Merlin Rocket River Championship at Bourne End Week 2015 - Day 4
by Alice Markham 27 May 2015 11:57 BST
23-27 May 2015
So the last day of racing arrived yesterday with more wind and sun to the delight of all the racers. Unfortunately – due to a lot of people having to return to work – the fleet was reduced to 10 boats. However, the fleet was starting as one for the last day. Once again the Race Officer tried to refrain from using the black flag, so everyone inevitably pushed the line meaning some individual recalls.
UTSC Commodore Alan Markham with wife Sue led from the beginning but Laurie and Vanessa managed to sneak past after a while. However, they discovered disadvantage of being miles in front as they had no one to follow and went round the mark the wrong way – twice! This meant they retired after 2 laps. Pete Walker and daughter Emma took over the lead and held it to the finish, with Alan and Sue holding off Chris and Dan Rathbone to cross the line second Unfortunately, it turned out that Alan and Sue had been one of the boats that was over the line at the start so they didn't get a finish after the hard fought race! So the Rathbones finished second and Pat Blake and Chris Kilsby followed in third.
The afternoon race saw more individual recalls. Alan and Sue led again for a good while, but the narrower river boats managed to sneak past on both sides. The wind was very shifty and seemed to have coherence with boats tacking off the bank on both tacks - though Pat and Chris managed to fly their spinnaker both ways! Laurie and Vanessa sailed the correct course this time and finished in first again, with Pat and Chris in second and the Rathbones in third.
The prize giving was held that evening: with Laurie and Vanessa finishing first in every race they finished they cleaned up the trophies, winning the Yves Plate and the MROA Vintage Trophy. Pete and Debbie Walker finished second overall and Alex Jackson with Rachel Alder came third. The Old Boats Prize went to Kevin Rose and Ollie Meadowcroft in 3548.
Overall, we got the best of the weather with lots of sun and some decent breeze over the weekend! The sailing conditions were testing and required a lot of skill and patience (along with a tiny bit of luck!) but that is why we come to the river every year. We had a brilliant turn out of Merlins and hope to have even more next year! Thanks to the race officer and his team and safety team for setting some good racing and keeping us safe. Thanks to the new caterers for supplying some amazing food and the House Committee for the brilliant socials. We look forward to seeing everyone on the May Bank Holiday weekend next year to do it all again!
bew.utsc.org.uk