Merlin Rocket Downriver Race 2025 at Ranelagh Sailing Club

Waiting for the start - Merlin Rocket Downriver Race at Ranelagh © Nicola Scaddan

Thirteen Merlin Rockets arrived at Ranelagh Sailing Club for their Annual Down River Race. This was the second visit to the club this year in Class's Racing Calendar and was the final event in the Thames, Classic and Vintage Series'.

The weather forecast was for very light winds, but thirteen Merlins braved the weather in the hope that sailing was viable. On arrival, they were received the usual warm welcome from Ranelagh Sailing Club with bacon sandwiches and tea whilst enjoying the beautiful views of the tidal River Thames and the legendary hustle and bustle of Putney Hard.

After some debate and review, it was decided by the Race Officer, Richard Westover, that there was enough to race to the delight of all the competitors; however due to the light wind conditions, the race would finish at the bottom mark near to Battersea Park.

Competitors received a comprehensive briefing about the course and were reminded that the SIs allowed boat crews to stand in the shallows, up to and after the start to avoid being pushed downstream of the start line by the strong ebb tide.

Rowers wait on the shore as the race starts - Merlin Rocket Downriver Race at Ranelagh - photo © Nicola Scaddan

30 minutes before, Stuart Jenkins lost his crew to illness, but Richard Jarvis from the home club kindly stepped up and agreed to crew in a Merlin for the first time.

So, it was all about timing! With 30 seconds to the start the first boats stepped from the shore into their boats. Stuart Jenkins & Richard Jarvis in 723 (Holt Martine design) and Andrew Harris & Sara Warren in 607 (Holt 1oH design) timed leaving the shore perfectly and by Putney Bridge had a slight lead over the main fleet.

Once under the bridge, Stuart/ Richard and Andrew/ Sara extended their lead over the main fleet, with Andrew/ Sara pulling ahead of Stuart/ Richard. As the race progressed downstream Rob & Hatty Cage in 1692 (Adur 7 design) broke free of the main fleet, leaving 607, 723 and 1692 well clear of the main group.

Eventually, Rob/ Hatty overtook Stuart/ Richard before the finish. The first three boats all finished within two minutes of each other, with Andrew/ Sara first, Rob/ Hatty second, Stuart/ Richard third and Pat & Jilly Blake in 901 (Holt Nelly design) fourth.

The first Classic Merlin was Graham & Nicola Webb in 3506 (Smarty Pants design) in eighth place. After the racing and packing away of boats, everyone sat down to a very welcome and legendary Ranelagh Sailing Club lunch, which was superb!

Fran Gifford hosted the prize-giving and thanked the competitors, the sponsor and everyone involved in running an excellent event.

The overall event (Thames & Vintage Series points) was won by Andrew Harris and Sara Warren in their Vintage boat and the first Classic Series was won by Graham and Nicola Webb.

Special thanks to Fran Gifford, who organised the event, Richard Westover and his Race Team for their expert race management, and to all the helpers at Ranelagh Sailing Club for making the event such a success.

After the event prize-giving Stuart Jenkins hosted the overall end of series prize-giving, which will be reported on separately.

Under the bridges they go - Merlin Rocket Downriver Race at Ranelagh - photo © Richard Westover

Overall Results: