Hampton SC hosted the next round of the Merlin Rocket vintage and local circuit meetings. On Saturday the De May vintage series for boats built before 1985 continued, followed by the Thames series open to all Merlins on the Sunday. We were blessed with sunny warm weather all weekend for what may well turn out to be the last shorts & T-shirt event of the year!
For Saturday's report see Hampton DeMay event 8th October 2022 - here
Sunday was again quite warm and sunny, with a stronger Southerly wind blowing straight across the river. The first start was reasonably orderly (the black flag was threatened but not used by Jane Chambers and her race team). Going through the narrower part of the river north of Tagg’s Island was tricky with the wind swirling over the trees on the bank, but as usual, the cream rose to the top and Rob and Hatty Cage again managed the conditions to perfection and counted another first, followed in by locals Phil Dalby and Ben Peerless in Onions, 1761. 3rd went to Ollie Houseman with new crew Carl. The stronger wind proved problematic for Richard Parslow and Simon Girven. Having swapped crew and helm roles from the previous day they were going really quickly before hiking out for a gust when the starboard shroud decided to part company with the boat. Quick action saved further damage but their day was done. The second race followed quickly. The start was enlivened by Rob Heath, who had got caught up with some rowers and then had the bright idea of approaching the line from the course side on port looking for a gap. He didn’t find one but he did collect a couple of Merlins on his way through (me and Ollie H). But no damage was done and he did his turns. John and Livvy Bell collected the 2nd place in this race behind the Cage’s and in front of Ollie and Carl.
After lunch in much the same wind conditions we set off for the 3rd race on a shorter lap than before, avoiding the wind shadow. The spinnaker just about paid for the middle of the downriver leg but hoists and drops needed to be very quick and sharp. It looked as though Rob and Hattie might not win and get the clean sweep but just towards the end of the race got a nice puff to take them through Alex Jackson and Sophie Penwarden who took 2nd in 1493 (Alex having by then recovered from his Dark and Stormies followed by a night with a 6-month-old). Duncan Salmon and Ruth Haundstetter took 3rd place and the only modern Merlin in the top 10 places.
So the Thames series trophy for Hampton went to Rob and Hattie Cage with a perfect score for the weekend. Prizes for 2nd and 3rd places were given by Craftinsure, sponsors of the De May and Thames series. Rob however said he didn’t want any of his company’s stuff back for his string of wins!
One last statistic – there were 6 boats sailing with father and daughter crews this weekend as well as 3 married couples.
Report thanks to Andrew Mills
