ILCA 4 SYC Regatta Report

Published 12:24 on 12 Aug 2026

Having dominated the ILCA 6 class during the light winds of the previous weeks Town Regatta, 14-year-old Ivy Hart, carrying a shoulder injury and seeing the forecast for higher winds, switched to the ILCA 4 for the main SYC regatta.  She sailed brilliantly all week, claiming a string of bullets and winning the series with ease.  

Behind Ivy, Three over-60's from the Ladies that Launch|Buoys Aloud Group (Suzy Andrews, Sian Hodges and Erica Latham) and teenage newcomer to the fleet, Elliott Bowes, battled each day for 2nd place.  At the end of a 2-hour, light wind race on Sunday, Sian took the honours.  

On Monday, Suzy squeezed past Sian on the penultimate short tack of the last up-wind leg to take the bell for 2nd.  

On Tuesday, the wind strengthened significantly.  Erica and Sian stayed away, Suzy had rigging problems pre-start and Elliot sailed well to claim 2nd.  

On a very gusty, windy Wednesday, Ivy was the only one to finish the race.  

After a postponement on Thursday, caused by a change in wind direction just before the first start of the morning, the wind strengthened throughout the race. Suzy stayed in touch with Ivy and took 2nd place with ease. 

On Friday, in a near perfect gentle breeze, Sian had a dream final beat, pulling away from Suzy as they entered the Bag to finish 2^nd in the final race of the series.  

Overall results for the week: Ivy 1^st, Suzy 2^nd, Sian 3^rd, Elliott 4^th & Erica 5^th.  (And Sian was surprised, thrilled and a little embarrassed to receive the Salcombe Gin Regatta Endeavour Award).

Sian Hodges | Photos Lucy Burn