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Merlin nationals victory for Hyde Sails
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Glen Truswell and Olly Turner scoop victory in WhitstableA healthy turnout of 57 boats gathered in Whitstable, Kent for the 2009 Merlin Rocket National Championship. The first race took place in 12-14 knots of breeze with a slight swell. The event started steadlily for Glen and Olly, who finished third in the first race, which was won by Matt Biggs and Rob Kennaugh.
Glen and Olly went on to post wins in the next two races, which left them with a five piint lead at the head of the table, with Tom Stweart and Liam Dempsey lying second and Richard Whitworth and Sally Townend third.
With no racing on day four of the championship, two races were held on day five. The Hyde Sails-powered boat posted a 6,2, which left them just one point ahead of Richard Whitworth and Sally ownend going into the final day.
The fleet was greeted with champagne conditions for the final showdown, with 18 - 20 knots from the west, and a short chop. Richard and Sally led the fleet up the first beat, but a capsize at the leeward mark pushed them back into 23rd place. Andy Davis and Ellie Bremner claimed the lead in their absence, with Glen Truswell and Olly Turner in second. The Hyde-powered duo sailed a conservative race and crossed the line in third place, ahead of Richard and Sally who had worked their way up to 6th - enough to secure the runner-up spot. It was a well-deserved victory for Glen and Olly. The pair are also currently leading the class's competitive Silver Tiller circuit with a range of results in a variety of venues and conditions, showing consistency and speed throughout the wind range.
Glen and Olly were using a complete suit of Hyde’s sails, developed by the company's experienced design team over the last few seasons. It is typical of the way that Hyde approaches its sailmaking, working closely with the sailors in a wide range of classes to develop ever improving designs that make the most of the latest developments in technology.
Hyde Sails prides itself in its continual sail development, Hyde's Merlin Sails are available direct from the company's online shop, www.hydeshop.com
posted by Hyde Sails at
13:20
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