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UKLA ILCA 7 Inland Championships 2023 at Draycote Water Sailing Club

by James Foster 10 Nov 2023 11:45 GMT 4-5 November 2023

132 ILCAs compete for the title of National Inland Champion - 3 fleets, 3 Champions - Alistair Brown takes the ILCA7 crown

Reflecting on the thrill of last year's victory, it's with a touch of nostalgia that I recount the events of this year's Inland Championships. The competition kicked off with a vivacious start as gusts of wind provided the perfect backdrop for a showcase of skill, allowing Ben Flower to swiftly take command of the early races.

However, true to its unpredictable nature, the weather took a turn - a swift downpour gave way to gentler breezes, providing the lighter sailors with the opportunity to ascend the results.

Sunday's races presented us with lighter yet hiking conditions. The wind, steadier and more predictable in its direction, still held a trick up its sleeve - a persistent left shift on the outer loop. It was here that Matt Reid demonstrated his mastery, reading the wind's subtle language and translating it into a commanding performance.

Amidst the flurry of tactical duels and the changing wind shifts, Alistair Brown stood apart. With an exceptional display of consistency and control, he ensured that the lead he took was his to keep. His mastery ensured that the lead he established was firmly maintained. Handing over the trophy to Alistair was a moment of proud reflection; it is sailors like him who push the boundaries, spurring us all to elevate our game.

Currently, my focus has shifted toward my academic pursuits, but my heart remains tethered to sailing. Alistair's string of victories has only heightened my eagerness to return after my studies. As I turn the page on this chapter, I'm reminded that the true spirit of sailing belongs to those who persevere. Alistair and Oliver Allen Wilcox's unwavering dedication, largely unsupported, is not just commendable but deeply inspirational. It's a testament to what can be accomplished with determination and love for the sport.

As I turn my attention back to my studies, I carry with me the lesson that while institutional support is valuable, the true essence of sailing thrives on personal commitment and the sheer will to advance, wave by wave.

Over the weekend there were many standout performances, but let us give a round of applause to the three 17 year olds; George Colquitt, Josh Lyttle and Finn Sinclair. It's a tough fleet but these guys show great promise.

A big thank you goes out to the race committee, volunteers and Draycote Water Sailing Club for hosting another great Inlands.

We would also like to thank our very generous sponsors who provided such great prizes for this event: Ovington Boats, Rooster, Sailingfast, Noble Marine, and Fernhurst Books.

Overall Results:

PosNationalitySail NoHelmClub NameR1R2R3R4R5R6PenPts
1stGBR223070Alastair BrownGreat Moor SC‑521111 6
2ndGBR204005Matt Reid 35232‑6 15
3rdGBR221509Oliver Allen‑WilcoxChew Valley SC / Parkstone Yacht Club4‑84652 21
4thGBR212907James FosterPoole YC‑1138733 24
5thGBR221798Luke AnsteyFrensham Pond SC / Stokes Bay SC2975‑115 28
6thGBR219665James CurtisBosham Sailing Club8‑1210944 35
7thGBR215835Tim EvansGrafham Water SC146629‑16 37
8thGBR221503Terry HackerAldeburgh YC6412127‑15 41
9thCAN191126Ben Flower 113(DNF)6DNE 43
10thGBR217871Mark LyttleQueen Mary SC911‑1610812 50
11thGBR219655Edward BakerChew Valley Lake SC12711‑18158 53
12thGBR222540George ColquittWest Kirby SC7159419(UFD) 54
13thGBR220776Freddie HowarthParkstone YC13105‑161211556
14thGBR170605Craig Williamson 15‑181811147 65
15thGBR213545George SunderlandDraycote Water‑201415131014 66
16thGBR216239Jamie BlakeGreat Moor SC1713‑2081617 71
17thGBR221580Josh MorganChew Valley Lake Sailing Club18‑2314151710 74
18thGBR222231Josh LyttleQueen Mary SC‑191713141318 75
19thGBR222548Roger HakesParkstone Yacht Club1019‑2220209 78
20thGBR215612James KnightDraycote Water SC1616‑19171813 80
21stGBR220826Gordon RiddellDelph SC2321171924‑26 104
22ndUKR218279David SurkovQueen Mary SC22‑2624252119 111
23rdGBR216704Finn SinclairNeyland YC21‑2928222320 114
24thGBR210288Finley Watson 252521(DNF)22215119
25thGBR215691William CooperDraycote Water242225‑272622 119
26thGBR218700Andy FoxLeigh & Lowton S C.272023(DNC)2728 125
27thGBR216543Marcellus PryorDraycote Water Sailing Club2828‑29212525 127
28thGBR177453Simon OdlingDraycote Water SC(RET)2427242924 128
29thGBR197774Carl AveryBurton SC26272626‑2827 132
30thGBR210139Adam Hallard 29‑30302330235140
31stGBR211414Rob HuntDWSC(DNC)DNC312831RET 154

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