ILCA Open 2023 - Race Report
Published 16:20 on 10 Jul 2023
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The conditions were perfect for the ILCA Open on 27th July, with wind averaging 15 knots, gusting 20+ knots westerly straight down the lake. This helped with a great turnout of 29 boats. We were very pleased that the ILCA Regional Training Group attended this year with some very talented junior/youth sailors. Also some of our better sailors took part and it was amazing to watch these sailors give it a go in some challenging conditions when they are relatively new to sailing.
The first race got off clean with a last minute shift creating a port bias which a couple of sailors took advantage off including Tony Wilcock. The wind increased during the race making it tricky for the less experienced sailors. Many of the less experienced sailors finished the race after multiple capsizes which took its toll on them physically. Peter Wilkinson (Budworth) finished 1st on the water with his ILCA 7 with Lewis Bacon (Leigh and Lowton) second on the water but winning after handicap with his ILCA 6. The second race was also won by Pete on the water but the ILCA 6 youngsters were much closer with Lewis, Jacob Bennett (Glossop) & Finlay Cochrane (Yorkshire Dales) getting 1,2,3. After handicap.
After a great lunch organised by Alison Hubbard, everyone got out for the last two back to back races. The 3rd race required a general recall but Lewis cemented his position at the top with a win followed by Pete Wilkinson and Jacob Bennett. In the final race Lewis won again with Oliver Hirst (Scammonden) 2nd and Tony Willcock (Budworth) 3rd.
Overall Lewis Bacon won followed by Pete Wilkinson and Jacob Bennett. At the prize giving it was important to recognise the winners but equally important to recognise the team Steve Hayward and Deborah Love who did an outstanding job setting square lines and great courses. The rescue who were kept busy and did great job. Also first place for fleets beyond the first three Ben Ditchburn (ILCA 7), Finlay Cochrane (ILCA 6), Emily Page (ILCA 4). Also Laura Parsons (Budworth youth) managed to complete 4 races in very tough conditions having moved from a Topper for the day. Alex Flint also won the battle of the Better Sailors.
Big smiles could be seen on everyone's faces after a great day at Budworth in a competitive but friendly atmosphere Hope to see you all next year.
Results can be seen on the Budworth website "Results" page.