Blithfield Barrel 2025/26 - Week 1

November at Blithfield Reservoir in Staffordshire can only mean one thing: the opening round of the Blithfield Barrel. This popular winter series — sailed over four Sundays in November, December, January, and February — once again attracted an excellent turnout, with 33 boats and more than 50 sailors braving the first truly wintry event of the season.

The Barrel is kindly sponsored again this year by Hartley Boats, who have provided generous vouchers for the top three boats on handicap and for our younger sailors.

The event drew sailors from 13 different clubs, including Blithfield. Other notable clubs included Shustoke, SSSC, Burton, and several others, even including Hooe Point Sailing Club in Devon, demonstrating the wide appeal of the Blithfield Barrel.

Blithfield Barrel 2025/26 - Week 1 - photo © Tina Edge

Blithfield had a helping hand from the weather in the run-up to the event. Earlier in the week, Storm Claudia passed over the region, bringing heavy rain—approximately 3-4 inches (60-80?mm) across the Blithfield catchment area—replenishing the reservoir and increasing the sailing area. Fortunately, the storm had cleared by Sunday, leaving behind bright skies, crisp air, and a well-filled lake.

The day began with a forecast of around 12 knots from the north-east, and conditions mostly delivered: a steady 10-12 knots in the morning sunshine, gradually easing to 6-7 knots for the afternoon race. Despite the softening breeze, it remained a thoroughly pleasant and tactical day's sailing, with many competitors layered in winter wetsuits, drysuits, and hats, as is tradition for the Barrel series.

Blithfield Barrel 2025/26 - Week 1 - photo © Tina Edge

Race 1

The first race began at 12 noon, with a mixed and competitive fleet including Merlin Rockets, Larks, K1s, Solos, Supernovas, GP14s, Ospreys, Javelin, Finn, Enterprise, National 12, scorpion, RS200, RS400, Lasers, Zenith, Topper and Contenders.

The Merlin Rockets led the charge, closely contested by the Osprey of Rob Burdekin & Ali Raynard. James Wells & Anna Aylward crossed the line first, followed by Robert Kennaugh & Andrew Prosser, with the Osprey of Sam McKay & James Vyse also in the mix. After handicaps were applied, the Lark of Stuart Hydon & Ann Brugh emerged victorious, with the Lark of Sam Bailey & Holly Evans and Richard Sims in his K1 also performing strongly.

Blithfield Barrel 2025/26 - Week 1 - photo © Tina Edge

Lunch and Weather Shift

Competitors enjoyed a hearty lunch in the clubhouse while the breeze eased. The sun continued to shine, making for a bright and enjoyable interlude before the second race.

Race 2

Race 2 began on time, despite the softer wind. Rob & Ali in the Osprey led early but eventually retired. The Merlins dominated again, with Rob & Andrew taking line honours and James & Anna finishing second. In this race, Sam Bailey & Holly Evans sailed a strong tactical race to take overall race victory.

Blithfield Barrel 2025/26 - Week 1 - photo © Tina Edge

Results - Part 1:

1. 1st Overall: Stuart Hydon & Ann Brugh - Lark
2. 2nd Overall: Robert Kennaugh & Andrew Prosser - Merlin Rocket
3. 3rd Overall: James Wells & Anna Aylward - Merlin Rocket

Special awards:

First Young Helm: Millie Eaton
First Young Crew: Harry Davis
First Blithfield Boat: Steve McCarthy & Delyth Hopkins

Prizes were presented by our Commodore, Peter Slater, in the clubhouse, rounding off a sunny, breezy, and thoroughly enjoyable opening round of the series.

Blithfield Barrel 2025/26 - Week 1 - photo © Nick Woodhead

Thanks and Acknowledgements

The event was excellently managed by Race Officer Steve Leamy, who added: "Thank you to everyone that helped on the day and made the Barrel possible—from race organisation and reception to safety crews, the galley staff, the bar staff, and all those working behind the scenes. It was a very successful day."

Upcoming Barrel Dates:

• 7th December - Round 2
• 11th January - Round 3
• 15th February - Round 4

A fantastic start to the 2024-25 Blithfield Barrel — roll on Round Two!

Blithfield Barrel 2025/26 - Week 1 - photo © Nick Woodhead

Round 1 Results: