Craftinsure Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller Open at Shoreham Sailing Club

Merlins at Shoreham © Warwick Baker / www.warwickpics.com

Merlins at Shoreham © Warwick Baker / www.warwickpics.com

The Shoreham Merlin open, traditionally the warm up event for the Merlin Rocket National championships, always a 'proper' sail, always a closely fought regatta, this year's Craftinsure Silver Tiller open meeting did not disappoint in any way.

After a string of truly memorable Merlin events this year Wembley, Salcombe, South Canaervonshire, Hayling Island, Salcombe Merlin week, it's difficult to see how the sailing can just keep getting better and better, and the competition can keep getting stronger and stronger, but it did when 32 Merlin Rockets arrived to glorious sunshine and lifting flags for their annual open meeting over the weekend of 3-4 August.

A strong force 6-7 from the south west kept the competitors ashore for an hour on Saturday, however the wind moderated slightly enabling the excellent race team, headed up by PRO Peter Bennett to bring down the postponement flag.

Huge waves greeted the intrepid teams as they left the sheltered harbour, but the race got under way promptly with Taxi Davies and Tom Pygall leading round the windward mark before they succumbed to the wind and waves downwind. Ben and Roz McGrane took up the mantle showing the fleet some superb boat handling to take the win, closely followed by Jon Turner and Richard Parslow with Jon Gorringe and Toby Lewis in third.

With only a few breakages the rest of the fleet enjoyed some spectacular sailing (and swimming) in the extreme conditions, and with the weather due to moderate for Sunday the Race Officer opted for discretion over valour and brought the fleet home after one race. And the fleet had the chance to enjoy the hospitality of this lovely, friendly, Sailing Club

Sunday dawned to another glorious sunny day and a force 3-4 south westerly. Hangovers after a superb curry and late drinking session were soon washed away on the first reach, and again Ben and Roz lead from start to finish, but were pushed hard by Dave Hayes and Jonny Ratcliffe in second and Roger Gilbert and James Stewart in third..

After a slick, quick turn-around race three got underway with William Warren and Chris in their new ship leading at the windward mark, closely followed by Ben and Roz who duly took the lead and the win. Dave and Jonny were second followed by Jon and Toby.

Race 4 and out came the black flag on the second start, well, this is a champs warm up! Ben and Roz nailed the pin end and were off for their fourth victory of the weekend. Second was Jon and Toby and in third Taxi and Tom.

Overall Ben and Roz won all three trophies, for Saturday, Sunday and overall and are looking hot favourites for the Rooster Merlin Rocket National Championships in Tenby starting next weekend. Jon Gorringe and Toby Lewis were second with Dave Heyes and Jonny Ratcliffe third. First Shoreham boat was William Warren and Chris Robinson.

Overall Results: