Vintage Merlins racing at Hunts Sailing Club
by Mike Liggett 5 Jul 2012 10:32 BST
9 June 2012
Windy conditions for vintage Merlins at Hunts © Mike Liggett
This event was held in conjunction with the CVDRA. The aftermath of the previous weekends Jubilee celebrations and the forecast of strong winds put off many potential entrants.
The forecast was correct and Saturday morning saw a strong North Westerly with punishing gusts across the lake. Only two boats (1066 and 2605) took to the water for the first race, with Ben Marshall a late arrival & Mike Liggett not risking “Squirrel” with her wooden mast.
After a comfortable win Tim Bury (1066) sat out the second race to recuperate leaving Tim Lachlan-Cope (2605) and Ben Marshall (1477) to fight it out. Both boats capsized at least once during the race but 2605 came out the winner. Ben was pleased to find that his recently fitted low bow tank was watertight!
The wind did not moderate as forecast, as all three boats lined up for the final race. After another eventful race Tim Bury came out an easy winner followed in by Tim Lachlan-Cope, however on handicap second place went to Ben Marshall.
Overall Results:
| Pos | Sail No. | Helm | Crew | Club |
|---|
| 1 | 1066 | Tim Bury | Pat | Banbury |
| 2 | 2605 | Tim Lachlan‑Cope | Stephen Carver | Hunts |
| 3 | 1477 | Ben Marshall | Sel Shah | Thames |