From the Merlin fleet at HBSC, a big thankyou to the travellers who turned out. It has helped promote the fleet with a couple of others trying out my boat and asking about prices. As for boat maintainence it did mean that I could stand waist deep in the water and catch the boats at the end, a very frightening experience on a couple of occasions!

The Blackwater Estuary is a much underated piece of water to race on, especially up towards Brightlingsea the winds are steady and the wonderfull wide East Anglian Skies a joy to behold.
Even Tony Benn (Properly The Viscount Stansgate!) who lives at Stansgate between HBSC & Stone likes to see the boats. It deserves a thriving MR Fleet.

As a visitor it was a great sail perfect conditions, though i didn't like the narrow part as i had to take my rudder off which cost me a few places!! Certainly will be back next year as my crew Tom and I thought it was the most enjoyable race we have done this season..

just to add to Rob's comments, we thoroughly enjoyed the mad romp around the Essex islands and thanks to HBSC. Its the first time i've ever sailed along a road too (!) - will definately be back next year & recommend it to others.

Sorry about the trophy lads! seems like im going to have to throw jacko in the mud to get the old one out!