Merlins at Hampton

Derek May reports on the action

33 boats faced a light northwesterly wind when competing for the Merlin open meeting at Hampton Sailing Club this weekend.

There were nine visiting clubs with boats from Shoreham, Bowmoor, Cookham Reach, Minima, Lyme Regis, Trent Valley, Wembley, Parkstone and Tamesis Sailing Clubs.
The boats were divided into four flights with each boat sailing 3 races, with each race against a different flight thereby ensuring that all boats met at least once during their three races.

In the first races 3634 helmed by Phil King and crewed by Linton Jenkins led from start to finish in the blue/green race whilst in the red/yellow flights 3619 with Richard and Elizabeth Page came from sixth on the second lap to lead by the finish.

The second starts saw 3560 with Oliver Houseman and Catherine Ashley win the green/yellow race with 3609 sailed by John Bell and Graham Williamson taking the blue/red race.

The final races were to see some over enthusiastic pushing for the start line with two general recalls being required for the red/green start. The blue/yellow race being won by 3580 with Will Warren crewed by Chris Downham and the red/green race being won by 3560.

The overall results were
1st 3560 "Luka" helmed by Oliver Houseman and crewed by Catherine Ashley – Tamesis Sailing Club
2nd 3609 "Time Lords" helmed by John Bell and crewed by Graham Williamson – Hampton Sailing Club
3rd 3634 "Ministry of Pleasure" helmed by Phil King and crewed by Linton Jenkins – Bowmoor Sailing Club
4th 3580 "Chambulls" helmed by Will Warrior and crewed by Chris Downham – Shoreham Sailing Club
5th 3619 "Dark and Stormy" helmed by Richard Page and crewed by Elizabeth Page – Hampton Sailing Club