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Merlin Rocket Allen South East Series at Broadwater Sailing Club

by Paul Rayson 16 Apr 06:37 PDT
Tom Stewart and Rob Allen - Merlin Rocket Allen South East Series at Broadwater © Rob O'Neill

Broadwater Sailing Club delivered a warm and sunny welcome to kick off the latest round of the Allen South Eastern Series. Early arrivals were met with blue skies and a distinct absence of wind — although the bacon rolls provided ample compensation while boats were rigged and crews caught up after the winter break.

Right on cue, a gentle breeze filled in from the southeast, gradually building throughout the day to provide ideal racing conditions.

In Race 1, Mark Stockbridge and Charlie Cotter (3727) were quick off the line, showing great boat speed and composure as they established an early lead they would hold to the finish. Behind them, Tom Stewart and Rob Allen (3812) shook off the winter cobwebs during the first lap before finding their groove—engaging "DRS" and slicing through the fleet to take second place. Simon Potts and Roger Phillips (3623) completed the podium in third.

Race 2 saw a slight increase in breeze, with crews now fully hiking upwind. Tom and Rob continued their charge, hitting "hammer time" early and sailing a commanding race to claim the win. They were closely followed by Mark and Charlie (3727), with James Wells and Anna Alyward (3746) securing a well-earned third place. Throughout the fleet, the shifting breeze and punchy gusts created a lively game of snakes and ladders, with positions constantly changing on every leg.

The final race saw a rapid turnaround from the race team — much appreciated by all competitors. Tom and Rob (3812) once again led from the windward mark and steadily extended their lead to complete a dominant day. Paul Rayson and Chris Hill (3799) made a strong start with a nice lift off the line and held on for second, while Mark and Charlie (3727) were back on the podium in third.

With the racing wrapped up, competitors enjoyed some relaxed post-race chat and refreshments in the afternoon sun on Broadwater's welcoming lawn. But the real highlight, as ever, was the legendary Broadwater lunch — living up to all expectations.

Special mention goes to the recipients of the Allen Spot Prizes:
First Vintage Boat - Tim Metcalf and Charlie Morgan (1028)
Mid-Fleet Heroes - Duncan Salmon and Ruth Hanstater (3702)
Furthest Travelled - James Wells and Anna Aylward (3746)

The next event on the Allen SE Series is at Wembley Sailing Club on Sunday 27th April, a combined event with the Craftinsure Silver Tiller ('restricted' category).

Overall Results:

PlaceSail NoHelmCrewClubR1R2R3Points
13812Tom StewartRob AllenBroadwater SC2112
23727Mark StockbridgeCharlie CotterUpper Thames / Wembley SC1233
33799Paul RaysonChris HillFishers Green SC5627
43623Simon PottsRoger PhillipsBurghfield SC3457
53793James GoodfellowGeorge MajorBrightlingsea SC4548
63746James WellsAnna AylwardRYA6369
73702Duncan SalmonRuth HanstaterWembley SC88715
81028Tim MedcalfCharlie MorganTamesis79916
93692Steve ConroyAnna RaysonFishers Green SC971116
103715Richard CookeRussell HallFishers Green SC1111819
113577Jeremy DeaconPete WalkerBroadwater SC10101020
123677Tim BarrBrian CorkingTamesis13131225
13723Stuart JenkinsNicola ScaddanHampton12141325
143774Richard CoulterBlake NewmanFishers Green SCDNF12DNS27

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