ILCA Grand Prix Open at Lancing Sailing Club

Lancing ILCA Grand Prix © Colin Norris

Lancing ILCA Grand Prix © Colin Norris

The forecast for Sunday 26th June was set for a 18-20 knot South Westerly breeze with plenty of sunshine and the day itself did not disappoint.

The challenging conditions may have put some sailors off but those that did take part witnessed some of the best sailing the South Coast can offer. Large waves, a constant wind and superfast reaches meant every sailor came off the water extremely tired but with the biggest grins on their bronzed faces.

The first race was the windiest of the day with 6-8 foot swells. The racing in both the ILCA 7s and 6s was very close with the podium places swapping multiple times. In the end the ILCA 7s was won by Todd Grady (Lancing) followed by Craig Palmer (Lancing) and Joza Cic (Wembley). The ILCA 6 race was equally close with Jimmy Carter (Lancing) coming out on top followed by John Curran (Wembley) and Luca Franklin (Island Barn).

Race 2 saw the wind and waves moderating slightly but the racing was just as exciting. After the three laps Andy La Grice (Warsash) won the ILCA 7 followed closely by Tod Grady and Will Apps (Lancing). Jimmy Carter won the 2nd ILCA 6 race with John Curran and Mike Bagge (Starcross) closely behind. With 2 races to count from 3 this had already decided the overall winner in the ILCA 6s but this didn't deter them from sailing the final race and 3rd position was still up for grabs. John Curran took top honours in race 3 followed by Jimmy Carter which left Luka Franklin and Mike Bagge fighting it out for the final podium spot. In the end it was Luka who triumphed taking 3rd overall.

In the final ILCA 7 race both Andy La Grice and Todd Grady could take the top spot and neither of them was going to give the other an inch with the lead changing several times throughout the 4 laps. In the end Andy edged the race and overall win with Todd in 2nd. Will Apps was 3rd in the race but was pipped by Craig Palmer for 3rd overall.

It was a consensus that the race would not have happened without the commitment of the Lancing Sailing Club beach team who helped launch the safety craft and all competitors into some very big shore break with no breakages. Thank you to all the helpers.

Overall Results: