Merlin Rocket Open at Hampton Sailing Club
by Derek May & Andrew Mills 20 Sep 2005 09:09 BST
18 September 2005
Crowded racing at the Hampton Merlin Rocket open © Derek May
A chilly morning with only a light westerly wind greeted the 32 boats taking part in this year's Merlin Rocket open meeting, also a restricted water event of the Silver Tiller series. Hampton had laid on every neccessity for a good day out exept for the wind to drive the boats round.
Visitors came from Beaver, Oxford, Papercourt, Shoreham, Tamesis and Wembley Sailing clubs and with a full turn out of the Hampton boats of varying ages and shapes, the fleet was split into four flights. Even with this the start line was very crowded.
In the first pair of races Glen Truswell from Beaver S.C. crewed by Ellie Bremmner led throughout the race, sailing the multiple championship-winning Restless IV, a Proctor MkIX from 1960; with 3643 "Moist", William Warren from Shoreham S.C. crewed by Tom Bowen-Perkins in close pursuit. In the second start 3656 "Wild Card" sailed by Rob Wilder and Tom Mclaughlin from Tamesis S.C. came from third to finish ahead of 3650 "Headcase" sailed by Tosh from Wembley S.C. crewed by Andy Douglas.
The second pair of races were sailed on a shorter course as the wind went from light to just detectable. This increased the need for good start and with many boats pushing the line, a general recall. On the restart Glen Truswell once again led from start to finish followed home by the refurbished 2018 Krakatoa (Alan Warrens old boat, 2nd in the 1967 championships) sailed by Hywel Perkins from Hampton S.C. crewed by his young son Morgan. The other start saw 3560 "Luka" sailed by Oliver Houseman from Tamesis S.C. crewed by Catherine Ashley hold off 3616 "Golden Snitch 2" sailed by Alan Warren from Shoreham S.C. (see Krakatoa above) crewed by Alex Jackson, to take first place.
The final two starts were a short one lap "dash" although with only the lightest breeze now, perhaps dash was a bit of an exaggeration. As before Glen Truswell led from the start, followed home by Hywel Perkins. The second start saw Rob Wilder in 3656 finish ahead of Tosh in 3650.
Overall Results:
1st 1222 “Restless IV” Glen Truswell and Ellie Bremmner (Beaver S.C.)
2nd 3656 “Wild Card” Rob Wilder and Tom McLaughlin (Tamesis S.C.)
3rd 3560 “Luka” Oliver Houseman and Catherine Ashley (Tamesis S.C.)
4th 2018 “Krakatoa” Hywel Perkins and Morgan Perkins (Hampton S.C.)
5th 3650 “Headcase” Tosh and Andy Douglas (Wembley S.C.)
1st Junior 3580 “Chambulls” Natalie Fuller crewed by Alan Fuller (Hampton S.C.)
1st Lady helm 3653 “Artemis” Judith Massey crewed by Phil Dalby (Papercourt S.C.)