use your illusion
This was the last weekend regatta of the 2011/2012 Illusion sailing season which with a record number of boats out over the season. The class is also attracting new young talented sailors which will hopefully help it continue to be one of the most competitive one design classes around the Solent in winter.
Vernon’s Easter Cup has been sailed for since 1984 and was first won by Paul Newell who is still involved as one of prominent sail makers for the class. On Saturday race officer Charles Evans set a course off Silver Beach, Bembridge in a very light North Easterly breeze. Although wind was barely visible on the water the boats moved and Raymond Simonds finished in first place with a comfortable margin. Light airs specialist Andrew Christie followed him in second and Nick Wakefield posted his best result this season in third. After a short delay it was decided to head back to harbour and abandon further racing due to lack of wind. Those who did not have to look for Easter eggs with their children or grand children sailed on Sunday and went racing in a light South Westerly breeze on a race course which was again set of Silver Beach. A good start is half the battle and that’s no different in the Illusions. Robin Ebsworth got the best start and reached the top mark first, very closely followed by Jo Dower, Nick Foden Patterson and Philip Woodford. However Andrew Christie and Rudy Jurg powered through them on the first downwind leg.
Once the points had been added up Rudy Jurg won the Easter Cup, Andrew Christie took second on count back and Mark Downer third. Jo Downer picked up a chocolate Easter bunny for being first lady, Philip Woodford first over 65.Weekend 20/21 April is the last Illusion Racing of the season for the St Georges Trophy on Saturday and the Woodford Long Distance Race on Sunday.
