Craftinsure Merlin Rocket De May Vintage & Thames Series Open at Minima Yacht Club
by Nicola Scaddan 15 Jun 22:15 PDT
12 June 2021
The Minima De May and Thames Series open meeting took place on one of the hottest days of the year so far, with a very light and shifting breeze.
The first start was delayed due to a stand-up paddleboard racing event taking place on the Thames at Kingston in the morning, and racing got under way at 2:00 pm, for 3 races back-to-back, under the watchful eye of Ben Marshall as race officer. Stuart Jenkins and Nicola Scaddan from Hampton SC/Upper Thames SC led the first race from the start, and took line honours.
The second race was very close, with Stuart and Nicola fighting for the lead against Miles and Sue Palmer from Thames SC - Stuart and Nicola eventually won, in a tight finish.
In the final race, Miles and Sue caught a shift in the wind and opened up a good lead - no-one was able to catch them and they crossed the line in first place. The event overall was won by Stuart and Nicola. After the racing the competitors retired to the Club terrace to enjoy sandwiches, cake and drinks in the late afternoon sunshine. Ben Marshall was an excellent race officer, and prizes were presented by Rear Commodore John Forbes.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Boat Name | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 |
|---|
| 1 | Flinkidink | 1097 | Stuart Jenkins | Nicola Scaddan | Hampton SC/ UTSC | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Dipsomania | 2152 | Miles Palmer | Sue Palmer | Thames SC | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| 3 | Warrior | 1952 | Paul Seamen | Eileen Barry | Minima YC | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| 4 | Bow Belle | 685 | Anna Bishop | James Budden | Minima YC | 4 | 4 | 3 |