The De May Series and Thames Series are sponsored by Craftinsure.
The Merlin Rockets were at Upper Thames Sailing Club for the weekend of 10 and 11 September, with the De May Vintage event taking place on the Saturday, and the Thames Series racing on Sunday.
There was a good turn-out on both days, with 12 boats sailing on Saturday and 15 on Sunday.
The wind on the Saturday was light and variable, which led the Race Officer to set laps consisting of a longer leg followed by a shorter one, to give the race box flexibility to shorten course as needed.
Following Race 1 there was a break for lunch and a one-minute silence held in memory of the Queen, the start and end of which were signalled by the firing of the Club’s cannons.
Despite the challenging conditions, the racing was closely fought, and the event was won by Chris and Pippa Kilsby, sailing 1493 Katy Lou. The last race of the day was also for the Spade Oak Bowl, again won by Chris and Pippa.
Saturday night saw a well-attended Caribbean-themed social evening.
Sunday dawned with winds even lighter than on the Saturday, and a similar course to that of the Saturday.
In the first race, Charlie Morgan and Amanda Batten in Andromeda stretched out a good lead, only to be overtaken by Stuart Jenkins and Nicola Scaddan, sailing 1097 Flinkidink, on the final lap.
The second and third races, and therefore the day, were won by Rob Cage and John Reay in Hullabaloo, 1692.
The weekend was rounded off by prize-giving. Spot prizes, kindly provided by Craftinsure, were awarded, including one to the youngest crew, Emily Housman in 3560 Luka.
The next Vintage event is at Banbury Sailing Club on 24th September and the next Thames Series at Hampton Sailing Club on 9th October.
Report Nicola Scaddan
