Starcross YC is hosting the annual Steamer pursuit race on the 6th March, first start at 13:00. There is usually a good Merlin turnout, and the local fleet will be very pleased to welcome visiting boats.  

On this date we have a very similar tide to last years Silver Tiller last year, which, if you were there, will know provided excellent racing and no problems for fixed rudders!  For anyone travelling down on the Saturday, an evening in a local pub is planned. Give me a call if you need any help with accommodation.

Dave Lee

Just passing and thought I'd boost this one back to the top...!  Come visit, it's a great event...

Steve Tyler has taken over from Dave Lee as South West rep.
He has now finalised the dates for the SW series - all on the fixture list now.
Starcross Steamer is the first. Should be good.

Looks like there will be some very hot competition in the Merlin fleet, so should be some excellent racing.  For anyone who wants to make a weekend of it, there will be a gathering at the Ship Inn at Cockwood on Saturday evening.  Still some space available if you need accommodation, give me a call for details.

Hi Dave would it be ok if I can get up there to come and have a look at some of the merlins at starcross of course carmera in hand.

Cheers

James Taylor
MR2293

Hi James

Your're very welcome to come and have a look, if you get there about 12:00 there should be plenty of time to go through rig set up.  How is the boat going so far?

Dave Lee
MR3546

Well It's come to a bit of a stand still at the moment just in mid sanding of decks ( I hate Sanding ) Will be glad when that bit is over and can start playing with the set up.

James MR2293

Dave
How long is the race? Need to know what size hamper to pack!!
If all goes to plan will be launching from the Exmouth side and trundling across for the race

Hi Scotty

The Steamer is a 150 minute pursuit race, with the Merlin start about 30 minutes after the first gun.   

Do I infer from the hamper comment you will be sailing an Exe SC Comet Trio rather than the Merlin?

Dave
I have a friend who may be sailing a Comet Trio and was wondering how long after the first gun he would be starting. Perhaps you could advise my friend!!

based on a mirror being the first boat away the trio will go at 32mins approx.

Anyone else coming down? Forecast is a solid 13-16knots.

Spot on!!!

Scotty I think your friend should start with the Merlins as he will have a better time on the start line and will still win his class

Just a quick one to say Thanks to Dave and Mike for letting me look over there boats and advice It is a good thing for any class to be so help full to new people entering the class.
Thanks again

Cheers

Dave
Lovely sail on Sunday - we had to slip away to sail back to Exmouth so don't know the results - the question is - did Mike and Jane do enough????

Local Wayfarer sailors Liam and Sue McGrath sailed extremely well and maintained their lead to the finish, despite being put under great pressure by the rapidly closing lead Merlin sailed by Mike and Jane Calvert.  Although no other Merlins featured in the top ten places, class regular Scotty and Marjorie finished 5th overall in their borrowed Comet Trio.  Full report soon.

great photos on www.fotoboat.com

Write up now on the Yachts & Yachting site.  Thanks to our visitors from Parkstone, Ranelagh and South Wales, the Merlins were one of the largest fleets with a ten boat turn out.  Although only Mike Calvert featured in the top overall placings, the Merlin fleet enjoyed some excellent close racing.