Ho ho ho! The boys are back in town!

Next Midland event is the BIG B.  Dont miss it.
  
Judging from the sails I am measuring for the best of the best the competition is keen.

Lovely Derbyshire countryside for the visitors.  
Or for those industrious types, visit the Historic Coal mines, breweries and textile factories nearby.

steve

I'll definitely be there!

Me too!

Ready and willin

willing prob ready

Don't forget Tamesis for the River Series if you are down South.

Tamesis 30 Merlins 2004, Blithfield 26 Merlins 2004

so should be a lot of Merlins sailing on Sunday.

Last time I went it was in Staffordshire, but I expect to be able to find it again on Sunday no matter what county it's in.

Staffordshire?

well spotted.  This is a lesson in Midlands Geography. Not a science I understand.

Competition!
Don't forget Blithfield for Open water if you are up Midlands.

Tamesis narrow and long, Blithfield wide and long

so should be a lot of Merlins sailing all over the country.

And It normally blows, from a more steady direction than the river.
Plus no pleasure boats getting in the way, mind you Mike Calvert knows how to deal with them??, Making a 40' canal boat beach itself was something not to miss.

the more it blows tiddly pom
the more she goes tiddly pom,
the more she goes tiddly pom
the mast she bows
and of she goes

Better chase my boat then!  I'm ready n willing, but the boat she be a sinking!  After our passable impression of a diving submarine at Bala she's still in the workshop.

Worst part is Blithfield's local to me n all!  Might pop along for some spectating if nothing else.

:o(

One occasionally gets that sinking feeling. It takes some mastering and one should not break down under extreme stress. Let alone two!

Come along and enjoy the venue.  Sometimes Hot air balloons capsize into the water too!

working week over.
Now you can look forward to the BIG B.

Today is tuning day.

Ive got new jib sheets so watch out!  Ha, wife thinks they are for the winter duvet!

I'm so excited I keep forgetting stuff and having to come home from the sailing club.

1st trip - sailing club key.  2nd trip - trailer board.  3rd trip - rudder.

Results online

Midland results have been Emailed to Mags for publishing,
If there are any questions or error please email me before thusday as friday were off to Italy for a week.

Merlin Open at Blithfield 17th October

Those turning up on Blithfields hallowed shores may have been forgiven that the misty start to the day would lead to sedate sailing conditions. However, the shelter of the clubhouse gave a false sense of security – once out in the racing area, it was a proper sitting out breeze, and a real test of Man and Machine. There were a few breakages and a few capsizes to keep the safety team on their toes.

It is a true testament to the Merlin Association that so many boats turned up to fight it out at Blithfield. Not only was the turnout brilliant, but the standard of the competitors was truly outstanding. As ever, the facilities off and organisation on the water on were outstanding, and the racing was extremely close throughout the field of almost 40 boats. After race 1, lunch was taken in the clubhouse and the competitors were able to evaluate their rivals and tweak boats/sails. Then, everyone was back out on the water for more racing. A short break between races 2 & 3 meant that repairs could be undertaken and food/water replenished/disposed as appropriate. When the sailing's that hard work, a quick respite is VERY welcome!!

At the end of the day, the battle was comprehensively won by Glen and Davo in their (quite old) wooden boat – proving that you don't need a sail a plastic pig to win! With prizes going down to 6th place, the home boat of Peter and (the ever suffering) Nicky (also sailing in wood) deserve a mention for taking a prize home, especially as they don't regularly do the circuit.

As ever the event wouldn't have been possible without the army of volunteers who were critical to the success of the day – Christine Price in the galley and Steve Hendon on the water with their respective teams. – Thank you.

It all looks very promising for a Storming Merlin Inlands in 2006!

PS Mags - feel free to move this into the 'reports' section
PPS if anyone has any photos, please let me know.

Great day out!
Well done to all the organisers.
Thanks to GGGGG   for loan of excellent son, Jeremy. 
Next stop for the Midland Circuit is SUTTON, SUNDAY, 23 OCT.