Thames Series Merlin Open - Sondown Cup and Elizabeth Bowl 18th May 2025

Published 19:31 on 23 May 2025

Sunday May 18th was the Thames Series Merlin Rocket Open sponsored by Craftinsure for all ages of boat competing for the Sondown Cup (for the overall result) and the Elizabeth Bowl (for the first vintage boat).

The wind from Saturday remained from the NNE, though a bit lighter than the day before with the forecast predicting it to turn southerly. In the end it became shifty rather than Southerly.

Another beautiful day of sunshine and gentle breeze welcomed the turnout of eight boats, including two modern FRP boats that were clearly going to have their work cut out trying to keep up with the stellar array of impressively maintained (and expertly raced) fleet of vintage boats which revel in river conditions.

The resident grey seal repeated his performance of the day before, and mooched around on the ramp until the press of eager competitors in the vicinity made him decide that the river was a quieter place to be, so shuffled down ramp, not to be seen again.

Chris Simon was on hand to ensure there was no Rule 42 shenanigans, and Peter Fryer was once more OOD. He set the course as an anti-clockwise loop around the downstream Lensbury mark and then upriver to Canbury, beyond Stevens Eyot.

Sara Warren had jumped ship and was sailing with her other brother Richard Harris. It was, however, Andrew Harris crewed by Lyra Wade who won the first race by some margin. Richard and Sara won the second and so it was all to play for after lunch for the main trophy.

By the time the third race started after lunch the wind had dropped enough that the leeward mark was brought back towards the club so the many spectators were able to view the whole course.

In the end Andrew and Lyra won the last race and the Sondown Cup. Second were Richard and Sara. In third place, with a burst of performance and only sailing the first two races, were Peter Johnson and Ros-Warwick Haller who finished third in the two races they sailed.

The Elizabeth Bowl for the first vintage boat was won by Andy Harris and Lyra Wade.

After losing the original Southcott Cup for a number of years, it had recently resurfaced and was presented to the first Junior in the event, Lyra Wade. The youngest competitor winning in the oldest boat. This Merlin sailing takes some beating.

The next event on the Thames Series is at Ranelagh Sailing Club on 22nd June. For all the Merlin Rocket events for 2025 please visit portal.merlinrocket.co.uk/events

Overall Results:

Last updated 11:46 on 27 May 2025