Merlin Rocket Open Meeting at Banbury Sailing Club

Merlin Rockets enjoy the hospitality at Banbury © Rod Bowes

Merlin Rockets enjoy the hospitality at Banbury © Rod Bowes

33 Merlin Rockets gathered at Boddington Reservoir for this Silver Tiller Open Meeting. The day was initially a somewhat cloudy but soon developed into bright sunshine with the downside of a very light easterly / north-easterly wind – not the best direction on this water.

The opening race got away with only one over the line and Faithless (Richard Whitworth & Sally Townend) taking an early lead over Attack of the Clones (Dave Winder & Pippa Taylor), Phantom Menace (Jen Tayler & Chris Dodds), Hot Totty (Pat Blake & Gilly Blake) and Business As Usual (Glen Truswell & Olly Turner).

The wind swung round more to the north during the race and Faithless managed to open out a lead on the following pack which was held to the end. Behind the leader, Hot Totty steadily moved up to take second place from Attack of the Clones in third and Business As Usual in fourth.

Towards the back of the field, Love of the Rocks had to retire as the helm was unable to identify the vegetarian lasagne whilst under spinnaker and was forced ashore to find that the galley crew had classified it as a pudding as it was in a round dish! After all everybody knows that lasagne comes in rectangular sheets and therefore cannot be in a round dish!

The second race was run back to back with a change of course to accommodate the wind shift. The fleet got away cleanly on the first attempt with Monkey Business (Alex Jackson & Fran Gifford) taking the early lead followed by Hot Totty, Business As Usual, Carbonator (Steve & Gill Leney) and Quick Fix (Mike Calvert & Chris Downham). Monkey Business held on to her lead on the second lap but there was some place swopping behind with Carbonator coming through into second place from Quick Fix, Hot Totty and Smart Tart (Simon Blake & Phil Dalby). Monkey Business held off Quick Fix to take the gun with Hot Totty in third and Carbonator fourth.

After a leisurely lunch, the fleet took to the water again, back on the first course sailed to take account of yet another wind shift. With five boats in with a good chance of a win, the fleet were a little too keen at the start and a general recall ensued. The second start, under black flag got away cleanly with nobody over the line. This time, it was Attack of the Clones who took an early lead from Business As Usual, Quick Fix, Stomper (Tom Stewart & Liam Dempsey) and Faithless. Attack of the Clones successfully held on to the lead to take the race with Quick Fix in second, Faithless in third and Business As Usual fourth.

At the end of the day, the first boats in the first three places were all tied on 4 points and, after much head scratching, rule book consultation and ‘asking the experts’, the winner was declared to be Attack of the Clones helmed by Dave Winder & crewed by Pippa Taylor of Hollingsworth Lake SC.

Second was Faithless, Richard Whitworth & Sally Townend of Hollingsworth Lake SC and third was Quick Fix, Mike Calvert & Chris Downham of Axe SC. Prizes were also awarded to the first Mature boat (20+ years old) and this went to Jon Steward and Nick Yannakoyorgos of Wembley SC who came in 19th in Cream Cracker (2997) built in 1975 and the prize for the first Prime of Life boat (between 10 & 20 years old) went to Andy & Chris Bownes in 3510, The Resurrection which came in 18th overall.

Thanks to the duty crew ably led by Club President, Dave Cornish, the catering team who kept everybody fed, those behind the bar and to Rod Bowes for the excellent photos. Without such helpers the day would not have been possible nor as enjoyable for everyone.

Many sponsors deserve a mention here too...Speed Sails sponsor the Silver Tiller series, and the following companies sponsor the Midland Circuit: Alverbanks Sails, Batt Sails, Dirtyhands, Dunoon Ceramics, MF Promotions, Paintcraft, Pinnell & Bax, Winder Boats. Thanks to all.