Craftinsure Silver Tiller, DeMay and Thames Series Merlin Rocket event at Thames Sailing Club
by Chris Martin 6 May 14:11 PDT
3 May 2025
Merlin Rocket event at Thames SC © TSC
On Saturday 3rd May Thames Sailing Club hosted the Craftinsure sponsored combined Merlin Rocket Thames and DeMay Vintage Series Open Meeting, under clear skies and perfect sunglasses weather. Five boats competed in a combined Thames and Vintage Series event, with the sun providing a warm welcome, though the wind proved elusive, varying between a light but sailable northerly and moments of near calm.
The day started with welcome croissants and a succinct briefing from Race Officer Mark Laity. For Race One, a course with a mild chicane on the upwind, downstream leg was set to add a tactical challenge. However, for Races Two and Three, the course was simplified to a straightforward windward-leeward track.
Throughout the day, racing remained close and competitive, with Rob and Hatty Cage (sailing 1692, Hullabaloo) and Miles Palmer and Ben Hughes (sailing 2152, Dipsomania) making the most of the changing conditions. Race 1 was hard-fought, with Rob and Hatty claiming victory on the water for the Thames Series, though Miles and Ben stayed close enough to secure the win on corrected handicap time in the Vintage Series.
Race 2 was another tightly contested battle, with Miles and Ben prevailing on both the water and adjusted time, earning them the Vintage Trophy with a race to spare. Race Three became the decider for the Thames Series, and despite intense competition, Rob and Hatty sailed fast, securing victory both on the water and on corrected time, taking the Thames Series title.
Craftinsure generously sponsored the prizes, alongside the traditional Thames Sailing Club glasses and silverware. Between races, competitors enjoyed a fine lunch, and after the competition, well-earned refreshments and homemade cake proved once again that a good afternoon tea can make up for a lack of breeze.
For the committed racers, the next challenge awaited the following day at Minima YC, accompanied by an improving weather forecast.
Thames Series Results:
| Pos | Boat | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 |
|---|
| 1st | Hullabaloo | 1692 | Rob Cage | Hatty Cage | Thames SC | 1 | (2) | 1 |
| 2nd | Dipsomania | 2152 | Miles Palmer | Ben Hughes | Thames SC | (2) | 1 | 2 |
| 3rd | Desperation | 950 | Chris Martin | James Martin | Thames SC | 3 | 3 | (4) |
| 4th | Splatter | 1631 | Stuart Jenkins | Nicola Scaddan | Hampton SC/UTSC | (4) | 4 | 3 |
| 5th | Crossbow | 1028 | Tim Medcalf | Henry | Tamesis | (DNF) | DNF | 5 |
Vintage Series Results:
| Pos | Boat | Sail No | Helm | Crew | Club | R1 | R2 | R3 |
|---|
| 1st | Dipsomania | 2152 | Miles Palmer | Ben Hughes | Thames SC | 1 | 1 | (2) |
| 2nd | Hullabaloo | 1692 | Rob Cage | Hatty Cage | Thames SC | (2) | 2 | 1 |
| 3rd | Desperation | 950 | Chris Martin | James Martin | Thames SC | 3 | 3 | (5) |
| 4th | Splatter | 1631 | Stuart Jenkins | Nicola Scaddan | Hampton SC/UTSC | (4) | 4 | 3 |
| 5th | Crossbow | 1028 | Tim Medcalf | Henry | Tamesis | (DNF) | DNF | 4 |