Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 S-Series LEADERBOARD

The Blithfield Barrel at Blithfield Sailing Club

by Tim Male 16 Feb 2005 16:34 UTC
How many people does it take to rig an RS600? © Tim Male

Blithfield SC, Staffordshire hosted a winter handicap open meeting series over four Sundays from November to February. The series was created to allow boats based in the Midlands to enjoy the 300 acres at Blithfield during the winter winds in preparation for the upcoming open meeting season.

Forty sailors from a number of clubs competed in a wide variety of boats in varying conditions. Matt Biggs and Dave Crockett in their Merlin Rocket stamped their authority during the windy weather and also managed to stay in contention when the wind dropped to a light breeze, winning the event overall for Blithfield.

However, the racing was extremely close, with positions 1st to 4th in Race 2 were separated by less than 20 seconds! The first visitors, in 4th position were Chris Martin and Richard Dee from Midland SC.

The Phantoms proved quick enough to mix it at the front of the fleet, but were too overpowered when the wind built. Rocking the leaderboard was Tom Hayes from South Staffs in his Laser 4.7, who battled the wind to achieve an impressive 2nd position in both races 5 and 6. Gale force winds and snow (!) lead to the cancellation of races 7 and 8 after Andy Watterson ‘tested the water’ in his RS600.

Many thanks all the visitors who came to support this event, notably the large contingent of Brummy Merlins from Midland SC. Same place, same time, next year.

Top 4 Results:

PosClassSail NoHelm/CrewR1R2R3R4R5R6Pts
1Merlin3617Matt Biggs / Dave Crockett1215114
2Merlin3639Steve Leney / Gill Leney11321439
3Phantom1138Peter White2167151216
4Merlin3442Chris Martin / Richard DeeNs7333Ns16

More Information:

Related Articles

Blithfield Ospey Open
A combination of good sailing and great food and drink ashore Ospreys have been an icon within Blithfield Sailing Club for decades. Great racing, but the Open is also an event where the great food and drink after sailing is vital. Posted on 14 Oct
Supernova Inlands at Blithfield
The maximum 70 boats raced last weekend Such is the popularity of this blue ribbon event for the Supernova Class, and possibly the popularity of the venue, the entry list reached the maximum of 70 boats with weeks still to run. Posted on 7 Sep
Merlin Rockets at Blithfield
No more Chat GPT - is this purely human eloquence? The day was set for the HD Sails Midland Circuit shared Classic Circuit event at Blithfield Sailing Club. 8 knots gusting 16 (allegedly) and wonderful sunshine. Among the 12 boats and 24 sailors, there was an almost palpable hum of anticipation Posted on 23 May
DF65 and DF 95 TT at Blithfield
The thoughtful inclusion of free hot drinks in the entrance fee added a warm touch Blithfield Reservoir emerged as the spirited host for a captivating weekend long DragonForce TT. The Midlands Area Club, known for its welcoming Clubhouse and expansive waterways, enthusiastically welcomed the challenge. Posted on 29 Feb
Blithfield Barrel overall
Mike Senior and Ollie Goodhead win the series When the mist cleared a gentle westerly of 8-12 knots greeted 26 boats for the final round of the 2023-24 Blithfield Barrel. This wind direction makes for the longest legs at this venue. Posted on 12 Feb
Blithfield Barrel week 3
A real test of gloves A week ago, the third Barrel Race looked like it would be touch and go for any decent wind. On the day, it delivered a steady-for-Blithfield 8-12 knots from the NW and the chill factor made the bracing 4C temperature feel even lower Posted on 15 Jan
Wayfarer racing returns in 2024
Including the Craftinsure National Circuit! It seems only last week that the 2023 Craftinsure National Circuit had a very fitting Finale event at Bough Beech in November and yet the excitement is building for an exciting 2024! Posted on 2 Jan
Blithfield Barrel week 2
A punishing and sustained squall as the racing started The weather forecast was accurate and the high winds had spent themselves overnight, revealing a benign on-shore Southerly and sporadic rain for race day. The wind then built with gusts in the 20s, followed by a punishing and sustained squall. Posted on 12 Dec 2023
Blithfield Barrel week 1
There wasn't much sun... it didn't really matter as there was plenty of wind! There wasn't much sun to greet the sailors on the damp Sunday morning of the first chapter in the iconic Blithfield Barrel racing series. That didn't really matter as there was plenty of wind! Posted on 25 Nov 2023
Osprey Final Fling 2023 at Blithfield
A long history of hosting successful Osprey events at the club Blithfield Sailing Club has a long history of hosting successful Osprey Open Meetings and so it continued in 2023 with the 70th Anniversary "Osprey Final Fling" over the weekend of 14th/15th October 2023. Posted on 16 Oct 2023
Savvy Navvy 2024Maritimo 2023 M600 FOOTER