Merlin Rocket Weekend at Hampton Sailing Club

Hampton Vintage Merlin Open © Graham York

Hampton Vintage Merlin Open © Graham York

Tim Medcalf & Valerie Hamill win the Merlin Rocket Thames Series © Graham York

Hampton Vintage Merlin Open and Merlin De May (Saturday 12th October 2019)

The Open was held in light winds and rain. After close racing in the first two races, it was all to play for in the final race with three boats each holding a first and second.

Following expert light wind racing the final results were 1st Simon Girven and Richard Parslow, 2nd Stuart Jenkins and Nicola Scadden and 3rd Hywel Perkins (Snr) & Lucy Penwarden.

This was also the final event in the De May Vintage series. Overall winners Stuart Jenkins and Nicola Scadden from Hampton. Tim Medcalf & Valarie Hamill from Tamesis were second and Sel Shah & Gemma Horwood in third from Thames.

Tim's beautiful original and part restored Martine designed boat, number 596 was also presented with an equally beautiful silver Porridge Pot, the prize for most original boat.

Valerie Hamill was also awarded most improved newcomer.

Saturday evening was celebrated with a delicious Curry supper, guest ales and a few too many Dark & Stormy's!

Hampton Merlin Open and Thames Series (Sunday 13th October 2019)

Sunday arrived with 13 boats sailing for the Merlin Open and also the final race of the Thames Series. They were greeted with a very gusty and fresh westerly breeze which meant that good spinnaker handling was essential to staying upright, as some found to their cost!!

The first race was won by Phil Dalby and Suzi Bell with John & Livvy Bell 2nd and Simon Girven and Richard Parslow 3rd. Tim Medcalf demonstrated the advantages of a wide decked Martine design boat with a capsize, however still managing to come upright dry inside, which was just as well as the boat doesn't have transom flaps or self-bailers.

By the second race the wind had steadied and gone SW giving a solid beat upwind and a planing run downriver. After tight racing John & Livvy Bell were 1st with Phil Dalby and Suzi Bell coming in second.

The deciding third race was held in sunshine and a steady wind, a pleasant change from the rain! With plenty of place changing. The final race and the day's result were 1st John & Livvy Bell with Phil Dalby and Suzi Bell 2nd and Simon Girven and Richard Parslow 3rd which was also their final finishing positions.

Overall the Thames series was won by Tim Medcalf crewed by Valerie Hamill from Tamesis, 2nd Sel Shah & Nicky Erskin- Tolloch from Thames and 3rd John & Livvy Bell from Hampton.

Overall Results: