Merlin Rockets at the Allspars Final Fling Dinghy Regatta 2026
by David Lucas 22 Oct 09:15 BST
17-18 October 2026
Allspars Final Fling Dinghy Regatta © Nicola Davies
The Allspars Final Fling attracted a fleet of 82 boats, ranging from Mirrors to Nacra 15s, for a weekend of competitive racing under bright, sunny skies in Plymouth.
Three Merlin Rockets competed in the medium fleet, positioned between the fast fleet, slow fleet, and Phantoms. This was a Craftinsure Silver Tiller and Allspars South West Series event.
Racing commenced at 1pm under clear blue skies and a light, shifting wind. This allowed ample time for competitors to travel down and prepare their boats.
The first two races followed a championship-style windward leeward course, measured by the number of beats. The final downwind leg transitioned into a trapezoid course finishing at the committee boat. Each race lasted approximately 45 minutes.
The last race of the day was a 4-mile long-distance course around the breakwater and back to the club. Conditions outside the breakwater proved challenging and memorable for Rob and Andy, who sailed so close to the rocks that they ripped their fixed rudder clean off the pintles. Remarkably, they completed the final upwind leg rudderless, sailing all the way to the finish line and into the harbour.
Sunday's racing began at 9am, with the sunshine continuing but cloud cover increasing. The wind strengthened into a more consistent breeze, ideal for the faster fleets.
James and Anna maintained their strong form from Saturday, often rounding the windward mark in first place. Rob and Andy, having repaired their rudder overnight, returned to competitive form and were battling for top positions.
A lengthy delay occurred between the final short race and the long-distance race due to a late Brittany ferry, leaving sailors cooling down in the stronger wind. Despite this, spirits remained high.
The long-distance race took place inside the breakwater, following existing marks. Sailors referred to the maps distributed on Saturday. James and Anna led for most of the race until the fast fleet, which started last, closed the gap near the finish.
The final standings reflected the skill and consistency of the Merlin Rocket teams:
1. James Wells & Anna Aylward - 3rd overall (1st Gold Fleet)
2. Rob Kennaugh & Andrew Prosser - (1st Platinum Fleet)
3. David Lucas & Robyn Taylor - (1st Bronze Fleet)
A fantastic weekend was enjoyed by all that concluded the Allspars South West Series and leaves one Craftinsure Sillver Tiller event to go. Although the event will not be a Silver Tiller event next year, it may be part of the South West Series (tbc) we encourage everyone to mark the 10-year anniversary of the Final Fling in their calendars.
The next and final Craftinsure Silver Tiller takes place at Brightlingsea Sailing Club on Saturday 31st October followed by the end of season Dinner and Dance. Tickets are on sale at www.sailbrightlingsea.com/event/1203635