The Merlin Rocket Nationals took place at Whitstable Yacht Club from the 16^th – 21^st August. Mark Barnes kept us up-to-date with very exciting daily reports from the event and lovely photos courtesy of Nick Champion. By all accounts they had a fantastic week, with great weather conditions and good social and the racing was very keen and close.

With one point separating 3626 (Glenn Truswell/Olly Turner) and 3703 (Richard Whitworth/Sally Townend) going in to the last race, 3703 suffered a capsize which put them back in 23rd position. They valiantly overtook half the fleet to finish in 6^th. Unfortunately for them it wasn’t enough to win the championship but gave them 2^nd overall. The Merlin Rocket National Champions are Glen Truswell and Olly Turner in 3626 and Andy Davis and Ellie Bremer in 3684 who finished with equal points with 3703 but on discard finished 3^rd overall.

So to the prize giving and every competitor was to leave with a prize, a first for the Merlin Nationals, and probably down to Barnsie’s persuasive personality and hard work with the various sponsors. Allen were pleased to support the event with goody bags and T-shirts which judging by the photo went down very well.