UKLA ILCA 7 Masters Qualifier at Parkstone Yacht Club

The first UKLA Masters event of the year, a fantastic club, the variable and changelings of Poole Harbour, and the stage was set for 78 UK ILCA Masters sailors to test their metal. In the fleet of 48 ILCA7 sailors there were Masters World champions, Olympians and National Champions - it was effectively a mini Nationals. But as is often the case with a six race event it's consistency that will prove decisive.

Hats off to Chris Whalley (Apprentice Master) from PYC for winning the 2023 Parkstone Masters. Never out the top ten he sailed a solid and smart regatta with two bullets.

All the forecasts said the weekends weather would be difficult to predict which proved spot on. Saturday started sunny and warmish, with everyone eager to get racing. Although not more than 6 or 7 knots SE we all made our way across the harbour to the race area just off Brownsea Island. The day's three races were sailed in what could be accurately characterised as puffy and super shifty conditions.

UKLA ILCA 7 Masters Qualifier at Parkstone - photo © Phil Jackson / Digital Sailing

Saturday

R1 - With an ebbing tide and a SE, it paid to keep out to the left. At the second attempt the fleet were away with the majority down at the pin end. By the second mark Roger O'Gorman was leading but Paul Robinson, David Surkov and William Macdonald (who was UFD) were all in the in the top 5. Chris Whalley had work to do but ended the race 1st with Howell Roberts PYC in 2nd and Roger slipping to 3rd.

R2 - (I have to declare a special interesting this one as it is the first race in major event I have won - and I'm going to get a ribbing for writing this). Starting about mid line I had a perfect transit with the pin and a funnel on a ship in the docks. As there was a big line sag at 20 seconds I accelerated hitting the transit at the start gun - Boy does a bit of space make a difference.

After taking a short hitch up on port to get what I thought was a bit more pressure I tacked back onto starboard getting a slight lift. I could see the majority of the fleet below me were being lifted which was good for me as they would soon have to tack and therefore be disadvantaged. I tacked back onto port and had moved into the next left shift and was lifted to the mark. There was only Tim Law SYC in front of me although Michael Atkinson PYC and Peter Young BBSC were hot on my heels.

After a fairly short reach to get to the outer loop Tim opted to go slightly right down the run. I kept to more to the centre with Michael and Peter to the left. I managed to get past Tim and took the left gate with a small lead over Tim. By now the wind had moved more left making the long tack port. Peter rounded 3rd. Micheal tacked off under the fleet which proved the better move. By the top mark I had lost the lead to Michael but had pulled away slightly from Tim and Peter.

By the final run down to the finish Michael and I were neck and neck I managed to move over to the right getting a bit more wind and perhaps more tide - then made my move to cut over to the left to get the inside as we approach the mark. With a short close reach to the finish it was all over. Like loosing your virginity you will never forget your first big win! 1st Guy Noble, 2nd Michael Atkinson, 3rd Peter Young, 4th Tim Law, 5th Mark Lyttle.

R3 - The sun came out which made for some great photos. With a more even line several of what turned out to be the winners started from the committee boat end of the line. By the second mark it was Alan Davis leading and Chris Whalley second followed by about 6 boats closely packed together. This race saw some real snakes and ladders... Neil Davies pulled out a terrific 4th, Alan Davis slipped to 3rd, Stuart Hudson moved up to take 2nd and Chris took line honours by some considerable margin.

One of the great things about events at Parkstone Yacht club is, well the club house! Since it was rebuilt in 2017 it has become one of the most impressive clubs in Europe. As the sun sets on Poole harbour you can eat well soak up the relaxed family atmosphere.

UKLA ILCA 7 Masters Qualifier at Parkstone - photo © Georgie Altham / www.facebook.com/galthamphotography

Sunday

Not the brightest or the windiest start to a day racing I seen. In fact although we limped our way out to the start around 10:30 it really was looking pretty grim. After about an hour the committee boat received news that just off shore there was 13 knots from the west and Weymouth had 10kts. So it was coming it was just a matter of waiting.

R4 - 5 knots Southerly-ish provided a very stern test of patience guile. Qualities Stuart Hudson has in abundance helping him secure his first win. Alan Davis based a second and Mark Lyttle 3rd.

R5 - At about 13:30 someone switched the wind on. During this race a decidedly chilly and rainy front swept in giving us 10 knots SW/S. Now we had a race! Michael Atkinson won with Orlando Gledhill 2nd and Roger O'Gorman 3rd.

R6 - the RO just got in the final race before the 3pm cut off. He also changed the course to a windward / leeward course. The left paid with Alan Davis first around the windward mark closely followed by Orlando Gledhill and Tim Law 3rd. Unfortunately for Alan he was UFD so was out and this put pay to taking the overall title. Tim Law came through to take the win, Chris Whalley 2nd and Howell Roberts 3rd.

UKLA ILCA 7 Masters Qualifier at Parkstone - photo © Georgie Altham / www.facebook.com/galthamphotography

There were some standout performances from several that need a mention. Getting into to the top ten is no mean achievement which is exactly what David Surkov did twice. David has been pushing himself hard by recently competing in the senior Europeans. Mathew Knight also got 2 top tens and Neil Davies 3 top tens and 10th overall.

The prize-giving was made very special by the incredible generosity of the sponsors: Ovington Boats, Rooster, Sailingfast, Southeast Sailboats and Fernhurst Books - these all contributed to the terrific prizes handed out to the winners. And to Noble Marine for their annual sponsorship. A big thanks you to the on-the-water team headed by RO Graham Davies and the on shore team at PYC.

Overall Results: (* = penalty for not tallying)

Apprentice Master: 1st - Chris Whalley. 2nd - Neil Davies
Master: 1st - Howell Roberts. 2nd - Roger O'Gorman. 3rd - Orlando Gledhill
Grand Master: 1st - Stuart Hudson. 2nd - Alan Davis. 3rd - Mark Lyttle
Great Grand Master: 1st - Tim Law

UKLA ILCA 7 Masters Qualifier at Parkstone - photo © Georgie Altham / www.facebook.com/galthamphotography