Despite the amount of water flowing down the Thames, there was enough wind yesterday evening to sail against it.
2 Merlins and 2 Lasers risked all in the raging rapids of Tamesis for the Thursday evening handicap race and 1 Merlin (us in 3599) and 1 Laser managed to complete the 3 laps while the other 2 boats drifted too far downstream and had to be towed back.

Yes Brian, A reasonable wind on a Thursday evening was too good to resist, and in spite of the stream it was a good outing. Thanks for the competition - it made Steve's delicious supper even more enjoyable afterwards.
Stewart(the Laser)

Brian’s kind invitation to other Merlins to join him and Ken in trying to outsail the turbulent, fast running stream on the flood swollen Thames at Tamesis omitted to say there were four times as many helms and crews standing on the bank watching the futility of it all.  At least Colin Stokes, glad to be on Race Officer duty for once, did his best to promote the dangerous but exciting  new sport of weir jumping by setting an 80 round course.  Beware the crabs!  See www.tamesisclub.co.uk/news.htm for report and pictures.

must admit that we in the rater fleet could see no hope enough wind to fight the current tonight so retired to the bar...