ILCA / Laser Midland Grand Prix Open 2026 at Shustoke Sailing Club

Shustoke ILCA Open © Lucinda Thornton

16 Lasers turned up for the 2026 Shustoke ILCA open event, which was the first this year for Midland Grand Prix circuit, sponsored by Performance Sailcraft. The rather windy and wet forecast possibly resulted in a lower than expected turnout.

A key decision for the days sail was which rig to choose. Go large and try competing with those regular front runners in the ILCA7 class or play it safer and go radial, ILCA6. Would the wind drop later in the day as predicted, or would the forecast gusts arrive? The majority of the fleet elected for a radial rig (ILCA 6), even the lighter weight juniors, with no one taking to the water in a 4.7.

After a comprehensive briefing by our Shustoke OD Rob Marlow, competitors headed for the water. Boats were on the water early checking the line out, getting a feel for the first beat and those rather gusty wind shifts. Some questioning their choice of rig.

Race one got promptly under way at 11:00. Despite a port bias the line was crammed full at the starboard end. It proved a battle to get to the windward mark with lots of calls for starboard as sailors ducked and dived to get on port, followed by compromising earlier than ideal tacks onto starboard in an attempt to round the mark, with many boats either squeezing around or having to give water. A run on the beyond the windward mark had a lack lustre wind, perhaps met with some frustration, some gybing early, others giving it a go by the lee, all looking for more pressure and clear wind. It didn't take too long for the wind to hit back with a bang and it was just a matter of holding on deciding when and how to gybe around the mark. John Ling led the way from the windward mark to finish a comfortable first place.

With on water positions as 1st John Ling, 2nd Luke Wiltshire, 3rd Mike Wiltshire. With corrected times this gave 1st John Ling, 2nd Hatty Connelly, 3rd Luke Wiltshire.

Race 2 followed back to back and was much the same as Race one, with the radials showing no loss of speed on the beats and only marginal losses on the downwind legs and reaches. The long close reach to get back and through the gate proved awkward to say the least. Perhaps it was only me, but hiking proved hard as the gusts from all angles came and went rapidly providing a punishing in and out hiking style. The more accomplished sailors I felt dealt with this far better, and proved it by making much greater speed and progress on the reach.

On water positions were 1st John Ling, 2nd Luke Wiltshire, 3rd Mike Wiltshire. Corrected no change to the top three.

A much needed break and refreshment stop was followed by race 3. It rained briefly and the wind felt like it had settled somewhat, before it brightened up. It felt this was the chance for the full rig to shine. Not to be the case as the wind built up shortly after the start. The advantage appeared more obvious for the radial rig. Here the racing looked to be much closer on the water between the two rigs. Multiple and regular capsizes followed with the increasing wind speed and strength of the gusts This gave our two rescue boats a workout. Thank you rescue.

Most I think were relieved after crossing the finish line and getting that final hoot.

On the water it was 1st John Ling, 2nd Luke Wiltshire, 3rd Cole Briscoe. Corrected 1st John Ling, 2nd Cole Briscoe, 3rd Luke Wiltshire.

Thanks go to our duty team all making the day possible and fun; Rob Marlow our OD, Peter Smith AOD, and our rather chilly rescue crews Rachel Briscoe, David Blakemore, Richard Bayliss, Simon Dipple, and Louise Hopton and David Saal in the Galley.

Overall Results: