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Craftinsure Silver Tiller, DeMay and Thames Series Merlin Rocket event at Thames Sailing Club

by Chris Martin 6 May 21:11 UTC 3 May 2025
Merlin Rocket event at Thames SC © TSC

On Saturday 3rd May Thames Sailing Club hosted the Craftinsure sponsored combined Merlin Rocket Thames and DeMay Vintage Series Open Meeting, under clear skies and perfect sunglasses weather. Five boats competed in a combined Thames and Vintage Series event, with the sun providing a warm welcome, though the wind proved elusive, varying between a light but sailable northerly and moments of near calm.

The day started with welcome croissants and a succinct briefing from Race Officer Mark Laity. For Race One, a course with a mild chicane on the upwind, downstream leg was set to add a tactical challenge. However, for Races Two and Three, the course was simplified to a straightforward windward-leeward track.

Throughout the day, racing remained close and competitive, with Rob and Hatty Cage (sailing 1692, Hullabaloo) and Miles Palmer and Ben Hughes (sailing 2152, Dipsomania) making the most of the changing conditions. Race 1 was hard-fought, with Rob and Hatty claiming victory on the water for the Thames Series, though Miles and Ben stayed close enough to secure the win on corrected handicap time in the Vintage Series.

Race 2 was another tightly contested battle, with Miles and Ben prevailing on both the water and adjusted time, earning them the Vintage Trophy with a race to spare. Race Three became the decider for the Thames Series, and despite intense competition, Rob and Hatty sailed fast, securing victory both on the water and on corrected time, taking the Thames Series title.

Craftinsure generously sponsored the prizes, alongside the traditional Thames Sailing Club glasses and silverware. Between races, competitors enjoyed a fine lunch, and after the competition, well-earned refreshments and homemade cake proved once again that a good afternoon tea can make up for a lack of breeze.

For the committed racers, the next challenge awaited the following day at Minima YC, accompanied by an improving weather forecast.

Thames Series Results:

PosBoatSail NoHelmCrewClubR1R2R3
1stHullabaloo1692Rob CageHatty CageThames SC1(2)1
2ndDipsomania2152Miles PalmerBen HughesThames SC(2)12
3rdDesperation950Chris MartinJames MartinThames SC33(4)
4thSplatter1631Stuart JenkinsNicola ScaddanHampton SC/UTSC(4)43
5thCrossbow1028Tim MedcalfHenryTamesis(DNF)DNF5

Vintage Series Results:

PosBoatSail NoHelmCrewClubR1R2R3
1stDipsomania2152Miles PalmerBen HughesThames SC11(2)
2ndHullabaloo1692Rob CageHatty CageThames SC(2)21
3rdDesperation950Chris MartinJames MartinThames SC33(5)
4thSplatter1631Stuart JenkinsNicola ScaddanHampton SC/UTSC(4)43
5thCrossbow1028Tim MedcalfHenryTamesis(DNF)DNF4

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