Managing large sailing events can be challenging especially considering the dynamic and potentially hazardous conditions on the water. During the 2025 ILCA UK National Open 1, a mixture of Icom Marine VHF and LTE/PoC radios provided the event organisers with cross team communication to keep the races running smoothly.

The Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy showcased some of the UK's best sailing talent on March 15th and 16th, as a fleet of 190 sailors took to the water. Over the course of the weekend they faced a true test of skill and patience with three demanding races to take on. While the forecast promised a consistently light 15-knot north-easterly breeze under clear blue skies, the cold temperatures pushed the sailors to find reserves of exceptional boat handling, sharp tactical awareness and unwavering focus to gain any advantage.

Ensuring the smooth and safe running of the event was a dedicated team of race officers using a combination of Icom marine VHF and LTE/ PoC radios; the IC-M73 VHF Marine Transceiver, IC-M423GE Fixed VHF DSC Transceiver and the IP-M60 EURO Hybrid radio which can operate over marine VHF frequencies and LTE /4G networks. This comprehensive setup proved invaluable for race officials, safety personnel and organisers in coordinating the event and maintaining seamless contact on and off the water.

Event Safety officer and the Course Safety Lead, Brett Lewis, said, “Being the key communicator between the shore, the Race team and the Safety team, I rely on trustworthy equipment. In any event, we can plan for most things, but without clear, precise and accurate communication, none of it could happen. I have three Icom handhelds and a built-in Icom IC-M423GE with a HM-195GB Commandmic on my rib. The control functions from the mic allow me to keep an eye on what's happening, listen to any call and change the functionality of the VHF all in one place. I’m also not the only race officer who swears by Icom radios, 90% of the VHFs in our ILCA UK Safety and Race team are all Icom branded.”

With over 1,000 members, ILCA UK has already delivered 35 training events this year instructing over 700 sailors with the expertise of 41 different coaches. ILCA UK is a significantly sized club and although they are yet to acquire a clubhouse, they are powered by a dedicated volunteer network who make it all happen.