Shepherd Neame Merlin Rocket Nationals at Whitstable - Day 4

We should have seen Race 4 sailed in a building sea breeze. However, this was not to be as the gradient breeze battled with the thermals and so generated a light and at times unstable breeze. R/O Jon Silk and his team valiantly did their best but it was not to be, and after several General recalls and one Black Flag, racing was postponed and carried over to Thursday. Unfortunately 3543 (Chris Martin/Tom Holland), 3692 (Rein Zilvold/Julie Nuttel) and 3705 (Matt Biggs/Rob Kennaungh) were black flagged and will not be taking part in race 4. So Thursday will be the big one for on form team 3626 (Glenn Truswell/Olly Turner). Will the Hyde powered machine win and get the monkey off their backs or will they capitulate at the last hurdle? Tomorrow’s report will hopefully reveal all.

Championship Fleet Report

Olly Turner crew of 3626 sailing with Glenn Truswell, gives an account of his experience during the championships so far. To tell you the truth, I could lay it on thick with which way it has paid to go so far this week but really there has been a much bigger picture to see with many places to be had. So on with the goings of onshore!

Now the fleet is halfway through the social programme, with the racing, there is a case of catch-up on Thursday, the fleet has really settled into an easy going week. We were greeted by a friendly, enthusiastic and helpful team of organisers who soon had the fleet registered, weighed and halfway through a barrel of Orangeboom by mid-afternoon. After skipping the helms part of the SI’s, I headed straight for the social programme to find a week packed full of live bands and DJ’s with room for a local brewery trip and even a fancy dress evening!

Saturday evening was owned by local covers band Sneakin Sally, who kept the encores coming past last orders to a packed dance floor. Good job everyone brought their dancing feet!

Onto Sunday's proceedings and a top DJ kept the crowd happy with an array of era’s covering all bases from the sixties right through to the latest chart toppers.

A brewery trip was held on Monday, with the fleet either opting for a few knowledgeable beers and very reasonably priced three course meal, or a few at the yacht club, watching the sun go down from the veranda or sea wall, Orangebooms in hand! Worthwhile performances already noted from the team of Kennaugh/Robinson/Tunnicliffe who are well on the way to achieving their goal of spending more time drinking on ‘The Wall’ then actually sailing on the water! Nice work lads!

Tuesday was a lay day, and wasn’t it that indeed! Many chose beach barbies instead of the many local cuisines, with a few heading on pub crawls.

Onto tonight’s proceedings and I’ve just realised that my fancy dress is not finished yet with only an hour to go! Rumours going around the fleet have suggested washing lines, whales and Alan Warren lookeelikeys proving popular for the ‘W’ theme! Hilarious photos heading your way soon!

Holt Plate Report

The following is a report by Dan Parsons, helming 3666 and with crew Hamish Kilburn currently leading the Holt Plate series.

Whitstable has once again done us proud, with a mixed bag of conditions providing some great racing. So far we have had sunshine throughout the week, making for champagne sailing conditions enjoyed by all and plenty of socials to keep everyone well lubricated in the evenings. Thankfully the 12 noon starts has given everyone a chance to sober up and the wind to settle down, at least that is, until today.

As newcomers to the fleet, Hamish and I (3666) have sailed the first half of the series with consistency scoring a 19th, 15th and 14th overall. Unaware of the handicap series, we were over the moon to find out that we were leading the Holt Sponsored Plate going into the fourth of six races.

With moments of glory, we played the pressure and shifts up the middle of the course to arrive at the first windward mark yesterday in fourth position. It was unfortunately short-lived, with the uphaul coming off the end of the pole, resulting in Hamish showing off his cat-like gymnastic abilities to prance around on the foredeck to solve the issue. Whilst a number of boats sailed through and the top-end of the fleet making very few mistakes in the following three and a half laps, we slipped back to a respectable 14th place, managing to just get the upper-hand of our Whitstable rivals Phil Emery/Sophie Mackley (3700) and John Cooper/Hilary Bradshaw (3672).

Unfortunately however, today the weather broke its rhythm, with a battling gradient and sea breeze making it incredibly difficult for John Silk and his race team who have done a great job so far. With a number of attempts to get race four underway with a strong tide pushing the fleet over the line, it was inevitable that we eventually saw the Black Flag rear it’s ugly head. With pressure and tide perceived to be stronger on the left, Hamish and I made a good, conservative start, at the pin end, only for the race to be abandoned shortly after, to be re-sailed tomorrow.

With more breeze expected, we are looking forward to the final three races of the Championships and the opportunity to defend our position in the Handicap Series. Once again thanks to John Silk and his race team who have done a sterling job in some difficult conditions and all those that have had a hand in organising a great Champs.

More information on the event website.