SVYC host inaugural Isle of Wight ILCA Grand Prix

Published 01:00 on 20 Aug 2024

The race committee was greeted with a steady NW breeze for the first Sailingfast ILCA South Grand Prix to be held on the Isle of Wight in many years. With 61 entries from clubs across the south coast, the only missing element was, predictably, the weather. Racing started just a few minutes late under U flag, the breeze just about holding enough for everyone to sail. 57 boats were counted around the first mark (+2 that were scored UFD), 59 boats on the start line was a great achievement for the club.

The clear winner of race 1 was the wind, which died shortly after the fleet rounded the leeward gate. 37 boats drifted across the line, with 20 retirees. Nick Harrison (Stokes Bay), lead Tim Wakefield (Seaview) and Malcolm Courts (Stokes Bay) across the line, mostly unaffected by the dying breeze. The reach to the finish quickly became a beat in a very light NE breeze, meaning the order across the line mostly stood. First ILCA 6 was Charlotte Vldelo (Stokes Bay), and first ILCA 4 was Benjy Edwards.

After a 45 minute float, the promised SW breeze finally filled in, the race committee having been tracking it across the Island from Yarmouth, to Cowes and then Sandown before arriving at Seaview. Race 2 started at 13:00, perilously close to the 14:00 cut off. A classic two lap chase around the Duver. Charlie White (Royal Victoria) won on handicap by around 20 seconds from Nick Harrison and Charlotte Vldelo. Thomas Green came in 5th as the leading Seaview boat, followed by Barnaby Cotterell and Oli Waltham. Charlotte Self came in 10th as the leading 4.7, with lots of 1 and 2 second margins between boats right down the fleet.

A badly timed wind shift just before the 3rd race unfortunately lead to a general recall, meaning that there would be no time for the 4th race to be completed. Noah Evans (Royal Victoria) won on handicap, from Nick Harrison and Charlotte Vldelo. Senan Bottomley lead the strong Seaview cohort in 4th, followed by JJ Lawrence and Tim Wakefield. 

Prize-giving was unfortunately postponed due to the trophies not being returned, but congratulations to the winners. 

1st: Nick Harrison (Stokes Bay)

2nd: Charlotte Vldelo (Stokes Bay)

3rd: Noah Evans (Royal Victoria)

1st Seaview Full: Tim Wakefield (9th)

1st Seaview Radial: Thomas Green (8th)

1st Seaview 4.7: Charlotte Self (12th)

SVYC would like to thank Bembridge SC, Stokes Bay SC, Royal Victoria YC, Club Náutico Valle de Bravo (Mexico), and Naivasha Yacht Club (Kenya) for supporting the event, and we hope to see you all next year on Sunday 10th August for the 2nd SVYC Isle of Wight ILCA Grand Prix.