Noble Marine / Rooster ILCA 6 UK Qualifier 3 at the WPNSA

The third of the final spring qualifiers was competed in glorious conditions on Sunday at WPNSA. These three events have seen 373 entries (including 34 Master entries) with 163 attending Q3 over the weekend.

Whilst a few hardy sailors were hoping for a repeat of the previous weekend's wind at the second qualifier at WPNSA most sailors - and all safety volunteers and race officials were sincerely hoping for just a bit less wind and their prayers were answered.

The wind on Saturday was south easterly going southerly as the day went on and so racing was held in the bay. The breeze was less than 10 knots all day so there were big gains to be made by getting the shifts right which Ben Elvin, Tom Rawlings and Leo Yates (both U17) did in the first race.

ILCA 6 UK Qualifier 3 at the WPNSA - photo © Lotte Johnson / www.lottejohnson.com

Race 2 was won by Jon Emmett (another 3rd for Leo Yates and a 2nd for Ralph Musto) and Race 3 by Ben Elvin (2nd for Roo Purves and a 3rd for Hugh Andrews) so more of the same - with drizzle.

There were a lot of varying results and BFDs among some of the top sailors leading to high scoring results at the end of day 1. Adrianna Pennruddocke was the most consistent of the women's fleet with two top ten results and a 15th - with Charlotte Videlo and Amelia Hacker (U19) also having top 20 results.

ILCA 6 UK Qualifier 3 at the WPNSA - photo © Lotte Johnson / www.lottejohnson.com

Day 2 promised a bit more wind and a south westerly but visibility was poor, so harbour racing was planned. The fleet launched in about 10 knots but were quickly enveloped by thick mist - with calls from safety to keep the ILCAs away from the ship - what ship?

Luckily the mist lifted just in time for the first race, the sun came out and the breeze built to about 14 knots and 3 races were held in almost perfect conditions although having to decide which side of the ship to go on the outer loop did add to the decision making.

ILCA 6 UK Qualifier 3 at the WPNSA - photo © Lotte Johnson / www.lottejohnson.com

Again there were many different top 3 sailors although both Ben Elvin and Jon Emmett had a 1st and 2nd each (races 4 and 6) with Adrianna Penruddocke 3rd and Charlotte Videlo 8th in race 4. Tommie Grit won race 5, Andrew Kingston was 2nd and Joe Rowe 3rd.

Final results Ben Elvin 1st, Jon Emmett 2nd, Roo Purves 3rd (1st U19) and Leo Yates was 1st U17. In the female fleet Adrianne Penruddocke was 1st, Charlotte Videlo 2nd and Amelia Hacker 3rd (and 1st U19). Maia Delin was 1st U17 girl.

ILCA 6 UK Qualifier 3 prizewinners - photo © Jon Emmett

The UKLA Qualifier series is kindly sponsored by Noble Marine, Ovington Boats, Sailingfast and Rooster. In Qualifier 3 Rooster supplied the prizes which were gratefully received by all the sailors.

Massive thanks to all the volunteers, who without this event would not be possible. WPNSA were also fantastic, making pasta after sailing and making us feel very welcome.

Thanks to Lotte Johnson for photos, and Jon Emmett for videos - see www.facebook.com/UKLAILCA for more

Overall Results:

ILCA 6 UK Qualifier 3 at the WPNSA - photo © Lotte Johnson / www.lottejohnson.com