Merlin nationals victory for Hyde Sails
by Hyde Sails 4 Sep 2009 14:27 BST
4 September 2009
Glen Truswell and Olly Turner scoop victory in Whitstable
A healthy turnout of 57 boats gathered in Whitstable, Kent for the 2009 Merlin Rocket National Championship. The
first race took place in 12-14 knots of breeze with a slight swell. The event started steadlily for Glen and Olly, who
finished third in the first race, which was won by Matt Biggs and Rob Kennaugh.
Glen and Olly went on to post wins in the next two races, which left them with a five point lead at the head of the table,
with Tom Stweart and Liam Dempsey lying second and Richard Whitworth and Sally Townend third.
With no racing on day four of the championship, two races were held on day five. The Hyde Sails-powered boat posted
a 6,2, which left them just one point ahead of Richard Whitworth and Sally ownend going into the final day.
The fleet was greeted with champagne conditions for the final showdown, with 18 – 20 knots from the west, and
a short chop. Richard and Sally led the fleet up the first beat, but a capsize at the leeward mark pushed them back
into 23rd place. Andy Davis and Ellie Bremner claimed the lead in their absence, with Glen Truswell and Olly Turner in
second. The Hyde-powered duo sailed a conservative race and crossed the line in third place, ahead of Richard and
Sally who had worked their way up to 6th - enough to secure the runner-up spot. It was a well-deserved victory for Glen
and Olly. The pair are also currently leading the class’s competitive Silver Tiller circuit with a range of results in a variety
of venues and conditions, showing consistency and speed throughout the wind range.
Glen and Olly were using a complete suit of Hyde’s sails, developed by the company’s experienced design team over the
last few seasons. It is typical of the way that Hyde approaches its sailmaking, working closely with the sailors in a wide
range of classes to develop ever improving designs that make the most of the latest developments in technology.
Hyde Sails prides itself in its continual sail development, Hyde’s Merlin Sails are available direct from the company’s
online shop or contact Charles Devenport on +44 (0)845 54 38 957.