The Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller and Allspars South West Series at Starcross Yacht Club was a thrilling spectacle of sailing prowess and strategic maneuvers. The event, held on May 23-24, 2026, brought together a diverse fleet of boats and sailors, each bringing their unique skills and experiences to the table. The series was a testament to the spirit of sailing, where every race was a battle of wits and wind, and every sailor had a story to tell.
One of the standout moments of the series was the victory of Storm Nutall and Sally Wakefield in their first race together in over 30 years. Their win was a testament to the enduring bond between these two sailing legends, and it sparked a wave of nostalgia among the spectators. The race itself was a display of tactical brilliance, with the leading boats trading places and shifting strategies to gain an edge over their competitors.
The conditions were challenging, with light winds and the ever-present threat of the Starcross sea breeze. The course, set by PRO Russ Gibbs, was a windward-leeward affair, with lines of pressure and several shifts to navigate. The leading boats, including Chris Gould & Sophie Mackley, Mike & Jane Calvert, and Dave Winder & Beka Jones, demonstrated their sailing acumen, trading places and adapting to the ever-changing conditions.
Race 2 saw a different outcome, with Chris & Sophie rounding the mark first, and Mike & Jane in hot pursuit. However, fate had other plans, as Mike & Jane had to retire after a spinnaker pole incident. This left Storm & Sally in the lead, who extended their advantage to the finish. The race was a stark reminder of the fragility of sailing, where one misstep can cost you dearly.
The third race was a spectacle of local knowledge and tactical brilliance. Dave Lee & Angela Bridges, leveraging their familiarity with the area, executed a bold move, leaving Chris & Sophie and Mike & Jane behind. The race was a close affair, with Tom Lonsdale & Emily Batterton emerging victorious, ahead of Caroline Gould & Pete Nicholson and Dave & Beka. The sea breeze, which had been elusive until then, finally made an appearance, adding a touch of magic to the proceedings.
On Sunday, the fleet enjoyed a pleasant evening in the local hostelry, organized by Steve Harling. The next day, the breeze settled into a lovely 8-10 knots SE sea breeze, and the course was a P configuration for variety. The locals, Dave & Angela, hit hard left to cheat the tide, but it was quickly apparent that short-tacking up the right was the way to go. Chris & Sophie nailed this strategy to perfection, enjoying a comfortable win.
The final race was a showcase of consistency and tactical prowess. Chris & Sophie won the first beat, with the Calverts in hot pursuit. Mike & Jane nipped inside at the leeward mark and extended their lead to the finish. The race was a testament to the importance of consistency and tactical awareness in sailing.
The overall results were a reflection of the series' competitive nature, with Chris & Sophie taking first place, followed by Caroline Gould & Pete Nicholson and Mike & Jane Calvert. The series was a showcase of the Merlin fleet's depth and diversity, with boats ranging from current leaders to recent graduates of the Rutland training weekend. The event was a testament to the spirit of sailing, where every race is a battle of wits and wind, and every sailor has a story to tell.
In my opinion, the Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller and Allspars South West Series at Starcross Yacht Club was a spectacular display of sailing prowess and strategic maneuvers. The event was a testament to the enduring appeal of sailing, where every race is a unique adventure, and every sailor is a hero in their own right. The series was a reminder that sailing is not just a sport, but a way of life, a passion that brings people together and creates lasting memories. Personally, I think the event was a triumph, and I look forward to the next one with great anticipation.
