see http://www.sailpics.co.uk/zenphoto/index.php?album=2009%2FBSC_Merlin_Open

Looks exciting. Another year goes past with me saying "must go to Bolton" and not managing to do it.  A friendly group of people - glad that there was a good turn out.

At what point is less than 20 boats a good turnout? Lowest turnout of the 2009 Silver Tiller season so far if not for several years?

We tend to struggle with turn outs up here, but it ws great to see such a high quality of boats and nice to see many Midlanders supporting. Let's build on it.

Obviously it is easier to get big turn-outs if the meetings are near where the most Merlins are - the London area and the Midlands.
However I don't think we should be obsessed by numbers alone - we also need to grow the class into more areas so I think Bolton should be considered a success as the racing was good and the standard was high. So a good time was had and it must be our loss (those who didn't go) if we didn't join in. Next time I will!

Sorry, did I say the wrong thing?

confused?..... the voice of doom and gloom.....