As an appetizer for the Classic and Vintage Racing Dinghy Association end of season dinner and prize giving, 9 classic dinghies braved the fog to race in Bristol docks on Saturday 19th November. 3 Merlin Rockets, a Fairey 14, a Pegasus, an OK, a National 12, a Plymouth Dolphin and a British Moth battled it out in slow motion over 2 races before heading to the pub at sun set.
The 1st race saw British Moth 533 hold off the fleet for half the race before Merlin 507 caught her own private wind and opened up a half lap lead in less than 5 minutes, to get the nod on handicap over the Moth and N12 2134. The 2nd race saw an early leader in International 14 556, but Moth 533 sailed round her as she sat in a hole to build up a big lead. The Pegasus caught her on the finish line, but the Moth was easily ahead on handicap, with the N12 again 3rd.
Many thanks must go to Baltic Wharf Sailing Club for putting on such a good event at very short notice and in such tricky conditions. The dinner tasted all the better after all that fresh air!
Overall Results:
1st Rupert Whelan British, Moth 533
2nd Chris and Lois Barlow, Merlin Rocket 507
3rd Richard White and Son, National 12 2134
4th Keith Rollinson and Rodney Townsend, Pegasus
5th John and Lyn Gardiner, Merlin 36
6th Alan Williams and Mark Jones, Dolphin
7th Alan Price, OK 1211
8th Ed Bremner and Stu Budden, International 14 556
9th Steve Winter and Dad, Merlin 1477