What to expect…

The 2023 UKLA ILCA Open & National Championships are about to get under way at Hayling Island Sailing Club. With entries now fast approaching 200, it’s time to look closely at just what the sailors and their friends and families will experience at this wonderful venue.

The UKLA ILCA Nationals is one of my favourite events of the year. Whether you are attending as an experienced ILCA sailor or a new comer, the event tailors for everyone from all backgrounds and abilities. The event goes beyond just tight, competitive and fun racing on the water but hosts a lot of off water activities including beach games, evening gatherings and racing clinics everyday. The Nationals are being held at Hayling Island Sailing Club for the second year in a row, a great venue which brings a variety of sailing conditions as well as being a warm and welcoming club.

Daisy Collingridge - ILCA 6 National Champion

ON THE WATER

Of course this is the most hotly contested National Championships in the UK, but this year many of the British Sailing Team will be on international duty so in all fleets we could see some surprises. Six days of racing was chosen so competitors in flighted fleets would do several races to find fare groupings for gold and silver fleets. Six days of high quality racing will also provide the best chance for a range of conditions. So how you do over the week will be a great way to gauge your racing ability.

With two races a day the racing can be moved to the best time for wind and tide conditions. It also allows for some socialising.

There will be something going on every evening, kicking off with a Daily Draws and Prize Giving as soon as possible after the last protest time limit expiry time. This may be followed with s short Q&A Session with the day's winners. Our generous sponsors will be providing some amazing prizes but you “need to be in it to win it”! Evening entertainment is also shaping to be the best yet!

Daily activities include:

• !!! Competitive RACING !!! - 2 races per day

• Morning briefings - plan and important info for the day

• Morning clinics - experienced people sharing their knowledge to help you race even quicker

• Daily prize draws and spot prizes - great prizes thanks to our fantastic sponsors!

• Daily prize giving - recognition of speediest sailors on the day

• Social/evening entertainment

• Chillout zone for sailors and supporters

• Volleyball, badminton, table tennis & running competitions