Illusion Prince Philip Memorial Trophy 2024
by Robin Joy 11 Mar 19:29 NZDT
9-10 March 2024
Bembridge Illusion Prince Philip Memorial Trophy © Mike Samuelson
First raced for in April 2021 in memory of the late HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, this year's running of the Prince Philip Memorial Trophy disappointingly only saw seven entries competing for the Trophy (a small silver replica cup presented to John Raymond's father for coming fourth in the inaugural Edinburgh Cup in 1949). Mind you the forecast was not very promising and the early tides undoubtedly kept a number away.
Early (well 09:30!) on Saturday morning, with a chilly 15kt easterly, racing was not surprisingly restricted to the harbour. There was a crowded start to the first race with Mark Downer overcooking it at the pin end, and having to bail out and start last. Oliver Morgan sailed a great first round, and led Jo Downer and Mark into the second beat, however Mark worked his way to the front, and won from Owen Pay and his wife Jo.
Birthday girl Jo had a perfect start to Race 2 and led the fleet, with Mark and Mike Issiaas battling for second. Again, though, Mark could not be held off, and won from Jo and Mike.
Mark got away to a good clean start in Race 3, and was never headed, although by the finish Oliver wasn't far behind him in second. Owen was third, with Jo, Monty Irwin, and Mike finishing within half a boat's length. The timing of that final tack was vital!
With no wind at all on Sunday morning "AP over coffee " was declared, and the results from Saturday gave Mark the Prince Philip Cup, with Owen second, on equal points with Jo, but getting the decision on countback.
No racing next weekend (late tides); it's the Spring Plate the following one (23rd - 24th March).
Overall Results:
| Pos | Helm | Sail No | R1 | R2 | R3 | Pts |
|---|
| 1 | Mark Downer | 164 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | Owen Pay | 160 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 9 |
| 3 | Jo Downer | 166 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 9 |
| 4 | Oliver Morgan | 169 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 11 |
| 5 | Mike Issaias | 152 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 16 |
| 6 | Monty Irwin | 147 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 17 |
| 7 | Robin Ebsworth | 12 | 5 | 7 | 7 | 19 |