Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 M600 LEADERBOARD

ILCA Northern Grand Prix at West Riding Sailing Club

by Guy Cokill 1 May 2024 05:44 UTC 27 April 2024
UKLA ILCA Northern Grand Prix at West Riding © Soeren Vonsild

It was a strange day at West Riding Sailing Club on Saturday 27th April. There was some wind for the ILCA (still Laser as far as I am concerned) Open Meeting for the first time in living memory, and Ian Jones didn't win it, although to be fair to Ian, he wasn't there! There was also the sight of 20 Lasers being re-assembled on the club lawn, for the first time in many years.

The first race got under way in a light to moderate cool North Easterly breeze, with only Radial sailor Lewis Bacon from Leigh and Lowton Sailing Club, straying over the line. WRSC sailor Tim Keighley had left nothing to chance, even buying a new boat, especially for the event. He saw an immediate return on his investment, as he rounded in the lead at the first mark, with fellow WRSC sailor, Hamish Gledhill in close pursuit and Paul Heath from Leigh and Lowton completing the top three. The order was maintained until the second beat on the second lap when Paul and Hamish caught a shift to leave Tim in 3rd. However by the end of the third lap Tim had regained the lead, which he held tn to the finish with Paul in second and Lewis fighting back impressively from the individual recall to take 3rd in his Radial ahead of Hamish.

The fleet adjourned to allow the athletes to restore their electrolytes with a nutritious lunch of Pie and Peas and prepare for the final two back-to-back races.

The second race got away cleanly despite a serious kafuffle at the pin end. Hamish emerged from the chaos in last place. Spurred on by the misfortune, he got the bit between his teeth and began to chase Tim down. Tim completed the first lap in the lead, with Leigh and Lowton's Stuart Belfield in second and Paul in third. Hamish had manged to move up through the fleet into fourth position. By the end of the second lap Hamish had moved into second behind Tim with the two WRSC sailors pulling a gap on the fleet. Hamish took the lead on the third lap and held on to the finish to cap a memorable come back. Tim was second and Lewis won his Radial battle with Jacob Bennett of Glossop Sailing Club to take another impressive third place.

With a single discard available, the third race was a shoot-out between Paul, Hamish and Tim for the overall win. The tension was increased by the first general recall of the day before the fleet got away at the second time of asking. Tim took his customary position at the head of the pack, completing the first lap ahead of Will Dyson of Delph SC, Paul, and Hamish. On the second lap Tim Paul and Hamish rounded the second leeward mark in close company. Hamish spotted a big shift to the right, tacking off, for what appeared to be a decisive move, only for the wind to fill in from the other side leaving him in a distant third at the end of the beat. Tim held on to the lead ahead of Paul for the rest of the race giving him the title with Paul and Hamish completing the podium in second and third respectively. The ever-consistent Lewis pipped Hamish to third place on handicap in the race, to take fourth overall and the prize for first Junior.

Prizes were distributed on the decking by WRSC Commodore and Race Officer, Soeren Vonsild, who thanked the visitors for supporting the event and contributing to a great day's sailing and Tim thanking his home club for organising the event.

The Open Meeting season is in full swing at WRSC with this event sandwiched between the successful NE Youth Travellers Regatta and the 2000 fleet visiting over the Early May Bank Holiday weekend for the first round of their Latitude Series.

Related Articles

Texas State Record Tuna Caught 160 Miles Offshore
Crew on an Invincible 46 cat land 884 pound Atlantic bluefin tuna after five hour fight An 884-pound Atlantic bluefin tuna—the new Texas state record—was landed after a five-hour battle by a team aboard "Catillac," an Invincible 46' Catamaran, 160+ miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Posted on 25 Apr
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April Bidding to open on Wednesday 23 April and will close Tuesday 29th April at 2pm AEST Posted on 12 Apr
Staying in your lane – a Robertson and Caine story
Boat building is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks at will It's not an easy thing, this boat building caper. It is quite happy to hand out Degrees from the University of Hard Knocks, at will, and frequently. Much like on-the-spot fines from an overzealous parking inspector. Posted on 10 Apr
Michael Rybovich & Sons construction updates
Progress on hulls from 82', 62' down to 42' New construction updates of 70' S/F Hull # 9, 42' S/F hull #10, 75' S/F hull #11, 82' S/F - Hull # 12. Posted on 3 Apr
Time to nerd out a bit
Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Possibly a big bit, as it turns out. Anyway, historically we know I am up for it, but how about you? Right oh. Unequivocally, the greater electrification space is not just THE hot topic presently, it also changes at a prodigious rate. Posted on 3 Apr
Top 10 baits from the Harris Chain
While many anglers didn't rely on whole tackle box, a lot of different baits worked for the field The Toyota Series Presented by Phoenix Boats Southern Division event at the Harris Chain on March 27-29 was dominated by two things: Dylan Quilatan and Lake Apopka. Posted on 3 Apr
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
Big Deal is reaching significant milestones Big Deal is reaching significant milestones, starting with a major exterior update. Posted on 2 Apr
Nautically inspired jewellery from Angela Lago
Beautifully made nautical-inspired jewellery There's something we all seem to share as true lovers of the sea—especially those of us drawn to the nautical world. It's a deep connection with authenticity, nature, and the undeniable pull of freedom. Posted on 2 Apr
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht Reveal Trailer
Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation Discover the allure of the Maritimo M50 Flybridge Motor Yacht, a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and innovation. Drawing inspiration from Maritimo's flagship models, this yacht offers a unique blend of elegance and functionality. Posted on 1 Apr
Marine Auctions: April Online Auctions
Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser and much more Up for auction: Bavaria 32 sailing yacht, Williams 36 motor cruiser, Mustang 2800 powerboat, Cobalt 243 cuddy cabin, Monterey 270 cruiser, Arber 9 sailing catamaran, and much more. Posted on 1 Apr
Maritimo 2023 S600 FOOTERPalm Beach Motor Yachts