Sailingfast UKLA Thames Valley Series ILCA Open at Fishers Green Sailing Club

Soon after the start during the Fishers Green ILCA Open © Kevin O'Brien

Fishers Green Sailing Club held their annual ILCA open meeting on 4th May which is part of the Sailingfast UKLA Thames Valley Series. The event was generously sponsored with prizes from ILCA Direct. With an increased turnout from last year, ILCAs from 7 different clubs enjoyed sparkling conditions although we could have done with a bit more wind!

With weather forecasts advising a southerly breeze which would back to the south-east during the day, the problem for the RO was whether the early breeze would remain as it was, or if and when, the forecast change would occur?

Big starboard lift during the Fishers Green ILCA Open - photo © Kevin O'Brien

Race one got away cleanly with local helm Peter Bettles making the best start and keeping to the middle of the course as the breeze shifted left and sometimes dramatically right in total contradiction of the forecast. The up and down breeze was such that a good lead at the top mark could rapidly disappear as the new wind filled in from behind, but Richard held on for the win from Andrew Hill-Smith and Richard Lympmoss.

The same pattern continued for heat two with Richard again narrowly leading the pack as the first five boats broke well clear of the fleet before the fleet returned ashore for a superb pasta lunch.

Bettles leads the fleet during the Fishers Green ILCA Open - photo © Kevin O'Brien

For race 3 again, the start got away at the first attempt despite an increasingly port biased line as the breeze did finally take a significant step to the south-east. Richard had two wins and decided to make it three, despite being chased closely in the dwindling wind.

With no real chance of a fourth race which the fleet largely seem to prefer, everyone headed home for afternoon tea. With the score-line showing an outright winner and despite a tie on 6 points, the runner up was undisputed whatever tie-break could have been employed.

Overall Results:

Richard Battles wins the Fishers Green ILCA Open - photo © Kevin O'Brien