Thrilling Results, Unpredictable Challenges at the Helly Hansen Merlin Rocket Week at Salcombe

On the fourth day of the Helly Hansen Salcombe Merlin Week 2025, unpredictable gusts of the dreaded Northwesterly wind ushered in an exciting and challenging day of competitive sailing. With the courses sending racers towards the upper regions of the Ria, the starting line proved especially tricky to navigate.

The day began with the Blue versus Black race. The combined forces of a flood tide and sudden gusts created a challenging environment not for the faint-hearted. A rush at the Watch House end caused a general recall with 12 numbers hitting the board of death, including event leaders Tom Gillard and Rachel Gray.

The final loop of the harbour brought an unforeseen twist, reshuffling the leaders and squeezing the leading pack. Despite this tumult, Stu and Katherine managed to stay ahead, clinching their premiere victory. Tim and Fran took advantage of the confusion to land themselves in second place, just in front of George and Mark.

The afternoon saw the Red versus Green race. As the ebb began to flow against the fleet, some teams found it increasingly difficult to press their advantage. Up front, frontrunners of the Helly Hansen Merlin Rocket Salcombe Week found themselves embroiled in heated discussions regarding the rules.

As chaos ensued, Ollie Meadowcroft and Pete Gray executed a brilliant maneuver at the less flooded Portlemouth end of the line. With stellar control, they led their team across the choppy waters towards Snapes Point and established a solid lead during the journey to Gerston. Throughout the race, they maintained a minute’s lead over the Henderson family, eventually culminating in a well-deserved victory.