Isle of Wight sailor Mark Downer leaves rivals in his wake

The veteran sailor's win came in an event that started with him misreading the line and having to return in the first race.

Nevertheless, Downer managed to regain his foothold and dominate the competition.

All the winners after the Illusion National Championships at the weekend, with overall winner Mark Downer, centre. (Image: Mike Samuelson)

The first race was marked by numerous splits of the chasing boats that found more pressure on the left of the course.

This led to Downer and fellow contestant John Raymond rounding the leeward gate almost simultaneously.

Though Raymond was initially ahead, Downer took the lead by the time they reached the windward marks for the last time.

In the day's final contest, Downer and Matt Solan battled it out in tricky conditions with a dropping breeze.

However, Downer and Solan managed to extend their lead each round, finishing two seconds apart, but three minutes ahead of third-placed Tiger Tellwright.

On Sunday, 21 Illusionists competed in three more races.

Despite breezier conditions, the first race saw Downer's spinnaker first on the leeward gate run.

Downer's lead grew as Tellwright moved into second, but was unable to overtake.

The second race saw a close contest between Downer and Tellwright, with Downer powering into the lead.

The final showdown of the day yet again saw them both race ahead of David Russell-Jones.

Despite the competitive landscape, Downer sealed his fifth win of the weekend.

His wife, Jo, won the prizes for first lady and most improved sailor from the 2023 event.

David Peerless was recognised as the first over-75 sailor to win.