Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller, Allen SE, Classic & Vintage Series at Wembley Sailing Club

Pre start at Wembley Sailing Club for the Craftinsure Silver Tiller and the Allen South East Series © Rob O'Neill

A warm Wembley Welcome for the Merlin Rocket Fleet

Twenty-four Merlin Rockets ascended to Wembley Sailing Club for the Craftinsure Silver Tiller, Vintage & Classic Open, and the opening event of the Allen SE Series on Sunday 22nd March. With three races scheduled, the race committee and fleet remained cautiously optimistic despite the distinctly light wind conditions drifting across the reservoir.

Trying to find the wind at Wembley for the Craftinsure Silver Tiller and the Allen South East Series - photo © Rob O'Neill

Race One

Race one began on time, with Caroline Gould & Livvy Bell executing a clean and confident start, quickly pulling ahead of the fleet. They were chased by Tom & Ed Low and Ed Chapman & Jam Adam as the fleet settled into the race.

As the race progressed, the already light breeze continued to soften, creating favourable catching conditions for Flinkidink, vintage Merlin Rocket 1097, sailed by Stuart Jenkins & Nicola Scaddan. They steadily reeled in Caroline & Livvy and ultimately managed to pip them right on the finish line to take the win.

However, fortunes turned further for Caroline & Livvy when it was confirmed they had been OCS at the start, bringing Mike & Jane Calvert into second place, with Richard Coulter & Louis Lappage taking third.

Merlin Rockets at Wembley Sailing Club for the Craftinsure Silver Tiller and the Allen South East Series - photo © Rob O'Neill

Race Two

Following a general recall, race two got under way with the committee boat end proving heavily favoured. Julian Bradley & Helen Cafferata led around the first windward mark, closely pursued by Stuart & Nicola.

The first downwind leg saw significant changes in positions, with a sizeable pile up involving several boats, including Pat & Jilly Blake forming a raft mid run. This allowed Mike & Jane, who stayed low, and Caroline & Livvy along with Duncan & Luke, who kept high, to slip cleanly past the congestion.

This set up a tight three-way battle between Stuart & Nicola, Mike & Jane, and Caroline & Livvy for the podium. After several place changes and a slight penalty from Caroline & Livvy at the final mark, Mike & Jane broke away cleanly to claim the win, followed by Stuart & Nicola in second and Caroline & Livvy securing third.

A special shoutout goes to the race team, who kept spirits (and sugar levels) high by distributing chocolate on the water while the race officer reset the start line at the club end of the reservoir.

Mike and Jane Calverts - Winners at Wembley Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller and Allen South East Series - photo © Rob O'Neill

Race Three

The final race began downwind, with Caroline & Livvy hitting the pin end at pace alongside Richard & Louis, leading the fleet around Marks 5 and 6.

However, Mike & Jane again demonstrated impressive skill, squeezing inside at Mark 2 before extending their lead all the way to the finish. Caroline & Livvy took a well-earned second place, with Stuart & Nicola in third and Richard Cooke & Russell Hall finishing strongly in fourth.

Paul Dean and Hannah Burt at the Wembley Sailing Club Craftinsure Silver Tiller and the Allen South East Series - photo © Rob O'Neill

After hours of light wind concentration, the fleet returned ashore to find a delicious club cooked curry waiting, a well-earned and perfect finish to a successful day.

Special thanks to Joe Shaw who organised the event, Geoff O'Neill for his expert race management in getting three races in back-to-back, Rob O'Neill for the great photos and to all the helpers at Wembley Sailing Club for giving up their time to make the event a great success.

Congratulations to the winners of the Classic fleet:

John Curran & Mark Greenstreet
Graham & Nicola Webb

Vintage fleet:

Stuart Jenkins & Nicola Scaddan
Pat & Jilly Blake

Next up on the Craftinsure Silver Tiller is at Salcombe Yacht Club on the 11th and 12th April which is also the first event in the Allspars South West Series. The next Allen South East Series is at Broadwater Sailing Club on 28th March which is also combine Classic and Vintage event.

Overall Results: