2013 Illusion UK National Championship

The first weekend of March served up tricky conditions for the 22 boats that competed in this year’s championship at at Bembridge SC. Saturday dawned cold, with a fluky force 1-2 from the north to north east and racing taking place outside Bembridge harbour. Big wind shifts and big holes made it a game of snakes and ladders, but Graham Bailey and Rudy Jurg rose to the top to take first and second places in the first race.

Almost all the second race belonged to Bill Daniels, who took the far left corner of the first beat to arrive at the first mark with an impressive commanding lead. He maintained an advantage almost to the finish, where James Meaning just squeezed ahead.

Saturday’s final race favoured the pin end of the start line, with the two boats closest to that end ­ James Meaning and Rupert Holmes ­ holding an invincible lead right through to the finish.

Sunday saw more wind ­ an easterly force 3-4 ­ but still with many big windshifts. These conditions suited Mark Downer, who won the first race ahead of Meaning. Graham Bailey took the second race, ahead of Robbie Southwell who scored his best result so far at the event. Southwell went on to win the final race from Downer.

At the end of the event Meaning and Downer were tied on 12 points, with Meaning taking the title on count back. Graham Bailey was third overall on 14 points. Despite the bitterly cold weather, close racing was enjoyed throughout the fleet, with for instance places 13-17 separated by only six points.

Thanks to all involved in organising the event, including race officers Jonathan Peel, Mike Samuelson and Tim Woodcock.