Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller Round 1 at Burton Sailing Club

Close racing in Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller Round 1 at Burton © Sam Birch & Natalia Orgonová

On Saturday 13th April, 15 Merlin Rockets trekked to Burton SC for a lovely day around the cans for the first Craftinsure Silver Tiller of the year (after Burghfield's postponement), combined with the Northern, Midland, Vintage and Classic Series.

With the wind building throughout the day, there was something for everyone.

Race 1 was in tough contention for first place at times with Tom Gillard and Rachael Gray, Jon Gorringe and Matt Currell, Caroline Croft and Livvy Bell, and Matt Biggs and Beka Jones fighting it out at the front. Then from what seemed like out of nowhere Chris Gould and Pete Gray popped up into third on the last lap. Matt and Beka second, and good old reliable team of Gilly and Rach taking first.

Close racing in Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller Round 1 at Burton - photo © Sam Birch & Natalia Orgonová

Race 2 was a bit breezier with a dramatic capsize by Caroline and Livvy whilst in the leading group of Gilly and Rach, Jon and Matt, Matt and Beka, and Chris and Pete. Gilly and Rach managed to hold the lead and take the win to win the event with one race to spare. Second again was Matt and Beka, with Chris and Pete in third. Race 3.

Matt isn't sure because he was very tired! (Especially the legs...and thinking about beer...). Chris Martin and John Tailby had a good race, but Chris Gould and Pete nailed the race start to finish first. There was then a bit of a gap then came Jon and Matt in second with a better race, and Chris and John T sailed really well - getting third place with Gilly and Rach in fourth.

Chris Gould and Pete Gray finish second in Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller Round 1 at Burton - photo © Sam Birch & Natalia Orgonová

Racing was followed by standing on the podium toad stalls, something of a tradition when visiting the club.

Congratulations to our fleet winners, in Silver Timothy Harms and Sam Yales and in Bronze Nigel Hudson and George Bender. The first Classic was Peter and Tim Male.

Tom Gillard and Rachael Gray win Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller Round 1 at Burton - photo © Sam Birch & Natalia Orgonová

Thank you to Burton for hosting the fleet, who were then packing up and, on their way, south to Bartley for Sunday for the next Craftinsure Silver Tiller, Midland, Vintage and Classic events.

Overall Results: