Other BSC pages:-
[Merlin
Rocket Fleet Home Page]
[Merlin open results 2005]
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Merlin
Rocket Inland Championship 2006
23-24th September
Full results here.
A record entry of 62 Merlin Rockets turned out at
Blithfield SC, Staffordshire for the 2006 Inland
Championship on 23rd and 24th
September. Racing was managed by race officer John
Andrews and his excellent team. Three races ran
seamlessly on the Saturday in a moderate breeze.
Fortunately, the protest by one competitor against the
top 2/3rds of the fleet in race 1 was quickly dismissed,
allowing all to relax and enjoy the evening’s
atmosphere. The Saturday night pig roast and buffet was a
sell-out affair with 200 tickets being foraged out by the
assembled masses.
The evening carried on with an excellent Jazz Band
grooving away and really giving the party an excellent
vibe. Visiting Cookham SC members Marcus Robb and Alex
Jones also put in a stint on the trombone and double-bass
respectively. The band later commented that the crowd was
one of the friendliest and lively parties that they have
entertained. The bar was kept extremely busy all night,
and was typically two deep, the 3 barrels of guest ale
were emptied by 8:30!! Fortunately, reserve stocks of
alternative beer were available, but by the early morning
the bar had been virtually drunk dry, which just
illustrates how hard these Merlin sailors can party as
well as sail!
Sunday dawned gloomy and rainy, with a falling wind. An
excellent call by the race officer postponed the first
races for 2 hours, allowing the two final races to be set
in a light breeze, which held until the final competitors
came ashore.
It was so nice to see that a non-commercial club, such as
Blithfield can pull together to run an event to such a
high standard that would put so many professional outfits
to shame – many thanks to all involved.
Oh yes, almost forgot. Richard Whitworth and Ellie Bremer,
sailing 3670, Filthy/Gorgeous are the 2006 Merlin Rocket
Inland Champions, with close racing taking the decider
down to the final race.
Tim Male
Special thanks to our sponsors;
Dunoon Mugs, Florette, Speed Sails and the Burton Bridge
Brewery.
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| 62 Merlin Rockets thunder across Blithfield
Reservoir |
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| The evening party carries on (NB at least
Jilly wasn't swigging from the bottle unlike some
of the others...) |
Full results here.
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