Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller End of Season event at Stone Sailing Club
by Louise Johnson 28 Oct 2024 23:18 NZDT
26 October 2024
Merlin Rocket End of Season Dinner © Stone Sailing Club
We made it, report 41 of 2024 and the final one from this year's Merlin Rocket season. Having asked the third placed finishers at each of the events it was probably time I wrote one myself.
27 boats turned up at Stone Sailing Club on Saturday 26th October for Craftinsure Silver Tiller. The forecast early this week was looking good with a steady 10 knots, encouraging many travelling to get their final result of the year and to secure series qualification. Sadly, it was not to be as the fleet spent the morning looking over a very beautiful but very windless horizon.
No sailing usually means no prize-giving. Well AI has written several race reports in recent times, however maybe this is the first time it's been used to establish the winners?
With pre-engraved glassware looking for a home, Katherine Kimber Bithell set about asking AI if we had sailed today, Saturday 26th October, who would have won based on local advantage and national experience. This is the top three results based on AI very thorough, imaginative on water umpiring!
Known for their adaptability and strategic precision, they have achieved notable placements in several high-profile regattas. Although they lack local knowledge, these sailor's history of success on the national circuit ensures they would remain highly competitive. Their second-place finish in the national regatta circuit illustrates their adaptability and resilience, crucial skills for excelling in any location. Their proven national level expertise positions them confidently in third. Peter and Tim Male.
Known as strong contenders within Stone Sailing Club, these sailors have demonstrated remarkable consistency and performance. Their experience navigating these waters equips them with key insights into local challenges, making them exceptionally well prepared. Their consistent top finishes, particularly their win at the Spring Championships, illustrates their ability to excel in both routine and high-stake events on these waters. Their strong local record justifies second here. Ben Harden and Dave Nickalls.
These sailors are respected members of Stone Sailing Club. Their consistent success at Stone SC and other regional events demonstrates both skill and local mastery. Their knowledge of tides, currents and specific conditions at Stone SC gives them a crucial home advantage that would like position them as winners. Geoff and Helen Kimber.
After the daily prize-giving, with the Merlin Rocket Chairman, committee members, sailors and guests, dressed in black tie, were ready to mark the end of season Craftinsure Silver Tiller Dinner and Dance. Our newly elected Class Chairman Stuart Jenkins thanked our series sponsor Craftinsure and also the sponsors of all our series, Allen, Aspire and HD Sails, he thanked all the committee members for their support and hard work putting on a great year and every sailor who had taken part in one the class events across the year.
Whilst it may be one of our smallest numbers of overall qualifiers for a while, it was announced that plans are afoot for 2025 and with more Craftinsure Silver Tiller Qualifying events scheduled. Can our 2024 Craftinsure Silver Tiller winners Matt Biggs and Beka Jones retain their title? He highlighted how participation and commitment is rewarded and congratulated James Wells and Anna Aylward on winning the Grand Slam (lowest aggregate points from the Silver Tiller, Inlands, Nationals and Salcombe) by one point from Matt and Beka.
Bartley Sailing Club were the overall team winners, Colin and Sean Anderson our Most Improved and Matt and Ben Shorrock the Best Newcomers.
Stone SC has set the bar high for the Craftinsure Silver Tiller Dinner and Dance 2025, save the date for Lymington Town Sailing Club on Saturday 18th October 2025.
Save the following sailing dates for 2025:
- Allen Inlands 7th and 8th June
- Aspire National Championships 10th to 16th August
Full calendar announcement coming soon!
2024 Merlin Rocket Publicity Officer signing off for the year. See you at the Dinghy Show 22nd and 23rd February 2025 :-)