Aspire Merlin Rocket National Championships at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy - Day 3

Day 3 at the Aspire Merlin Rocket National Championships at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy and today was ClamCleat Tuesday!

Monday had definitely been too windy to race, which meant 3 races in the plan for Tuesday. Forecast was for an ESE average 16kts gusting 20, perfect conditions for Portland Harbour.

The race team, led by Peter Saxton & Heinzey, did a great job setting square lines and good length beats which provided plenty of tactical options and opportunities to gain or lose throughout each race. The Merlin class is renowned for attracting a top collection of dinghy talent, and the closeness of today's racing proved as much, leading to a lot of smiles as we came ashore.

Second start and everyone was very well behaved on day 3 of the Aspire Merlin Rocket Nationals at the WPNSA - photo © Rob O'Neill

The flatter water meant those who worked the hardest upwind were rewarded with a little extra pace. Jon Gorringe & Toby Lewis gave a perfect demonstration of this to lead at the first mark of race 3, which they held comfortably to the end of the race, followed by Tom Stewart & Rob Allen showing some great pace in their new boat and Taxi & Becky Caiger third. Mark Stockbridge and James Gifford led home gold fleet in a strong 7th position, which was then followed up by two more strong races which see them move up the overall results sheet.

The right hand side began to be more favoured for races 4 and 5 as the forecast right shift materialised and the Portland wind bend began to appear. After issues which forced a retirement from the first race, Ben Whaley & Chris Martin showed their hiking prowess to win race 4 followed by Arran Holman and Tom Pygall who spent the whole day in a very effective low and fast mode.

Chris Martin and Josh Oates clear the windward mark on the second beat of the first race on day 3 of the Aspire Merlin Rocket Nationals at the WPNSA - photo © Rob O'Neill

After another quick turnaround race 5 was off. Taxi and Becky and Arran and Tom continued their fine speed and form to finish first and second in race 6 followed by Tom & Rob just behind them. Just as in the other races positions 4 to 15 were tight throughout the race with an exciting amount of place changing right until the finish.

Overall Taxi and Becky move into the overall lead, 4 points ahead of Tom Gillard & Rachael Gray who had a more difficult day with a few boat issues. Ben & Chris are equal on points with Tom & Rach, and Arran & Tom just one further back. Slightly further down another bunch is forming, with 7th to 11th separated by just 5 points. All to play for in the remaining 3 days.

Jon Gorringe and Toby Lewis well ahead of the fleet and went on to win, no wonder they are both look so happy on day 3 of the Aspire Merlin Rocket Nationals at the WPNSA - photo © Rob O'Neill

Sam & Leanne Thompson & Roman & Ben Archer both sailed remarkably consistent days to maintain their Silver & Bronze fleet leads.

Wednesday's forecast is a more sedate 7-10 knots, so likely racing in Weymouth Bay again, with the Ranelagh Trophy race followed by the Crews' Race.

Mark Barwell and Lou Johnson flat out planing on the last reach on day 3 of the Aspire Merlin Rocket Nationals at the WPNSA - photo © Rob O'Neill

A huge thanks as always to our amazing sponsors Aspire Financial Advisers, Barton Marine, ClamCleat, P&B and Winder Boats.

Results after Day 3: