Craftinsure continue sponsorship of Merlin Rocket's Silver Tiller series in 2019
by Lou Johnson 18 Dec 2018 07:31 PST
Merlin & Fireball Open at Shoreham © Warwick Baker /
www.warwickpics.com
The Merlin Rocket Class is delighted to announce that Craftinsure and Magic Marine will be continuing their support of the class Silver Tiller in 2019, with Craftinsure as the title sponsor and Magic Marine as clothing partner.
The Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller is today one of the most coveted trophies in the UK dinghy sailing calendar. It was presented in 1950 by J Duncan-Ferguson, seeks to find the helm with the best aggregate results in nominated Open, Restricted and Sea events across the UK, usually held between March and October. The 2019 circuit organised by Olly Turner, sees the class return to many of the old favourites of the class as well as new venues for upcoming fleets such as Itchenor Sailing Club, and returning to clubs the fleet have not visited in a few years such as Chew Valley.
"Craftinsure are delighted to be sponsoring the Silver Tiller again in 2019. Whilst higher claims costs have forced the need to increase premiums recently, we remain fully committed to providing Merlin Rocket owners with the most cost-effective insurance solution possible and to maintaining our close relationship with the Association, as confirmed by our continued involvement with the travellers circuit," comments Mark Lee on behalf of Craftinsure.
Olly has a tricky task, "The Merlin Rocket fleets appears to be in high demand and it's a balancing act of arranging the circuit geographically as well as fitting enough events within our category. I have had some great feedback from the dates for next year, which makes the hard work worthwhile."
To qualify helms, need to compete five events including one in each category.
Restricted
March 9 Burghfield
March 17 Wembley
April 7 Midland
June 2 Ranelagh
September 14/15 Upper Thames
October 5/6 Hollingworth
October 12/13 Chew Valley
Open
March 23 Chichester
March 24 Itchenor
March 31 Bartley
April 13/14 Salcombe
May 11/12 Starcross
June 15/16 Parkstone *
October 19 Blithfield (followed by the dinner and dance)
Sea
April 27/28 Hayling Island
May 4/5/6 Pwllheli
May 18/19 Brightlingsea
June 15/16 Parkstone *
June 22/23 Whitstable
August 3/4 Shoreham
September 8/9 Lymington
* Parkstone two-day open meeting covers two categories
Further to awarding prizes for first to third at Silver Tiller events in 2019, the MROA has prizes for Silver and Bronze fleets too. "We are cautious that the standard of sailing in the class is high, and we want to do as much as we can to encourage sailors of all levels onto the circuit as well as supporting their club racing. We hope to see more boats qualify in 2019," says Olly Turner, Silver Tiller organiser.
Magic Marine will once again be supporting the circuit, with prizes being awarded throughout the fleet not just at the Silver Tiller but also the Aspire National Championships in Looe, the Nautilus Inland Championships at Grafham, as well as Salcombe week. We will also have announcement in early January for those under 25 looking to come and try a Merlin Rocket.
"Magic Marine share some core values with the Merlin Rocket class, great sailing, strong ties with friends and family, and a blend of tradition with contemporary high-performance design... all that is great about our wonderful sport," comments George Kingsnorth from Magic Marine UK. "Magic Marine are delighted to be supporting the Merlin Rocket class and their Silver Tiller series once again and can't wait for the season to begin."
For more details visit: www.merlinrocket.co.uk or find us on your favourite social media platform #MerlinRocket