70 years of Merlin Rockets at Parkstone Yacht Club

Niki and Christian Birrell winning the first race with Andy Davis and Alex Warren close behind during the 70th Anniversary Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller at Parkstone © David Harding / www.sailingscenes.com

Thirty-two Merlins entered the Parkstone YC Craftinsure Silver Tiller event this weekend (29/30 September), and all were stunned by the gloriously spectacular new clubhouse. The plentiful balcony space allowed us to appreciate the fine views across Poole Harbour as we all searched for signs of some wind.

After a short delay, the race officer took us out to the top triangle race area, and battle commenced. The fickle wind combined with unfathomable tidal streams and unpredictable shifts meant that everyone thought they could be in with a shout at the top placings. However the Birrell brothers and Taxi & Alex broke clear, with the Birrells just squeaking a win from Taxi & Alex.

70th Anniversary Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller at Parkstone - photo © David Harding / www.sailingscenes.com

With the breeze dropping further, the race officer abandoned for the day, allowing the fleet to prepare for party night! Parkstone YC was celebrating 70 years of Merlins at the club. The current fleet were joined by local heroes and notables for a splendid dinner with speeches, music and wild dancing. A great night was had by all, so many thanks to Ben & Louisa Archer, Steve & Ally Tyler and everyone else who made it happen.

Sunday dawned cold and cloudy, but still windless. Despite this, the fleet launched for the top triangle again. By the time we were in the course area the wind had settled in to allow four fine races. Sibling rivalry on Saturday proved too much for the Birrells, so Christian sailed with 'Dan the stand-in' crew. Normal service was resumed, and combos Birrell & Dan and Taxi & Alex were match-racing each other for the next three races. Further down the fleet, everyone had their moment in the sun, and results were as variable as the conditions, courtesy of huge windshifts and wind-lanes, that had even the locals scratching their heads.

70th Anniversary Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller at Parkstone - photo © David Harding / www.sailingscenes.com

The final race was a 'Parkstone special' harbour tour, requiring map reading skills, exceptional eyesight for mark-spotting, and a fair modicum of endurance! Local boys Jon Gorring & Pete Gray nailed it to lead at the first mark. Birrell caught and passed Jon, claiming overall victory in the event. Taxi came through well, from an uncharacteristic poor first beat, and had to settle for third, but second in the overall placings. The first two places were sealed, but minor placings were anybody's guess, with top spots gained by a wide range of people.

It was a great day for girl power with Sophie Mackley & Claire Mills and new paring Rachael Rhodes & Megan Pascoe each grabbing a third place. Family boats also went well, with Hendersons, Calverts and Tylers all scoring third and fourth places. In the final shakedown of variable results, the Calverts were third overall, 19 points behind Taxi in second!

70th Anniversary Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller at Parkstone - photo © David Harding / www.sailingscenes.com

Thanks to our sponsors Craftinsure and Magic Marine, and to everyone at Parkstone who managed to get five races completed in tricky conditions.

Overall Results: