Merlin Rocket Allen South East Series at Broadwater Sailing Club
by Paul Rayson 16 Apr 23:37 AEST
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:
| Place | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 | Points |
|---|
| 1 | 3812 | Tom Stewart | Rob Allen | Broadwater SC | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | 3727 | Mark Stockbridge | Charlie Cotter | Upper Thames / Wembley SC | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | 3799 | Paul Rayson | Chris Hill | Fishers Green SC | 5 | 6 | 2 | 7 |
| 4 | 3623 | Simon Potts | Roger Phillips | Burghfield SC | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 |
| 5 | 3793 | James Goodfellow | George Major | Brightlingsea SC | 4 | 5 | 4 | 8 |
| 6 | 3746 | James Wells | Anna Aylward | RYA | 6 | 3 | 6 | 9 |
| 7 | 3702 | Duncan Salmon | Ruth Hanstater | Wembley SC | 8 | 8 | 7 | 15 |
| 8 | 1028 | Tim Medcalf | Charlie Morgan | Tamesis | 7 | 9 | 9 | 16 |
| 9 | 3692 | Steve Conroy | Anna Rayson | Fishers Green SC | 9 | 7 | 11 | 16 |
| 10 | 3715 | Richard Cooke | Russell Hall | Fishers Green SC | 11 | 11 | 8 | 19 |
| 11 | 3577 | Jeremy Deacon | Pete Walker | Broadwater SC | 10 | 10 | 10 | 20 |
| 12 | 3677 | Tim Barr | Brian Corking | Tamesis | 13 | 13 | 12 | 25 |
| 13 | 723 | Stuart Jenkins | Nicola Scaddan | Hampton | 12 | 14 | 13 | 25 |
| 14 | 3774 | Richard Coulter | Blake Newman | Fishers Green SC | DNF | 12 | DNS | 27 |