Wessex ILCA Grand Prix Open at Whitefriars Sailing Club
by Richard Trevithick 9 Apr 06:41 BST
4 April 2026
Whitefriars SC ILCA Open © Richard Trevithick
Whitefriars SC hosted a Laser / ILCA Open on Saturday 4 April, the first qualifying event for the Wessex ILCA Grand Prix. 14 sailors representing South Cerney SC, Bartley SC and Whitefriars SC took part in a building breeze as Storm Dave approached.
The ILCA 7 fleet was dominated by John Ling from Bartley SC who delivered a master class from the start. Stephen Jones from the host club gave strong competition, suffering a de-masting in Race 1, but secured second in class over the series. Kean Gunton from South Cerney was third.
The largest fleet was the ILCA 6. Matt Lawless from South Cerney secured first place. Toby Owen was second and Ed Firth third.
Some of the younger sailors opted for the ILCA 4 - a prudent decision given the testing conditions that were to come in the afternoon. Daniel Sadler secured first place. Joseph Griffiths, participating in his first ILCA Open, took second. Sarah Robinson displayed smooth self-assured sailing in the first race, but an early retirement resulted in third overall.
Other notable battles included Daniel Sadler and Toby Owen, where despite sailing in different fleets, remained in close competition throughout. It was good to see the winter SWYSA coaching put to good effect!
Two back-to-back races were run, before competitors returned to shore, recharging energy levels thanks to a delicious lunch prepared by the Galley team. A third race was completed in the afternoon.
By the closing phase of Race 3, under a now leaden sky, constant gusty conditions and with now tired sailors, the decision was made to cancel Race 4.
Spot prizes were awarded to Trystan Leonard for good sportsmanship in completing turns, and Robin O'Keeffe, for perseverance.
Thank you to the Race, Safety and Galley teams for delivering an exciting day's racing.
The Wessex Grand Prix now moves to Wimbleball SC on 25 April.