RTYC Merlin Open Autumn Trophy

RTYC Merlin Open Autumn Trophy 1^st Nov 2009

Grey clouds over Putney

10 brave souls ventured to the shores of the Thames in Putney to partake in the final race of the 2009 Thames Series with everything still to play for. After the calms of the previous day the forecast was for strong Southerlies with gusts to 35MPH in some forecasts and competitors were not to be disappointed. With a typical Ranelagh running start, spinnakers were up in short order and the fleet made a fine start as they set off past Craven Cottage for the gybe mark at Crabtree, a mile up river. About half way down the run a veering gust decimated the fleet which ended up with numerous capsizes, a torn mainsail and three broken masts! 5 boats kept upright and Andy Harris and Sara Warren in Millie held a 5 minute lead at the end of the first lap from Mike Stephens, Duncan Salmon, Jon Steward and Alan Markham, 11 minutes covering these 5. Although Mike gradually closed the gap to 2 minutes over the next three laps, all boats suffered from the shifty winds and Alan Markham finally succumbed so there were just 4 finishers.

1^st Andrew Harris/ Sara Warren/3649 Millie/RSC/Tamesis
2^nd Mike Stephens/Matthew Peregrine-Jones /3560 Luka/Tamesis
3^rd Duncan Salmon/Harriet Salmon/3702 Salmon en Croute/Wembley

Duncan Salmon, crewed by his daughter Harriet (Wembley SC)won the Thames Series from Mike Stephens & Matthew Peregrine-Jones (Tamesis), Andrew Harris & Liam Dempsey 3^rd  (Tamesis), Ken Duffel & Brian Corking 4^th  (Tamesis), Jon Steward and Nick Yannakoyorgos 5^th (Wembley SC).

Prizes were presented by Margaret Stokes, Race Officer & RTYC Hon life member.