Merlin Rocket Tideway Race 2026 at Ranelagh Sailing Club sponsored by Leveche Associates

Entire fleet trying to get under one arch - Merlin Rocket Tideway Race at Ranelagh sponsored by Leveche Associates © Rob O'Neill

Sunday 19th July saw nearly 40 Merlin Rockets from boat sail No.1 up to 3828 gather on the banks of Putney Embankment to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Merlin Rocket Class; this event was sponsored by Leveche Associates Limited (Licensing & Security Consultants) and the Merlin Rocket Owners' Association.

Ranelagh Sailing Club is a place we often refer to as the home of the class as it was here Jack Holt first built Merlin no. 1 Kate, a prototype for the Merlin Class, so it was very fitting that it was raced by custodian and RSC member Fran Gifford, crewed by Ed Low.

Merlin number 1, 'Kate' - Merlin Rocket Tideway Race at Ranelagh sponsored by Leveche Associates - photo © Rob O'Neill

With a start time of no earlier than 1245, Brian Clarke announced at the briefing that there would be a delay of the start at 1310. With a downwind start, no spinnakers were allowed until passing under Fulham Railway bridge, the second bridge on the course - quite a fortuitous decision when you see the photo! Competitors were reminded to keep to the southern side of the river on the downstream leg, rounding a single mark to port off Battersea Pagoda before sailing on the northern side of the river back to the finish line, the same start line.

The fleet had a frisky start and promptly congregated under the central arch of Putney Bridge, in what looks to be 25 abreast from the photos.

Quickly Ollie Houseman and Egle Tumosaite broke free from the pack to lead the fleet all the way to the turning mark. Meanwhile, many a battle was going on behind. Your report writer, in the chasing pack, consisted of the vintage Merlins of Andrew Harris and Sara Warren, John and Livvy Bell and Mark Barwell and Lou Johnson, plus two modern boats raced by James Wells and Anna Aylward, along with Duncan Salmon and Luke Moore joining the party.

Merlin Rocket Tideway Race at Ranelagh sponsored by Leveche Associates - photo © Rob O'Neill

Whilst the fleet was two bridges short of the turning mark, Battersea Railway Bridge, the tide had already turned, catching some of the fleet off guard. Ollie and Egle by this point were already on the leg back upstream, with Andy and Sara keen to break free as quickly as possible. This left positions two to six open to anyone in the chasing pack. No one was safe as this was a battle of modern versus vintage!

Andy and Sara, on the return leg set off in hot pursuit of Ollie, who by now had a 500+m lead. With the flood tide now building, the remainder of the fleet struggled during a light wind period to make the mark. With their spinnaker flying, Andy and Sara were able to eat into Ollie's lead, eventually catching up between Battersea Railway and Wandsworth Bridge, bringing the breeze with them as Ollie and Egle dealt with a new dynamic as the river changed course.

From Wandsworth Bridge to the finish, it was nip and tuck with never more than a tack in it between the two leaders, the final leg from Putney Bridge to the finish line was sailed in a fresh breeze, Ollie and Egle pipping Andy and Sara on the line just a few seconds in it after an hour and a half of racing.

Merlin Rocket Tideway Race at Ranelagh sponsored by Leveche Associates - photo © Rob O'Neill

Meanwhile, the battle for third was on with everyone getting their bow to the front of the pack at some point. In what can only be described as some Olympic-standard shore support from Anna's sister, Katy and friends, who were cycling from bridge to bridge, James and Anna picked their way through the pack to take third on the water and the first modern boat home. Behind them, John and Livvy Bell held onto fourth, and then Duncan and Luke were keen to fight for the Salmon Steaks battle, taking fifth from Mark and Lou in sixth.

Ashore, the party was just getting started. RSC had organised a fantastic BBQ for the competitors, and there was yet another epic cake, bubbles and a wonderful atmosphere to celebrate the class where it all began.

As Ollie Houseman said in his speech, without the competitors there would be no event, thanking competitors from Birmingham, Devon and Belgium. A special thanks also went to Brian Clarke, who travelled all the way from Glasgow especially to be Race Officer for the day. Thank you, Leveche Associates Limited (Licensing & Security Consultants) and the Merlin Rocket Owners' Association for their support of the 80th Tideway and to Rowsell Sails, our Thames Series sponsor and Craftinsure, our Vintage Series sponsor, of which this event was part.

Merlin Rocket Tideway Race at Ranelagh sponsored by Leveche Associates - photo © Rob O'Neill

The celebrations continue

Entries are open for the Aspire National Championships at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy - see portal.merlinrocket.co.uk/booking/type/championship

We then have our special event on the 5th September at Upper Thames Sailing Club which includes a women's, youth and all-members race followed by a Champions of Champions Race, which will see past champions compete and some in the very boat they won their National Championship title in.

In the evening, there is a party, and all are welcome, with tickets on sale now portal.merlinrocket.co.uk/event/1109081

Battle right to the end: Ollie and Egle leading from Andy and Sara - Merlin Rocket Tideway Race at Ranelagh sponsored by Leveche Associates - photo © Rob O'Neill

Overall Results: