Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Dynamic 40 Leaderboard

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

Related Articles

The ultimate real-world test for the TEMO 1000
The ultimate real-world test for the TEMO 1000 electric outboard motor Salcombe Merlin Rocket Week (29 June – 4 July), one of the most vibrant and fiercely competitive events on the UK dinghy calendar, proved to be the ultimate real-world test for the TEMO 1000 electric outboard motor. Posted on 23 Jul
Merlin Rockets at Mumbles
Yet again impressed by how friendly and welcoming the club has been A very select group of Merlin Rocket crews arrived at Mumbles Yacht Club for the combined Craftinsure Silver Tiller and the HD Midland Circuit event anticipating the same great hospitality and race management we experienced at the last event. Posted on 23 Jul
Salcombe Merlin Rocket Week overall
Tom Gillard and Rachel Gray take the trophy The final day of Helly Hansen Salcombe Merlin Week dawned to another day of blue skies with a light Southwester forming in the harbour and forecast to increase. The overall result was still up for grabs with both leading protagonists in the morning race. Posted on 4 Jul
Salcombe Merlin Rocket Week Day 5
Wall to wall sunshine for the 102 teams The fifth morning dawned with wall to wall sunshine and a 5 knot SW sea breeze popped in at the surprisingly early time of 8.30, promising a good day's racing for the 102 teams. Posted on 3 Jul
Salcombe Merlin Rocket Week Day 4
Random gusts from every direction, including vertical Past the halfway stage and the weather served up another wind direction for the fourth day of Helly Hansen Salcombe Merlin Week. Posted on 2 Jul
Salcombe Merlin Rocket Week Day 3
South-Westerly establishes itself after a windless dawn The third day dawned with light cloud and absolutely no wind in the harbour. As often happens at Salcombe, by the time the fleet started to launch a South-Westerly had started to establish itself and by the 10.30 start time there was 4-5 knots. Posted on 1 Jul
Salcombe Merlin Rocket Week Day 2
First start gets away on the top of the tide With the rest of the UK cooking in 30+ degrees, Salcombe has been veiled in sea mist for the last few days. Monday was the day when this was meant to clear but competitors woke to find the race track still shrouded in mist. Posted on 30 Jun
Salcombe Merlin Rocket Week Day 1
Over 200 of the UK's top dinghy racers are in the picturesque South Devon Ria The ever popular Salcombe Merlin Week, sponsored by Helly Hansen, Craftinsure and Creation Covers, has again attracted over 200 of the UK's top dinghy racers to the picturesque South Devon Ria. Posted on 29 Jun
Delivery to Salcombe Week - Final Call!
Devon's calling, and P&B are answering This weekend finds members of our Sail Loft team at Salcombe Yacht Club, for Merlin Salcombe Week. We'll be making the most of the conditions, the surroundings and the chance to catch up with other sailors who share our passion for competitive sailing. Posted on 26 Jun
Merlin Rockets in the Upriver Race at Ranelagh
A simple windward-leeward 6 times then head for home; what could be simpler? Ranelagh Sailing Club Upriver Race on Sunday in glorious sunshine with the forecast of decent breeze and the promise of bacon rolls and tea on arrival and lunch afterwards was all the encouragement nine vintage/classic Merlin Rockets needed. Posted on 25 Jun
Allen Dynamic 40 Footer