Merlin Open at Upper Thames Sailing Club
by Russell Connor 25 Apr 2007 13:20 BST
21-22 April 2007
Light but steady winds for the Merlin Rocket open at Upper Thames © UTSC
The upper reaches of the Thames yet again delivered super conditions for the Merlin Rockets at their Open meeting at UTSC on the 21st and 22nd April 2007. Light but steady winds started in the morning and carried on until the end of racing.
The conditions clearly favoured the vintage wing and racing was very close amongst the older boats. The magnificent Spade Oak Bowl was sailed for over 3 races with Berrie Ritchie and Sue Harris taking the honours in Crescendo, sail number 607.
The Sunday races were for the Allen Challenge trophy. Again the racing was close. The south westerly breeze allowed for close tacking and the use of spinnakers. The cup was won by Richard Harris and Adell Cameron in Passing Cloud, sail number 1079.
The Thames Series moves to Cookham the following weekend and it is hoped that the conditions will again provide super sailing on the River.