Dont forget the fickle winds at Ranelagh... followed by a slap up lunch.
The Ranelagh fleet is now up to over 10 boats so we are guranteed a good race.

Arrive and register 12:30
Bacon rolls, Tea and Coffee beforehand - free to entrants
Racing starts at 14:00
Post race tidyup
Late lunch - free for entrants, £3 for others

I'll be there.  Pretty sure it won't be fickle, we always get a good sail late October at Ranelagh.

Hope to see lots of visitors.

It is the last Thames Series event, so will also be the prize-giving for that.  And you can get that last neded qualifying event....

(For info the Thames series results look very strange at the moment - none of the points add up).

See you all on the 20th.

Fran

Am I not right in thinking this is actually the Royal Thames YC Merlin Open - hosted by Ranelagh? Though how much they know about this I don't know...

Will of course be there. Very importantly though, what are the plans regarding the bar being open the night before??

You're right Mark - it is.  They do know about it, they provide the glassware and Mike Jackson often appears to present the prizes.  Pretty sure he has some Royal Thames links as well as Ranelagh ones.

It is also a rather lovely big silver urn of a trophy.

I'll be in the bar on Saturday evening assuming Brian opens it - which I think he will.  Maybe if he doesn't open it, we could open it.  He could still stock it.

Don't worry Fran, the Thames Series points add up if you include the results from Minima's open meeting.  They were there when I emailed them to Mags this morning.

We did the numebers and there will be 15 Ranelagh Merlins in the water on Sunday and one from SouthBank next door. With 16 boats it can already get a little crowded on the start line. During our Mid-week series races in the Summer it's getting really tight with 30 boats on the start line - at least that's my impression. 
Then John Stokes comes along and tells me about 50-60 boats in the 1960s and 1950s....

Windforecast is southerly force 4. That means a deep spinny reach down to Hammersmith and short tacking back to Putney. Wind also has time to settle on the river. Very exciting. Fingers crossed the forecast remains unchanged.

I am sure I can be talked into opening on Saturday night..... Okay so it doesn't need much.
Opens at 7.
Order in pizzas at about 8.

Just received confirmation of the ONLY Belgian Merlin Rocket making it across the channel to do the Ranelagh Open. 

Always wanted to sail at the birthplace of the MR class....

Thought I would lay out the menu for Sunday..
There will be a bacon roll beforehand.
Afterward French Cassoulet in a bowl with Bread to clean up.

Please advise if veggie before you arrive, as it helps!!!

Thanks

For Merlin Sailors coming from far away and looking a place to sleep: 

There is plenty of room in the clubhouse. Just bring your sleeping bag. Coffee and bacon roll in the morning. 

We have a club race on Saturday at 14:00 if someone wants to join to get used to local conditions.

Further to the last couple of comments:

It is mentioned higher up the thread but the bacon rolls, tea and coffee, and french cassoulet for lunch is included within the entry fee.  That is two bacon rolls, two teas and coffees, two lunches and an open meeting all for £10!?  There really are not many places you can have a day out like that for two people for £10.... 

(lunch is only £3 for non-competitors)

And if we do have people looking to travel down, but don't fancy a clubhouse floor, then within walking distance of the club I can offer my spare room and futons in the living room.  Give me a buzz or drop me an email.

Thames area prize giving afterwards, and a lovely big silver urn to race for on the day.  I know we're repeating ourselves a little bit, but we really would like to see as many visitors as possible.

See you all on Saturday in the bar (possibly the cheapest bar in London) or Sunday on the race course.

Fran

Looking forward to this! (I will try and remember to bring the Thames Series trophy along as well!)

Thank you Ranelagh for a memorable end to the Thames Series. Generous welcome and hospitality - as ever, every type of weather during the race and with 31 boats a great opportunity to catch up. Look forward to racing with you next year!

Thanks for coming Duncan and everyone else. It really was fantastic to have so many visitors and home boats as well!

Well done Tim Harridge and Alex Jackson for taking the big urn home. Well done Duncan and Harriet for winning the Thames series. 

Report to follow soon. 

Top 4 today. 

Tim Harridge, Alex Jackson
Alex Jones and Jack Deung
Tosh and Joe Tosh
Rob and Hattie Cage 

Furthest travelled - Francoir and Benoir brought their boat on the train from Belgium!

Thanks again everyone. 

Fran

The report's up on Y&Y.  I think the best photo is this one which takes a bit of finding..... So here's the link:

Great write up! - nice job Fran.

I agree. Excellent right up Fran.  Tells the story of that tricky windward mark rounding brillaintly!!  I too would like to give a big thanks to everyone was at Ranelagh for making it such a fun/interesting afternoons racing :-)

P.S. will anymore photos be appearing online??

There are now pictures on Ranelaghs web pages. Click on the thumbnails to see larger image.
Thanks

Looks like some on board Belgium footage as Duncan & Harriet sail by!

I see the 'Welcome to blighty' weather was on.