Northern ILCA Grand Prix at Delph Sailing Club

by Gordon Riddell 6 Apr 16:33 NZST 5 April 2025

Delph SC hosted the first event of the Northern ILCA Grand Prix circuit on Saturday 5th April. The event was bathed in glorious sunshine, with a strong gusty wind to welcome the 24 competitors from as far afield as Carsington to the South and Blackpool and Fleetwood to the North.

The event had a reunion feel to it, with many sailors getting back onto the competitive circuit and enjoying the start of the season. A number of sailors had battled it out at Leigh & Lowton's winter series, but for some it was the first event on the circuit.

The 17 visitors arrived at the club to a cold and strong wind, with discussion as to the rig to use, or whether to sail at all. Delph SC has been host to some single Hander training over the winter, and some who had attended came back to race.

The OD, Andy Taylor Delph's new Commodore, got the racing off on time setting a square line which encouraged the sailors to spread out, but it didn't stop the fleet from pushing the line which led to a general recall. The racing restarted, this time under the U flag, which was a new experience for 4 sailors who started with a minute to go and were duly punished.

The first beat saw the young Delph sailor, Will Taylor, lead the fleet to the windward mark in his ILCA6 and went on to win the race, only 30 seconds behind Tim Keighley, from West Riding, who was sailing a full rig. Local knowledge paid off, and Will took the win followed by Wendy Jones, from Dovestones, in an ILCA4 on handicap.

After a brief break for lunch of soup and cake, the fleet was off again for 2 back to back races. Race 2 saw a close finish of the top 4 who broke away and then extended a lead from the following pack. The race was won on the water by Tim, followed 30 seconds later by Andy Fox from Leigh & Lowton, Malcolm Marsden from Blackpool & Fleetwood all sailing ILCA7s but they were denied by Gordon Riddell from Delph sailing an ILCA6. Positions 2 to 4 were separated by 3 seconds.

By race 3 a number of sailors had decided to test out the new showers, which had been installed over the winter, the bar, which had its choice of award winning beers, and the friendly atmosphere of the club house. The remaining 15 sailors raced in what had been forecast to be a dropping breeze, but which seemed stronger. Tim was OCS but didn't return and the fleet battled it out over 3 laps, before the OD shortened to send everyone ashore. The race was won on the water by another Delph sailor, Will Dyson, but no one had done enough to beat Wendy on handicap and she took the honours in the last race.

Wendy was first overall at the event, with Will Taylor in second and Tim Keighley in third.

The prize-giving, sponsored by Rooster, was completed with Easter eggs for the Youth sailors from Pennine, Carsington and Delph. Special prize of a Rooster flags boat sticker was awarded to Paul Heath, from Leigh & Lowton, who was one one of the early starters under the U flag in race 1.

The event was a success due to the competitive Northern circuit and the friendships which have been fostered between the Northern clubs. The Northern ILCA GP circuit has 16 events this year, including a 2 day Northern Championships on 30-31st August at Leigh & Lowton. If you want to experience some Northern hospitality you need look no further than the ILCA Northern circuit.