Well as one of those who was at the Champs last week and who has been catching up with sleep, laundry, shopping, post and work over the last couple of days, I for one would like to say a huge thanks to Willie, Jillie and Alex for organising a fantastic week at Hayling.  This Champs will go down in history as one of the best - 82 boats is a real result, not to mention the excellent Champions Dinner on the Tuesday evening.  The social events were amazing and we were lucky to have one of the best race officers in the country - the race management was second to none and after 15 boats got black flagged in one race, everyone knew that he wasn't messing around!

Apart from the three already mentioned, a huge number of other people who were also involved with various other jobs allowing the three I have mentioned to go and enjoy their sailing - as usual, too numerous to mention but you know who you are.  

Well done everyone for a brilliant week - just glad we made it back from Sweden (no thanks to BA) so that we could be part of it.

Well Said. Jobs a good-un!

Well said Jude, thanks to all those who gave up their time for what was an excellant champs.. 
Some good pictures up on www.fotoboat.com from fridays race.

Hear Hear! It was a royal corker!!

It was a wicked week,superbly organised at a fantaastic venue.even the weather behaved!

My boat did too! First time i have sailed that much without breaking it!! Roll on Tenby!!!

Really good week.  I thought the race officer was joking about the OCS. Who me? never happened before! (well the day before actually)

Best sea sailing outside Birmingham.

Well done to all.

steve
Time Zulu

Run down HISC; venue - excellent, food - good, cheap and plentiful, facilities - great, support from sailing club - very professional, wind - better than a lot had that week, launching very good, accommodation – reasonable, cheap and local, support from Merlin class ass- unbelievable, Parties - fantastic. All in all a Fantastic weeks sailing, highlight Champions dinner. John 3652

Great sailing/racing, great weather, great company, great facilities, great organisation, great bar/catering, great socials/parties, great location.  All in all it was, well... GREAT!  Thanks to all those who helped organise the week.  Tenby here I come.

Agreed a great champs and to think there were so many doubters early in the year

What are the dates for the championships for next year then? We want to be orgonised and get good accomodation!

Fixtures list has the bare bones of 2 events...

As an ex Merlin sailor and HISC member, I'm delighted to see the championships were a success.  HISC is buzzing with good vibes about how well it went and it sounds like the MR class is too.  This is due in no small part to the efforts of Willie and co, your general attitude to having a good time and the club's ability to run such a show.  There was some talk of establishing a fleet there - I hope so, the Merlin is the perfect boat for HISC, being able to sand-hop in the harbour and take the sea conditions.  The RS400s have no real presence there, so the Merlin would fit in well.  Don't be put off by the subs, if you use the place, you don't worry about it.  I have had 6 very happy years sailing the 14 there, and helping to establish a thriving class.  I hope you guys do the same.  I might even be tempted to hang up the harness!
Mark