Vintage Merlin Rocket DeMays Series at Hampton Sailing Club
by Derek May 4 Oct 2011 09:41 BST
1 October 2011
The seventeen vintage Merlins, including visitors from Tamesis, Upper Thames, Minima, Thames, Ranelagh & Hayling Island Sailing Clubs, that took part in this round of the De Mays series were faced with a gloriously sunny day but with no wind in the morning.
The first race was duly postponed and after a wait of an hour the decision was taken to have an early lunch in the hope that the wind would appear in the afternoon.
Fortunately the wind did appear and despite the delayed start the duty officer managed to fit in three races during the afternoon.
The first race was to be won by Phil Dalby from Hampton crewed by Ben Harridge, who led from the second lap, second place being taken by Mike Stevens crewed by Nicky Tullet-Erskine from Tamesis with third place going to Matt Jones crewed by Daena Church from Tamesis Sailing Club.
The second start had Mike Stevens gain an early lead and hold this to the end of the race, close behind were Martin Hunter crewed by Joe Tosh from Upper Thames Sailing Club and with third place going to Phil Dalby.
The final race was to see a repeat of the second with the first three places going to Mike Stevens, Martin Hunter and Phil Dalby.
Overall Results:
1st, 1097, Mike Stevens & Nicky Tullet-Erskine (Tamesis Club)
2nd, 1761, Phil Dalby & Ben Harridge (Hampton Sailing Club)
3rd, 774, Martin Hunter & Joe Tosh (Upper Thames Sailing Club)
4th, 995, Matt Jones & Daena Church (Tamesis Club)