The forecast of high winds saw a low turnout of CVRDA travellers who were joined by the Merlin Rocket Vintage and Classic wings for a joint event with twelve boats. Lyndon Beasley brough his reliable International Moth “Dollywagon” which he sailed very successfuly to win the event. Ian Marshall brough a new-to -him German Internation Moth Mistral design with a table-top-flat deck, wings and rear tank but the gusty winds proved too much for this design and he retired after three capsizes. Roger Oliva-Knight in the Mirror and Sandy & Pat in the Albacore started but then came in as the variation between wind speed and gust left them overpowered and struggling. Local hosts Tim Bury and Pat Kuenzler chose to use their newer Merlin Rocket 3382 “Riders on the Storm” which at 7ft 6in wide had more sitting out power than their older narrower 1066. This was a good decision as they completed two races, chosing to sit out the second race to prepare lunch.
Local sailors Tony and Matt Best launched their newly renovated Merlin Rocket 3336 Minder on Friday evening and completed two races, chosing not to sail the other, a definite success for a boat that was new to them and in true CVRDA style was still being put together on Friday night!
Stuart Jenkins and Nicola Scadden from Hampton S.C. in updated Merlin Rocket 725 but still with alloy rig and dacron sails held off travellers from Medley, Trent Valley, Midland, Fishers Green and Hollingworth to be first Merlin and second CVRDA boat overall, beating newer boats with carbon and mylar rigs and taking home the Vintage Merlin trophy.
Thanks go to the race officer and his safety crews who had a few capsizes to attend and to Tim and Pat and their galley helpers for an excellent lunch including Pat’s famous apple crumble. Despite the weather it was an enjoyable day with plenty of friendly socialising amongst competitors.