Craftinsure Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller Felucca Trophy at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club

The view from the crew

I normally sail my Topper but when I got asked to crew in a Merlin how could I refuse the offer to have a go in yet another boat? It's not that complicated compared to a Topper. What could go wrong - apart from smashing my face on the lowers? They're definitely a bit bigger than a Topper!

Saturday R1: light airs. Matt Biggs and Beka Jones took an early lead and managed to sail to a solid race victory whilst the fleet behind had a battle for second (Arran Holman and Pippa Kilsby) and third (Tim Saxton and Mary Henderson).

R2: After a change of course Matt and Beka took the lead at mark 1 closely purused by James Goss and Chris Kilsby and the new team on the block Richard Whitworth and Jasper Bramwell (aged 13). A split on the downwind saw Richard and Jasper take a spot to move up to second still hot on the heels of Matt and Beka. On the second lap Richard and Jasper split the run again and managed to overtake Matt and Beka giving them the win in race 2 with second to Matt and Beka and third to James and Chris.

R3: At mark 1 three obvious leaders Arran and Pippa, Matt and Beka and Dave Wade and Ben Rayner had escaped the main pack and got away into the lead whilst the rest of the fleet continued to battle in drifting conditions. The conditions suited some of the more experienced partnerships but was frustrating for all.

Craftinsure Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller Felucca Trophy at Hollingworth - photo © Emma Turner

Sunday brought more breeze but rain as well. This seemed to slow down the rigging process.

R4: Matt and Beka take the lead followed by Tim and Mary second, then Steve Crook and Sally Townend in third. These position held until the last beat where Richard and Jasper managed to sneak into third place ahead of Steve and Sally to take third.

R5: Matt and Beka had another flier to win the event closely chased by James and Chris. Second overall went to Arron and Pippa after finishing third in the last race. Richard and Jasper managed to take Tim and Mary on the last beat to secure third overall.

Matt Biggs and Beka Jones win the Craftinsure Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller Felucca Trophy at Hollingworth - photo © Emma Turner

I really enjoyed the weekend, learnt lots from Richard, and can finally fly a spinnaker properly. I am now counting the bruises from stepping over the centreboard case. I hope I can get back in a Merlin Rocket again soon. But for now I'll stick to my Topper!

Thanks for the warm welcome into the fleet, I hope to be back soon

Richard Whitworth and Jasper Bramwell during the Craftinsure Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller Felucca Trophy at Hollingworth - photo © Emma Turner

From the nut on the tiller

So, to the legendary Felucca evening...

An excellent Spanish tapas buffet was laid on for the fleet and at £2 per pint the local ale was flowing nicely.

After enjoying the food and being invigorated by the laughter from the 'locals' table, mainly led by Boris and Debs Hegginbotham the fun really began.

The Port Hole was opened with disorganised helper inners and catchers projecting the victims through the window without injury. Job done, going through the Hollingworth Lake port hole ticked off the bucket list!

Pippa then somehow managed to coerce about six other people from her 'short' list into the wendy house. No mean feat.

The Wendy house Challenge during the Craftinsure Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller Felucca Trophy at Hollingworth - photo © Emma Turner

Oh and then some more drinking and socialising in the bar.

Many thanks to Nick Hornsby and his team for the race management plus John Groves for organising the Tapas. Thank you also to several other last minute local helpers who pulled together to make things such a success.

Finally, Jasper what a fun weekend, thanks for stepping in at the last minute. Blumin' well sailed given it was your first time in a Rocket and no doubt you're well under way to emulate your hero a certain Mr Stu Bithell.

It was another crackin' Felucca, see you all there next year.

Next up the Craftinsure Silver Tiller heads to Wembley Sailing Club on 24th October 2021.

Tim Saxton and Mary Henderson during the Craftinsure Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller Felucca Trophy at Hollingworth - photo © Emma Turner

Overall Results: