ILCA 6 Masters National Championship at Hayling Island Sailing Club

Of the 132 entries, across all 3 fleets, almost sixty ILCA 6 boats gathered at a sunny and windy Hayling Island for the 2023 Masters Nationals from June 30th to July 2nd. It was an impressive turnout considering the total number of entries reached 132. Ben Elvin retained his crown - he is the 2023 ILCA6 Masters National Champion.

After weeks of moderate conditions, the weather forecast indicated a weekend with reliable and possibly intense winds due to the convergence of two weather systems. However, due to unfavourable wind and tide conditions at the harbour entrance, we were unable to go out on Friday. The race organisers wisely decided to cancel the races after the south-southwesterly wind reached 30 knots, making it difficult even for sea-going yachts to navigate the Hayling Beacon. Many of us were actually relieved and took the opportunity to enjoy beach barbecues and watch the wing foilers in action.

ILCA Masters National Championships at HISC - photo © Lotte Johnson / www.lottejohnson.com

Fortunately, on Saturday, the wind direction allowed us to access the race area, although it gradually built up to around 25 knots, blowing mostly south down the Solent. Ben Elvin secured two first-place finishes, leading the fleet. Ross Harvey, Maura Dewey, and Steve Cockerill also claimed top spots on the leaderboard. It was a challenging upwind battle, with relatively stable wind conditions and a keen eye on the tide's turning point.

During the downwind legs, there were numerous changes in positions. Speaking to more experienced competitors, it became evident that sailing at wide angles was crucial to navigate the fairly steep chop, despite the risk involved. Many of us ended up filling our cockpits a few times, especially when we sailed too far downwind and came to a stop in more nerve-wracking moments. It was truly impressive to witness the leaders and other seasoned sailors skillfully maneuvering through these tricky waves. Learning from these "actual" legends and masters was a great experience.

ILCA Masters National Championships at HISC - photo © Lotte Johnson / www.lottejohnson.com

And let's not forget the reaches. As promised by Race Officer Mark Woods, these were set at good angles, resulting in memorable sailing moments.

Despite fatigue, lethargy, cramps, and throbbing quad muscles, the fleet enjoyed a well-attended dinner and social gathering, fostering camaraderie among the participants. The generosity of UKLAs sponsors was epitomised by Ovington Boats who supplied 2 Sails and 2 rudder blades for the prize draw but Wildwind Holidays provided the big moment with a draw for a free holiday at Vassiliki, an incredible sailing venue. The lucky winner was Marshal King - new to the Masters, Marshal is a seasoned sports boat sailor and is making rapid progress in the ILCA fleet. He has very generously donated his prize to Ellie Ratusniak (our amazing class secretary). The evening also provided an opportunity to thank Alison Stevens who has been Masters rep for the last few years. She steps down after doing a great job looking after us, organising the events so carefully and we all wish her well and hopefully stress free racing.

Sunday brought a lighter but progressively strengthening wind forecast, making the races more challenging. The races often saw wide-open competition with 20-degree wind shifts and occasional lulls. However, the predominant feature was the windiness. There were a few instances of automatic tacks leading to capsizes and an impromptu gathering at the windward mark.

ILCA Masters National Championships at HISC - photo © Lotte Johnson / www.lottejohnson.com

Although the start line was set considering the tidal skew and the fleet had witnessed how not to start from the ILCA 7 class, races 4 and 5 experienced a couple of general recalls and black flag starts, particularly when the tide started pushing us over. This caught more than 10 boats off guard, which had an impact on the top results. The competition at the front remained intense, with Ross Harvey dominating race 4 and other top boats putting on impressive performances and leaving the rest of us in their wake.

A special mention should be made of Ian Rawet, the only Legend category participant to complete all 6 races, finishing a commendable 22nd. Unfortunately, Maura Dewey's two disqualifications for starting early affected her overall score, although she consistently demonstrated great speed on the water.

ILCA Masters National Championships at HISC - photo © Lotte Johnson / www.lottejohnson.com

The three challenging races on Sunday concluded with an exciting surf back to the shore, navigating through standing waves off the Hayling Bar. It was indeed an "interesting" or rather, a very interesting experience, as advertised

The atmosphere at these events is truly remarkable, just as the presence of such an experienced fleet is. It's a diverse and inclusive community that welcomes both newer sailors and those with years of experience. It's heartening to see the ILCA 4 boats participating as well. It's probably a relief for 14-year-olds, for instance, to not have to suffer from debilitating forearm cramps just 10 seconds before the start! I suppose it's an age-related challenge, but we push through and persevere!

ILCA Masters National Championships at HISC - photo © Lotte Johnson / www.lottejohnson.com

I would like to express my gratitude to all the sponsors and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event. Hayling is undoubtedly one of the best venues and hosts, and this weekend serves as a fantastic advertisement for the upcoming UKLA Open and National Championships in August. I hope to see you there!

What can one say about the race management and the onshore teams ? Perfect - yes... UKLA and its members will remember this Masters Nationals as one of the very best, thanks you one and all. A special shout out to the Race Officer, Mark Woods.

ILCA 6 podium in the ILCA Masters National Championships at HISC - photo © UKLCA

Last but certainly not least, the sponsors. This year we have an incredibly strong group all supporting the events throughout the year. At one of the most joyous prize-givings I can remember more than 30 individual prizes were given out - thank you:

• Wildwind Sailing Holidays
• Ovington Boats
• Rooster
• Sailingfast
• Southeast sailboats
• Fernhurst Books
• Noble Marine

Overall Results: