THE Bill’s Barrel race weekend could not have ended in more thrilling fashion at Bembridge, as Mark Downer and Raymond Simonds finished on equal points.

Traditional British weather welcomed the 15 illustrious Illusionists seeking racing glory on Saturday afternoon.

Despite challenging high winds, the intrepid contestants launched into the mirth of the tournament amidst an encouraging F3 breeze.

The first race was essentially a three-horse race featuring Raymond Simonds, Jo Downer and Oliver Morgan.

Racing ceased after two rounds due to a tightly packed schedule of four races.

The second race saw Mark Downer play a moderately safe game in the centre of the fleet.

The race soon intensified with Simonds, Morgan, Rory Morrison and David Russell-Jones racing neck and neck.

In a dramatic conclusion, Russell-Jones claimed the race after noticing the pivotal wind shift on the last leg from the leeward gate.

The third race unfurled closely, with Mark Downer leading successfully.

He, later, found an unexpected rival in Russell-Jones, who in an extraordinary turn of events, sped ahead to finish well ahead after two and a half rounds.

However, the plight of Matt Solan was a heart-wrenching scene as a caught spinnaker sheet under the boat set him back.

The brimming Sunday afternoon, greeted the 17 racers with a refreshing F3 breeze.

Mark Downer’s grey spinnaker took the first flight, looking unreachable, ultimately winning the two-round race.

Downer and Simonds again dominated the forefront in the day's last race.

Both stood on equal points, but Mark Downer, the man with more first-place finishes, clinched the Bill’s Barrel 2024, another feather in his cap this season.