Rockets in town.

Published 12:06 on 13 Sep 2014

The Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller series came to Weymouth last week. The bay was basking in sunshine but the wind struggled to blow.Nevertheless 21 boats managed to get to the startline late Saturday afternoon to squeeze a couple of races in. Sunday saw 3 races in difficult light winds. Congratulations to the race team and to possibly even higher non worldly powers in providing and making the most of conditions Äì most of the fleet were relieved that they got any racing at all given the forecasts all week.The Merlin Rocket fleet is one of the oldest and best supported fleets in the country with a wealth of experienced and talented sailors battling it out. Congratulations therefore to WSCÄôs very own Mike and Penny Fenwick who ended up in 3rd place overall behind winners Mike and Jane Calvert who aced all 5 races.A report in the dorset echo can be found here http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/11467773.Afloat__High_fives_for_Weymouth___s_Merlin_Rockets/A new trophy in memory of James Middleton-Stewart was awarded by Helen - a beautiful wooden bowl which was gratefully received by longstanding friend Mike Calvert who made a touching tribute to James.Making an event such as this work smoothly demands a huge amount of volunteer effort and many thanks are due to the following:- Nick Frampton and Euan McNair for sorting the on-water activities, Adrian Patterson as Race officer, Helen Middleton-Stewart, Janet Whyte, Stephen Homan-Berry and Don Cutler for assistance on the committee boat. Mark Lee, Rob Houghton, Sam Mottershead, Phil Norris, Jock Nairn and Andy young for Rib driving and crew duties. Paul Barford and Alan Roebuck for beachmastering, Phil Wyse for traffic directing, Jim Chalmers for arranging a protest panel and Julie and Grace Norris with afternoon teas. Ali Ashworth for lunches and registration activities. Other prizes came from Paul Barford who made us some splendid bags, Stewart Wiltshire glass (if you havenÄôt seen his work you can always visit his studio in Weymouth http://stuartwiltshireglass.co.uk/about/stuart-wiltshire-glass-maker ) Marlow Ropes and a local supermarket also made a contribution without wanting publicity. Thank you everyone Äì a job very well done - Phil Ashworth Event Organiser.

Last updated 15:13 on 28 July 2025