Sunday 13th saw the the first round of the 2016 Merlin Rocket Midland Series at Bartley SC. Fifteen boats from as far away as Wembley and Swarkestone arrived at Bartley reservoir to find an 8 knot easterly breeze and spring sunshine.
With the forecast of more breeze later Andy Bownes the race officer got the first race away in 8-12 knots. First around the windward mark was 3700 Richie Adams/Andrew Prosser followed closely by 5 boats. 3700 were caught by 3743 Matt Biggs/John Hackett and then by 3716 Steve and Gill Leney who lead at the finish. Meanwhile 3564 Rob Kennaugh/Tim Male, 3760 Mark Reddington/Colin Staite and 3700 battled for 3rd with 3760 getting some good pressure from the left and taking the place.
The second race started after a lunch break in slightly more breeze on the same course. This time it was 3743 that was first at the windward mark with all the usual suspects from the first race. As the fleet closed up at the leeward mark it was 3716 that took the lead followed by 3743 who battled to the finish with 3743 finally coming out on top. Meanwhile 3700, 3564 and 3760 had re-joined their battle with 3745 Paul Dean/Nicki Della-Porta coming home in 6th place.
Andy Bownes then ran a short postponement whist he re-set his course for the 3rd race in yet more breeze. This time 3716 lead from the start leaving 3743 back in the pack with a lot of work to do. 3564 sailed a good race to 2nd whilst 3583 Colin and Sean Anderson joined in the race for 3rd with 3743 recovering to 5th There were notable battles all the way through the fleet made interesting by the variable wind, with everybody having their own tales to tell, but with 2 wins the day belonged to 3716 Steve and Gillian Leney from Blithfield SC. The fleet reconvenes at Midland SC next Sunday 20th March.
By Mark Reddington
