British sailor Tressler wins the Uganda Laser Open

British sailor Marcus Tressler of Naivasha Yacht Club won this year’s Uganda Laser Open, emerging victorious after a demanding weekend of racing in highly variable and testing conditions on Lake Victoria. 

This year’s event saw 29 competitors racing in the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) (formerly Laser) dinghies across three rig categories: ILCA 7, ILCA 6, and ILCA 4 (previously known as Standard, Radial, and 4.7, respectively). 

Sailors travelled from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and the Netherlands, with participants representing nationalities as diverse as Estonia and Venezuela, underlining the event’s growing international profile.

After nine races, Tressler secured the overall Uganda Laser Open title. Fellow Naivasha Yacht Club sailor Daniel Francis claimed second place, while Uganda’s Kim Bowerman of VNSC completed the podium in third. The regatta program ran from Friday through Sunday, with sailors aiming to complete a full nine-race series.

Friday’s opening two races were sailed in light, unsettled winds accompanied by rain, immediately testing competitors’ patience and tactical awareness.

NYC sailors Marcus Tressler and Daniel Francis tussle it out . Courtesy photo

Saturday began dramatically as a storm front swept across the lake, bringing strong winds that eased during the morning races.

Shifts of more than 90 degrees demanded constant adjustment and sharp decision-making. In the afternoon, a fading breeze raised concerns that racing might be abandoned.

However, the fleet remained focused and resilient, completing two further shortened races despite near-calm conditions.

Sunday provided classic Lake Victoria variety. The first race featured moderate easterly winds that veered significantly southwards, challenging boat handling and tactical judgment. The second saw stronger southerlies over relatively flat water, while the final race delivered heavier breezes and sizeable waves—conditions that favoured sailors confident in surfing downwind.

For the first time in the event’s history, all boats were equipped with GPS trackers, allowing spectators onshore to follow the racing in real time and enhancing the regatta’s spectator experience.

Hosted by the historic Victoria Nyanza Sailing Club (VNSC), the annual Uganda Laser Open remains the most prestigious regatta on the Ugandan sailing calendar. Established in 1935, VNSC has now marked 91 years of sailing tradition at Kaazi, continuing to attract top regional and international talent.

Rig category winners

ILCA 7: Stephen Luswata (Uganda)

ILCA 6: Shamte Magongo (Tanzania)

ILCA 4: Peter Charles (Tanzania)

Grand Master: Philip Betts (Uganda)

Master: Igor Markov (VNSC, Uganda)

Apprentice: Mikk Saard (Estonia)

Best Female Sailor: Annabel Bowerman (Uganda)

Best VNSC Sailor on Personal Handicap: Ben Parker (Uganda)