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Vintage Merlin Rocket Open at Banbury Sailing Club – Saturday 19th September 2009The weather forecast for the day was one many people would think of as beautiful, but one we sailors dread – warm and sunny with little or no wind. Sadly for once it proved to be accurate. Nevertheless 6 boats ranging from ‘Iska’ No.6 to ‘Moonshine’ No.3085 were prepared for action (using the term loosely). In the light and patchy breeze, the race officer David Glanville started the first of 3 races a little behind schedule to allow the competitors to reach the start line. After rounding the first mark, the running order was Mike Stephens and Victoria Little in ‘Flinkidink’ followed by Mervyn Allen and Jeremy Wright in ‘Chimp’ with Tim Bury and Pat Kuenzler in ‘Ten-Sixty-Six’ in third place. The only close battle was between Chris and Lois Barlow in ‘Iska’ and Sandy Lavelle and Pat Jones in ‘Half Cut’. Ian Boddington and Ben Kirby in ‘Moonshine’ unfortunately got stuck in zero wind near the first mark and never recovered. So it was, after some jockeying for position between Chris and Sandy, that the race finished in that order.
After a good hearty lunch to add ballast to the boats (we were hoping to add even more ballast to ‘Flinkidink’ but couldn’t persuade Mike to have an extra helping) the second race was run in generally lighter conditions. Remarkably, with the exception of Sandy, who did not start that race due to technical problems, the result was the same as the first race, giving Flinkidink 2 wins. Mike didn’t compete in the final race as he’d already secured the trophy for the second year running. However the other 5 boats all went out in a slightly better breeze to settle the remaining places. Mervyn took the lead and the rest followed in by now a very familiar order, remaining like that to the end, although on handicap Tim was within 1 second of Mervyn on this occasion with Chris a close 3rd. So the final result for the day was exactly the same as the first race: 1st Mike Stephens and Victoria Little in ‘Flinkidink’ No.1097, Tamesis. 2nd Mervyn Allen and Jeremy Wright in ‘Chimp’ No.1357 (sailing as No.799), Tamesis. 3rd Tim Bury and Pat Kuenzler in ‘Ten-Sixty-Six’ No.1066, Banbury. 4th Chris and Lois Barlow in ‘Iska’ No.6, Shearwater. 5th Sandy Lavelle and Pat Jones in ‘Half Cut’ No.2121, Shearwater. 6th Ian Boddington and Ben Kirby in ‘Moonshine’ No.3085, Banbury. Despite the lack of wind everyone seemed to enjoy the day thanks to the hard work of all the people behind the scenes. Vice Commodore Jane Tarver stepped into the galley to serve the customary excellent lunch. David Glaville and his team managed to set some challenging courses, with Liz Hood on hand to record the day in photos, and Ralph Wilkin manned the bar. Thanks must go to all these people and more, for a very enjoyable day. Tim Bury. |
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