i think everyone would agree that this years champs was excellent! (both on and off the water.)
the wind was unpredictable and the ROD cancelled 3 races, 2 because it was too windy and 1 due to lack of wind. in the end it was chris and tom who sailed very consistently who finished 10th overall.  mark and pete still managed to get 12th after not sailing much in the merlin at all. David proctor ended up 32nd and sorry John he did beat you, but at least you were not last whitstable boat. John and Hillary sailed extremely well in the week picking up some top positions throughout they ended up with a 33rd. after that john and sophie had some high results, but like us they had some bad luck on the course with a couple of DNFs.! in 40th was austin and mike who were sailing well and fast throughout the week. and after that was tudor and I who after breakage’s and bad luck finished 43rd. The great thing about the week was that everyone at some stage was at the top of the fleet! =)

all in all the week was a huge success and we have a lot to live up to next year

merlin rocket national champs 2009! (bring it on!)

ps.
in the picture.
mikes top crewing! (HOLDING ON FOR DEAR LIFE!)

was indeed a great week despite the breakages - fab wind and waves. Well done Chris and Tiom, Mark and Pete (special thanks to all these guys for getting us out on the water after breaking our boom which I thought was terminal).

mustn’t forget the most important race of the week, the crews race, well done hamish (i think letting Mike beat you was wise, but there’s always next year!)

S

Thanks for the report and pic Hamish. Yes indeed it was a laugh a minute. However I have to point out that I am merely adjusting the spinnaker pole height in order to promote the sleigh ride down the back of the wave we are overtaking.
I am not hanging on for a dear life - my current one is expensive enough already.
By the way where did you get the pic? I can’t find it on Demelza’s site and I might pay for a proper size copy.

its on fotoboat
and btw ive made a group on facebook about 2009 champs if anyone wants to become moderators and help out with it then just say
demelzas site is http://demelzamitchell.co.uk