Bembridge Illusion Trafalgar Trophy 2026

Although not many takers, a brief respite between Storms Austen and Beolo permitted a shortened Trafalgar Trophy to be raced on Saturday 24th October. The new crane launching protocol allowed the 7 boat entry to assemble in time for the scheduled 09:30 start.

Race 1 started in 10 knots of SSW breeze with the forecast rain arriving just as the race started. Mark Downer soon showed his form as he powered off the line followed by Jockey Wilson who was down at the pin end.

Start of Race 1 on Saturday (pin end)

Start of Race 1 on Saturday (Committee Boat end - by J S-C)

Jo Downer, Mike Issaias, Hugh Doherty, Serena Gosling and Mike Toogood made up the numbers. Jockey was soon spotted returning to the quay; Flag Yankee had been displayed and he had left his buoyancy aid ashore! Mike Issaias had an excellent race and although possibly a bit lucky when Hugh and Jo scored an 'own goal' at the final leeward gate and let him through to take second.

Race 2, Mark started in the middle of the line with Serena above him; Jockey, back from sorting out his buoyancy jacket, started at the pin end and led for the whole of the first round followed by Hugh and Mark.

Start of Race 2 on Saturday

Unfortunately, Jockey picked up weed on his rudder and was quickly passed by most of the fleet. Hugh took full advantage and spotting the wind had backed as the rain returned, increased his lead and held it to the end, followed by Mark and Serena in third.

Start of Race 3 on Saturday

Race 3 saw Jockey start at the pin end in 6 knots of breeze. he tacked to the right whilst Mark took the left side; at the windward mark, Mark had established a good lead with Mike Toogood in third. The breeze continued to ease until all boats were ghosting in the, by now, heavy rain. Mark held a substantial lead to finish ahead of Jockey and Mike T.

Bembridge Illusion Trafalgar Trophy 2026 - photo © Mike Samuelson

With the breeze picking back up again and as Sunday's forecast looked very windy, it was wisely (as it turns out) decided to have a fourth race. Before the start the wind veered sharply round to the west and increased to a max gust of 27 knots, requiring a course reset. Starting in 17 knots from the West and in heavy rain, Mark again showed the way, followed by Jo and Serena.

Start of Race 4 on Saturday

Halfway through the race the wind backed to its original direction and strengthened. Jockey retired with a broken main halyard to compound his miserable day. After another course reset, Mark led the way home from Jo and Mike I, with Hugh, Mike T and Serena completing the results.

Bembridge Illusion Trafalgar Trophy 2026 - photo © Mike Samuelson

Racing was cancelled on Sunday with 20+ knots of cold breeze and a distinct lack of enthusiasm by most of the sailors to race in such autumnal conditions. Probably a good decision as it did blow up mid-morning and the wind against tide made the harbour look pretty unfriendly! So Mark retained the Trafalgar Trophy (which was first raced for in 2006); Hugh was second after a tie break with Jo who was third.

Bembridge Illusion Trafalgar Trophy 2026 - photo © Mike Samuelson

Normal racing next Saturday with a mid-afternoon start; given that Illusions do not have lights, no racing on Sunday!

Overall Results: