Bill the Milk Trophy 2025 for Marblehead Vane model boats at Fleetwood Model Yacht Club
by Tony Wilson 29 Sep 22:20 BST
27 September 2025
Bill the Milk Trophy at Fleetwood © Tony Wilson
Rain was only forecast for late afternoon and a nice moderate breeze from the South East to greet us, what more does one want.
With four boats registered for the day and another surprise visit by Keith (AKA Wizzy) giving us an extra Classic Marblehead with the 2 others, in addition to the 2 Vintage boats.
Two points out and three back and a somewhat reach along the far bank was the order of the day, as it was more roadside than anticipated. Wizzy's light weight feather fell apart on his first run, allowing Tony an easy couple of points, is that fair? We did have a couple of spare bits of timber to help out.
The two Peter's were on form for the day and looked likely to be the top competitors. The fifth spare hand, helped as usual on his bye along with the kind extra help from Our Bob.
We sailed the first three heats before lunch and chanced having a break, before afternoon for the last couple of rounds with rain coming in. But we were pleasantly surprised and had a nice early finish anyway.
The last round had all to play for with the points all fairly close at the top end. Peter Isles had worked out he needed to beat Wizzy and if not, Wizzy had to beat Peter Whiteside, or a re-sail from early if all were tied on points, or something like that. Had us all confused. But Tony and Eric had nothing to worry about, both being at the bottom of the barrel.
The far end quarter of the lake had the most exciting spot on the water, if you could get away that is and had Tony with 'Ballerina', alongside Eric with his 'Willy Wonka' attempting multiple starts to get away. Ballerina then dancing and pirouetting, doing what Ballerina's always do best.
Nice win Peter. A Vintage had the day.
Reserved sail-off not needed in the end.
Results:
1 Peter Whiteside 18pts
2 Keith Wiseman 12 pts
3 Peter Isles 11 pts