Bembridge Illusion Stratton Memorial Trophy 2026

Although he was a relatively new member of the Illusion fleet it was entirely appropriate that before sailing commenced on Saturday morning that Mike Toogood as Class Captain said a few words and there was a minute silence in memory of Ian Prideaux who sadly died recently while competing in the annual 'Inferno' ski race in Murren.

After a short postponement, and with the course set in the harbour, nineteen Illusions made a clean start in the light Southerly breeze. Mark Downer was nearly pushed over but was just able to avoid crossing the line prematurely.

Most boats stayed on starboard for a bit but a few fancied their chances on the right side of the course. Bruce Huber was the first to reach the windward marks, with Paul Newell, Jockey Wilson, Alastair Speare-Cole, Rory Morrison, Raymond Simonds and Mark initially not far behind, however on the second and third rounds, Bruce pulled into a commanding lead well ahead of Jockey and Mark, with Paul and Raymond battling it out for 4th and 5th places.

With the breeze picking up a little (12 knots) conditions were almost perfect for the final two races of the day. Matt Solan must have had a senior moment as he was miles over the line at the start of Race 2. Although in the event they need not have worried, two other boats at the pin end of the line decided to pay it safe and circled back to re-start.

As in the previous race, Bruce was first round the windward marks, but this time it was Xander Shaw in his yellow Illusion who was closest behind. Over the second round Bruce extended his lead and Xander dropped back to eventually come in fifth. Jockey found some extra speed on the second round and by the finish after three rounds was only inches behind Bruce. Paul and Mark had a similar very close race for third and fourth as did Xander and Alastair Speare-Cole for fifth and sixth.

With the tide beginning to fall quite quickly, and having already had two very close starts, it was decided to use Flag U at the start of the third race so as to hopefully speed things up. In the event, a good ploy that worked a treat. Mind you Bruce was nearly pushed over but just managed to avoid being OCS and therefore disqualified.

Bruce again led the way and by the end of the second round had established what appeared to be an un-challengable lead ahead of Raymond, Mark and Jockey. However on the third run he had a problem with his spinnaker and so his downwind speed was restricted and although he probably would still have just won had it been a three round race, the Race Officers had decided at the start to let it run for an extra round.

On the upwind leg, Bruce's concentration was diverted sorting out (successfully) his spinnaker so his lead over Jockey was only marginal and although on the fourth round he was able to re-fly his spinnaker, Jockey was going like a train and crossed the finish line ahead. Mark was third and Raymond was fourth.

Bembridge Illusion Stratton Memorial Trophy - photo © Mike Samuelson

With both cranes temporarily out of commission, racing on Sunday was cancelled. In the event there was hardly any wind and it was drizzling, so coffee in the bar for prize-giving was considerably more enjoyable!

There was no discard as there were only three races, so the top four were Bruce (1), Jockey (2), Mark (3) and Paul (4).

Hopefully we will be back on the water for the Valentine Trophy over the weekend 14 & 15 February.

Bruce Huber wins the Bembridge Illusion Stratton Memorial Trophy - photo © Mike Samuelson

Overall Results: