Report by Pete and Debbie Walker.
Merlin Rocket River Champs run on patience, sunshine and consistency at Upper Thames
Three days of fabulous hot weather and light winds tested competitors and race officials alike this weekend at Upper Thames Sailing Club for the Merlin Rocket River National Championships part of Bourne End Week 2026 from the 23rd to 25th May.
The River Championships saw an eighteen-boat fleet descend on the club for three days of competition accompanied by family and friends to cheer them on. The event delivered a classic river-meeting contrast: glorious sunshine ashore and at times barely enough pressure on the water to keep a championship moving. Saturday’s opening day began in light airs, but the race team made the most of the conditions to complete two races. In the tricky, stop-start breeze, Alex Jackson and Anna Blake in 1493 ‘Katy Lou’ proved the standout pairing from the outset, taking first place in both races and establishing an early grip on the event.
Sunday brought more Bank Holiday sunshine, but unfortunately this time the breeze failed to get the message. After an impromptu masterclass in the meaning of the various postponement flags, the difficult but sensible decision was taken to abandon racing for the day. With the championship temporarily becalmed, attention turned to the next generation, as young would-be Merlin sailors made the most of the unseasonal weather on paddle boards and canoes, turning a frustrating day for racers into a very enjoyable one for those simply keen to get afloat.
There was useful work going on ashore too, with Dan Alsop and his trusty tape measure on hand to offer the fleet some friendly measurement ‘advice’ ahead of the tighter requirements due to be introduced for this event next year. By Monday—the morning after the Cocktail Party—the fleet was once again greeted by wall-to-wall sunshine and, in some quarters, the lingering effects of the previous evening. This time the wind eventually played its part, building enough for one final race and giving the championship a proper conclusion on the water.
The final start was not without drama, with several boats over the line and some of the leading contenders ultimately missing out on a score after a hot and hard-fought race. None of that, however, altered the overall outcome at the top. Jackson and Blake completed a clean sweep across the weekend to take the title in emphatic style, ahead of Ollie Houseman and Egle Tumosa in 2nd, Stuart Jenkins and Nicola Scaddan in 3rd with Pete and Debbie Walker in 4th. The fleet now looks forward to returning to Upper Thames on 5th & 6th September for its 80th Anniversary Celebrations, with a full regatta programme planned, including a Champion of Champions race featuring past winners spanning the generations.
Special thanks to Richard Pausey, Commodore and PRO for Bourne End Week 2026 and all the helpers at Upper Thames Sailing Club for making the event such as success.
