I've just received the following update from the organiser, Tom Jeffcoate regarding Carnac. The event, known as SMELT (which stands for Scorpions, Merlins, Ents, Larks and Twelves) is a multi class event, but is primarily fleet racing. It is the 27th-30th May, in Carnac, Brittany and there are currently 24 Merlins entered. If you're in two minds about it, hopefully the below info about ferries etc will encourage you to come along.
Hopefully see you there.
SMELT 2017 @ Carnac – sponsored by Allen Bros., Brittany
Ferries, Coast Watersports, Dinghy Rope, Les Menhirs campsite, North Sails and
True Start
Hi all,
We've had a few people asking how things are progressing
with planning so thought we’d give you all an update, and hopefully convince a
few more to come and get involved. For those that don’t know three years ago 77
boats went over to Carnac for a four day event in the sun. Everyone who went
had an amazing time, barring a minor self-inflicted hospital trip for the
organiser, and so we thought we should do it again. I’m sure most of you
already know the details but I’ve added the background info for those who
missed out last time and added some more info on this edition below.
The venue is ideal with all the usual you could want from a
club, plenty of space, easy launching, a great sailing area and a very
professional team used to running major events. Unusually for a club of this
size they are also incredibly friendly and welcoming. It’s also walking distance
to the town, beaches and easy access to the surrounding area for those coming
for a holiday. Getting there is surprisingly simple with multiple flight and
ferry options and Brittany Ferries are kindly offering a discount for
competitors and supporters. The link to claim this is e-mailed to you on entry,
a few people have said it’s not coming through but it should all be working
now, please remember to check your junk e-mail folder and if not, e-mail [email protected] and I’ll send you the link.
Various people have also been sorting out sharing double stacker trailers using
the event facebook page so that is probably the best place to put out an offer
/ request if needed.
The Sis are currently being refined but the format for the
sailing will be similar to last time with handicap races Saturday that don’t
count to the main series in case anyone can’t get over there in time and then
fleet racing on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The main changes are the addition
of a pursuit race on the Saturday before a back to back handicap race and the
option to run sprint races on the Monday. Target length for these will be 15
minutes so if someone makes a blinding start then there’s less chance for it
all to go wrong and anyone making a bad start is quickly into another race so
no need to spend a long race trying to catch up again. Otherwise we’ll try and
keep the same balance of shore and afloat time as before.
We’ve changed the socials a bit as it’s always fun to mix
things up, this time we have approval to attempt a Guinness world record for
the biggest human knot! Early practice has been a bit sketchy but Rachael
Rhodes has managed to get her class about half way there so I’m sure with a bit
of co-ordination and luck on the day we can get there. Otherwise there is also
a meal at the club included in the entry, and we are planning on a quiz and
possibly some paddleboard racing in the harbour (spectating will probably be an
activity in itself if anyone has over indulged on the local grape juice). These
will be finalised closer to the day.
As the headline would suggest we have some great sponsors on
board who have been really generous providing prizes for the racing. On top of
that there is a day’s professional coaching to be won for one fleet. We are
just finalising the t-shirt design and will be ordering these in March. Anyone
who has entered and paid by the end of Feb will get these free of charge. The
website shows who has entered so far (76 boats and counting…) and which
deposits we have received, any queries just let me know.
The other questions we’ve had relate to time and costs. The
event is happening 27th – 30th May so it’s a bank holiday
weekend and half term. It means it can be done with only 1 day off work if you
want. Cost wise will depend on your circumstances and how many people you are
bringing, as open meetings go it is quite expensive, as holidays with your
mates go it’s an absolute bargain.
More info can be found at www.smelt.info
or feel free to e-mail [email protected] if
you can’t find the answer there. I’ll also be around the dinghy show on the
Saturday or various events beforehand.
See you in France!
