ISO Nationals at Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy

by Wells, Ladell & Keam-George 9 Jun 2003 16:30 BST

24th to 26th May 2003

10th Anniversary ISO Nationals 2003

Photos © Ian Keam-George

The unstoppable ISO – John Caig’s dinghy of the decade 1993 - celebrated the 10th Anniversary National Championships and 10 years of asymmetric dinghy sailing, in fine style. The increased Class attendance of 28 ISOs enjoyed the superb conditions of glorious sunshine, good winds and exemplary hospitality at Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy over the weekend of 24th to 26th May 2003.

Joining the celebrations were the BOSS, Spice, Buzz and Blaze Classes making up an impressive 69 boats on the water, some close starts, challenging beats and simply exhilarating runs. Just what asymmetric sailing is all about !

Friday night arrivals were greeted by a howling gale that moderated overnight to a force 3 westerly with defending champions Team RWO, Pete Lindley & Jonny Backhouse determined to retain their title. A win in the first race saw them off to a good start with hotly contested racing behind for the remaining podium places.

Races two and three were similarly close with Ian & Katie Keam-George, in Enigma Vehicle Systems, taking the second race and Pete Lindley completing a good day with a win in race three. Saturday evening saw Team RWO, Enigma Vehicle Systems and 1176 sailed by Jonny Wells and Bugsy all tied on 8 points. Further down the fleet tussles between various club rivals were being played out with, Team KGSC (814 & 760) in unusual place reversal and last place changing places between the newcomers.

Sunday saw three exhilaratingly races in the South Westerly force 4 lifting 5. Team RWO and Enigma Vehicle Systems continued their battle with RWO just shading two first places to Enigma Vehicle Systems’ one first. Racing was closer for the remaining places with Mike & Dean Lillywhite in Rooster Sailing moving to third overall at the end of the day with Jonny Wells in fourth and Ross Ashton holding fifth. Mid and lower fleet places changed around thanks to coaching from RWO sponsored the Pro-Am pairings – “What other Class does that ?” being heard from jubilant first timers during the BBQ, after improving by four or five places !

Two races were held on the final day in a lighter force two with Team RWO needing to beat Enigma Vehicle Systems to secure their second successive championships. This was achieved in race one with RWO taking second place from Enigma in third. Mike & Dean Lillywhite secured third place by beating their two closest rivals.

Southampton based French students, Erwin & Vernieres, showed the oldest boat, with original style main, had excellent pace securing both race wins on Monday and thus improve their overall standing to sixth.

Whilst the event was blessed with great weather, mention must be made of the race team led by WPSA’s Ed Stephens who orchestrated the sailing superbly. He even found time to do the photo shoot and go late night / early morning clubbing with some of the fleet including the overall winners. Great courses, fair start lines and minimal delays between races ensured this was truly an event befitting the ISO 10th anniversary.

And the results ? Team RWO had to work for it this year – but did it again! Followed by Enigma Vehicle Systems and Rooster Sailing. RWO prizes went to the Pro-Am pairings of

showing most improvement.

Fun prizes included David’s Sinclair and McCardel for longest distance travelled - Prestwick SC. Race Committee nomination for the most argumentative went to a Buzz who will remain nameless – but look out for the yellow gloved helm and crew sporting the gaffer tape !

And finally, the Wet & Windy Endeavour Trophy for coming last but doing all the races – and still being there for prize giving - went to 872 Toby and Martin Price in 21st place. Well done guys !

Thanks to everyone involved in setting it up (Ian Keam George & his family for the stress caused in the house!) for an absolutely superb, not to be missed, weekend. You missed it ?? Next opportunities to show the Champs how it’s done are Downs, Covenham – and the Garda Eurocup !!! See you there……..

Overall Results:

Pos	Boat Type	Sail No	Boat Name	Helm	Crew	Club	Pts
1st	ISO	1013	Team RWO	Pete Lindley	Jonny Backhouse	RYA	9
2nd	ISO	1188	Enigma Vehicle Systems	Ian Keam-George	Katie Keam-George	Essex YC	13
3rd	ISO	815	Rooster Sailing	Mike Lillywhite	Dean Lillywhite	Emsworth Slipper SC	20
4th	ISO	1176	Neil Pryde	Jonny Wells	Bugsy	Essex YC	23
5th	ISO	822		Ross Ashton	Chris Burch	RYA	25
6th	ISO	519	Team France	Gourdon Erwin	Ben Vernieres	France	30