Merlin Rocket Midland Circuit at Bartley Sailing Club

17 boats gathered at Bartley SC to take part in the first Merlin open to be held there in a number of years. The clubs fledgling fleet were keen to impress and made us feel most welcome.

PRO Steve Ward, Assisted by Leigh Wilson, set a good course with a hint of port bias to the line. The fleet got away at the first attempt and quickly were down to business. The oscillating westerly breeze was not the easiest to read and in this race was quite strong at times coming through in the the showers.

A three way tussle tussle for first was won by Matt Biggs and Ben Hollis with Rich Adams and Chris Gould second and Simon Potts and John Hackett third.

Race two was after lunch, and by now the wind had dropped slightly and gone round to the north a bit. Once again the line was pin biased, but the right hand side of the course paid with Matt and Ben rounding first and Chris Martin and Tom Dunne on their heels. The race was again won by Matt and Ben, Rich and Chris second and John and Simon emerginf from a tussle with Chris and Tom to take third.

By the time of race three the thunder was starting to rumble and the wind dying rapidly. A postponement was soundd and we went out a few minutes later only to find the wind all over the place. Steve and Leigh were trying their best to lay a square line, though i'm not sure it was quite necessary to ram Simon Potts - I'm sure he'd have moved if asked!! Anyway, the two Ods were facing an impossible task and we got underway eventually on a starboard biased line. Rich and Chris were first round and never challenged, with Chris Jennings and Nix Middleton-Stewart second. Mr reliable for the day was Simon Potts, 3rd again.

Bartley did the Merlins proud putting on a great event at short notice to bring the Midland Circuit back up to 10 events. Prizes were kindly donated by Hartley boats to spend in thier chandlery. Thanks to Mark Reddington, Steve and Leigh for their hard work prior to the day and to everyone who helped behind the scenes. We look forward to returning next year.

Overall Results: