Merlin Rocket National Championship sponsored by Aspire at Tenby Sailing Club - Day 1

Merlin Rocket Nationals at Tenby day 1 © Alistair Mackay

Rocketeers from all parts of the country descended on the picturesque South Wales town of Tenby for the 77th Merlin Rocket National Championships sponsored by Aspire Financial Services.

They were greeted by an efficient and friendly team from Tenby SC who got the 67 boats safely lined up on the prom in time for the sun to break through the mizzle. Free gin from In the Welsh Wind Distillery eased the class into what will be a fabulous week.

Merlin Rocket Nationals at Tenby day 1 - photo © Alistair Mackay

Sunday dawned with the eager teams launching into a sloppy south easterly sea. Many teams were rather too eager and fell foul of PRO Nigel Denchfield dreaded black flag which came out after the first start and stayed for the day. The fleet got away on the fourth attempt in a freshening breeze and substantial waves. Stu Bithell and Tom Pygall in their new Winder ship led from start to finish, followed by Christian Birrell and Sam Breary, Andy (Taxi) Davis and Oliver Meadowcroft, also in their new Winder, came in third, pipping Jon Gorringe and Matt Currell and Arran Holman and Hayden Sewell on the finish line.

By now the sun was shining and the wind was no longer freshening, leaving a soft wind and a sloppy sea state making the second race of the day very challenging. Keeping the boats going round the course was proving tricky especially in the pack. Taxi and Ollie led until the last windward mark when Christian and Sam got ahead, and they finished in that order. In third was Ben Saxton and Matt Rainback followed closely by Stu and Tom.

Merlin Rocket Nationals at Tenby day 1 - photo © Alistair Mackay

Back in the fleet the battles were plenty, of note where the many family teams that had some close fought finishes. Leaders in the Gold, Silver and Bronze fleets after two races today are Alex Warren and Jonty Freeman, Ben Jones and Helen Hilditch and Jon Steward and Christian Hill, respectively. Tonight's prize-giving should be a raucous affair following a record turnout for the crew's union. This week the prizes have been generously sponsored by Allspars, Becky Bettesworth, CF by L and L and In the Welsh Wind Distillery.

Tomorrow the forecast is for a more westerly wind and plenty of sunshine, hopefully the crews will be fighting fit in the morning following their previous night's excesses.

Merlin Rocket Nationals at Tenby day 1 - photo © Alistair Mackay

Results after Day 1: