Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller at Trent Valley Sailing Club
by Guy Browne 21 Sep 23:59 BST
20 September 2026
Trent Valley Sailing Club were looking forward to hosting the Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller, for the first time in over 30 years alongside the Vintage, Classic and Midland HD Series as well on Sunday 20th September.
Sunday prove a challenging day with a westerly breeze to keep everyone on their toes.
Sadly, a couple of boats pulled out to leave seven boats eager to start racing.
Just as the five minute signal blew Greg Martin 3437 crewed by James Dalby suddenly found their rig fall down, due to port side deck giving way.
Once started close racing up to buoy 1 saw plenty of lead changes in tricky conditions, Samuel Bailey crewed by Mia Hateley rounded first ahead Guy Browne and Tommi Cluley, Christopher Howarth and Michael Haworth and James Clark and Nikki Elliot, half way up river Pete Male filled up and retired. Chris managed to pass Guy for 2nd place on the next lap to take 2nd overall.
Race 2 saw a change of course with buoy 2 as the first mark to round. Samuel and Mia took the lead from Guy and Tommi, James and Nikki and Christopher and Michael who were having a fight for positions. On the run back down James and Nikki filled up and Pete and Time Male filled up for the 2nd time during the day. Sam and Mia came home first from Guy and Tommi, and Christopher and Michael in 3rd.
Race 3 saw Sam and Mia go off into the distance with Christopher and Michael holding Guy and Tommi off to the end of the race.
Trent Valley Traditional Roast Dinner followed, which was thoroughly deserved after an enjoyable day of sailing.
Next up
Craftinsure Silver Tiller is at Itchenor Sailing Club on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th October.
Vintage and Classic Series at Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club on Saturday 10th October.
The HD Sails Midland Circuit has now concluded for 2026.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Division | Fleet | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | Points |
|---|
| 1 | | Silver | 3752 | Samuel Bailey | Mia Hateley | South Staffordshire SC | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Vintage | Silver | 2663 | Christopher Haworth | Michael Hamilton | Blackpool & Fleetwood SC | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 | | Silver | 3690 | Guy Browne | Tommi Cluley | Trent Valley SC | 3 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 4 | | Bronze | 3619 | James Clark | Nikki Elliot | Trent Valley SC | 4 | 4 | 4 | 8 |
| 5 | Classic | Silver | 3547 | Pete Male | Tim Male | RYA | 8 | 5 | 5 | 10 |
| 6 | Vintage | Bronze | 2805 | Ian Laing | Andrew Hunt | | 5 | 8 | 8 | 13 |
| 7 | Classic | Bronze | 3437 | Greg Martin | James Dalby | Trent Valley SC | 8 | 8 | 8 | 16 |