Merlin Rocket Allen South East Series and Craftinsure Vintage Series at Broadwater Sailing Club

Driving round the M25, you would never know that just five minutes from junction 16, there is a dirt road, opposite a pub which will take you a meandering route alongside a canal to the haven that is Broadwater Sailing Club. It was here that we had the pleasure of racing for round two of the Merlin Rocket South East Series, sponsored by Allen Brothers, alongside the Craftinsure Vintage and Classic Series.

There is something to be said for launching just five minutes before the start - although, after a long winter break, it doesn't leave much time to remember what all the strings do. James Goodfellow and George Major showed no such hesitation, demonstrating the benefits of winter training as they led the fleet around the windward mark and stretched away in a perfect gust downwind. A gybe and a tight reach across the bottom suggested they were gone. However, this is pond sailing, and on the next run the chasing pack closed dramatically in a strong puff. At the finish, it was Chris Gould and Sophie Mackley who took the win, followed by James and George, with Tom Lonsdale and Caroline Gould in third.

Breeze on for Jess Copper during the Allen South East Merlin Rocket event at Broadwater Sailing Club - photo © Rob O'Neill

In race two, Chris and Sophie made an early move, tacking before the wading birds and picking up a favourable shift between the islands to round the windward mark in the lead. Big breeze caused chaos on the bottom reach, where the choice often seemed to be between ploughing into an island or capsizing. The yellow buoys marking the shallows claimed at least one rudder, while James and George were forced ashore to resolve their own issues. Chris and Sophie secured another win, with Tom and Caroline taking second after a close battle with Paul Rayson and Christian Hill, and Tony and Jess Cooper.

Paul Rayson and Christian Hill in a gust during the Allen South East Merlin Rocket event at Broadwater Sailing Club - photo © Rob O'Neill

Race three saw James and George return to form, battling hard with Alan Krailing and Pete Nicholson for the lead. The gusty conditions continued to catch sailors out on the lower reaches, but this time James and George came out on top, ahead of Alan and Pete, with Chris and Sophie completing the top three.

Overall, Chris Gould and Sophie Mackley took the event win. James Goodfellow and George Major finished second, with George also claiming first youth, while Tom Lonsdale and Caroline Gould secured third place. Stuart Jenkins and Nicola Scaddan were the top vintage boat, and local sailors Andy Cooney and Peter Joseph took both first classic and first local honours.

Chris Gould and Sophie Mackley win the Allen South East Merlin Rocket event at Broadwater Sailing Club - photo © Rob O'Neill

Our thanks go to Broadwater Sailing Club for delivering superb racing on a beautiful lake, with excellent race management and safety cover led by Dave Cherrill and his team. The day was bookended with copious and delicious food provided by Mike Herman—an offering very much appreciated by all competitors (and included in the entry).

As someone who usually prefers tides and waves, I have to admit the Merlin Rocket South East Series, sponsored by Allen Brothers, has won me over. It showcases the very best of both restricted waters and sea venues across the region, while fostering a fantastic sense of camaraderie between clubs (go Shoreham!). With only two events completed so far, there is plenty to look forward to, with upcoming venues including Burnham, Fishers Green, Stone, Shoreham and Itchenor. Even if you are not based in the South East, you would be more than welcome to join in.

Andrew and Ellie Mills competing in the Craftinsure Vintage Series during the Allen South East Merlin Rocket event at Broadwater Sailing Club - photo © Rob O'Neill

The next Allen South East Series event is at Royal Corinthian Yacht Club on Sunday 19th April.

Overall Results: