SAILINGGRAHAM Sunderland produced another stunning performance, winning four of his six races, to take the Illusion National Championships last weekend.
With a horrendous weather forecast of severe winter storms, snow and rain for the weekend, 26 sailors still braved the elements and made it to the start line.
Luckily the Island missed most of the weather although around an inch of rain fell, creating exceptionally high water in Bembridge Harbour.
On the first day, race officer Mike Samuelson had set a very long line and course to avoid big pile ups at the start and top mark. However, it was still crowded and plenty of pushing on the line which was to be expected which such a line up of top Solent sailors.
Sunderland, who again showed off one of his newly designed sails, took the gun for first place in race one, followed by Justin Biddle and Mark Downer. Race two started quickly, with Sunderland winning again, with Graham Bailey and Downer, third.
A similar pattern emerged in race three, as Sunderland made it a hat-trick with Bailey in second, and Raymond Simmonds in third.
Race four was held on the first day instead of the second, because of forecast wind, and in this run, Bailey took line honours with Phillip Bown in second, and Piers Thomas third. Sunderland was fourth.
The following day, some sailors looked the worse for wear, after the Illusion Class dinner held the night before.
Mark Downer began the day in fine form, taking race five with a commanding lead. Bailey was second, with Sunderland third.
Barnaby Edwards had a good day and finished fourth much to his own surprise but he sailed cleanly and was in phase with the wind.
The final race would determine the top three places and Mark Downer and Rudy Jurg shot off again on the pin end.
However, the race officer had spotted them over the line and so were disqualified, leaving the battle between Sunderland and Bailey.
After a very close race, Sunderland took the win with Edwards second, and Bailey third.
Bailey finished second overall, with Downer, third.
The four women who raced this weekend had their own cup to contest and it was Julia Bailey who took this prize home.
As the class has a wide age range of sailors a prize was awarded for first over-65 to Philip Bown, and the first over-75 to Phillip Woodword.
A prize for most improved was awarded to Rudy Jurg.
David Palmer took home the first visitor’s prize.