengths ahead. Mark Downer was third inches ahead of Monty Irwin.

The start of the second race was delayed a bit to allow the windward marks to be moved left a bit to make it a truer beat and brought in so as to shorten the course slightly. After another close but clean start, the fleet soon split tacks.

Start of Race 2 on Monday

Despite pressure from Owen Pay, Tim Lyle and Mike Issaias, Jockey lead the way from the start of what turned out to be a three round race. Having not had the best of starts Mark spent the majority of the course playing catch up and as in the previous race had a very close finish to come third ahead of Monty.

Although Owen was very nearly called OCS, it was decided that he had come back enough to be clear at the start to the third and final race of the day. A few boats found themselves getting stuck round the pin but most found enough breeze to make good progress to the windward marks.

Start of Race 3 on Monday

Mark was first round and never looked like being caught by Monty, Jockey and David Peerless. After a slow but positive three and a half round race, Jo Downer did really well to take second ahead of Monty and Jockey.

Sunday morning saw a few different boats making up the twelve who initially launched. The wind had increased considerably and any thoughts of racing outside the harbour were quickly dispelled, After a ten minute postponement to allow the last couple of boats to reach the start area off Bembridge Outboards, the start of the first race of the day got away in 15 knots. Mike Toogood was over zealous and was called OCS; as was Alastair Speare-Cole

Start of Race 1 (4) on Tuesday

Mark Downer was on fire and rounded the windward marks well ahead of Jockey Wilson with Billy Clegg, Oliver Morgan and David Peerless all close together behind. On the second round Mark extended his lead over Jockey who held off a late surge from Olly Laughton-Scott. David P had a senior moment at the finish and mistook the pin for one of the gate marks so technically failed to finish! However!! Tim Lyle had retired early in the race when he realised that he had a leak as his boat was taking in water.

Bembridge Illusion Flying Dutchman Trophy 2025 - photo © Mike Samuelson

The start of the second race again saw Mike T being OCS and having to return and therefore always in catch up made. Mark was again first to round the windward marks ahead of Jockey, Olly L-S and Oliver M. By the finish after three rounds, Oliver had moved up to third behind Jockey and Mark (who was a long way out in front).

Start of Race 2 (5) on Tuesday

Leeward gate during Race 2 on Tuesday

The third and final race saw an excellent start with no-one called OCS. Mark ad Jockey continued to dominate as they reveled in the 16-17 knot breeze.

Start of Race 3 (6) on Tuesday

That said, for the first couple of rounds Mike T was pushing them hard but the final round and a half saw Oliver and Mike Issaias take over at the front of the chasing fleet. As always some close finishes exemplified by Olly L-S and Billy Clegg tying for sixth! Anna Row, who had successfully survived the first two races had ti retire before the start with a jib furling problem.

With four wins and two third places, Mark won this year's 'Flying Dutchman' trophy; Jockey was second and John Birchenough was third.

Bembridge Illusion Flying Dutchman Trophy 2025 - photo © Mike Samuelson

The 'young helms' one day Regatta programmed for tomorrow afternoon (Wednesday 24 December) has been cancelled because of the forecast of strong winds. The next programmed Regatta is for the Ice Breaker Trophy over the weekend of 3 & 4 January 2026.

Happy Christmas!

Overall Results: