Merlin Rocket Open at Blackpool & Fleetwood Yacht Club

Racing was mixed with a beach party on the sandbanks © Steve Schofiel

Racing was mixed with a beach party on the sandbanks © Steve Schofiel

The Blackpool & Fleetwood Silver Tiller, sponsored by Speed Sails, started with a party on the Saturday night courtesy of Chris Haworth and Jo Harvey for those Merlin Rocketeers available to travel up for Saturday night. Plenty of fuel filled pasta and grog was taken to see crews bright and cheery eyed for the racing on Sunday.

There was a select entry of 12 boats for this event, who were greeted on Sunday with no wind on arrival. The forecast wind of W to NW soon arrived however, and three enjoyable races were sailed in force 3 in sunshine. Sandwiches and drinks had been provided for a beach party on Wyre Light sand banks between races 2 and 3, and all the food disappeared quite quickly.

In Race 1 with 20 degree shifts Matt Biggs, Taxi and Richard Adams swopped places at the front with Richard in front at the finish, with David Winder second and Matt Biggs third.

In Race 2 Dave Winder tacked onto port on the start line and led from start to finish with Taxi second and Richard Adams third.

In the last race Taxi rounded first at the windward mark, but Dave Winder went further right on the second beat with the wind swinging further to north and took the lead, which he retained to the finish and to win the meeting. Taxi finished second with Steve Goacher third.

Ice creams were enjoyed as an aperitif to the prize giving and it was agreed that a good sailing was had by all.

Blackpool & Fleetwood hope to see more Merlins next year.

Overall Results: (apologies for missing crew names)