Unfaltering Tom Gillard Clinches Another Win in Sailjuice Winter Series, Despite Crew Change

Tom Gillard’s mastery in sailing remains unrivalled as he secures his third straight victory at the Robline Polar Chase, despite experiencing a change in his racing crew. Event #3 of the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series once again witnessed Gillard’s fearsome prowess at the helm of his bright red Merlin Rocket.

Gillard and Arran Holman won both races of last Saturday’s Robline UK Polar Chase, the third of eight events in this season’s Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series. Even with his regular crew Rachael Gray’s absence, and Holman stepping to the front of the construction, Gillard proved his mettle yet again.

Gillard’s impact at the Chase Sailing Club was evident, winning the average-lap race and clocking a considerable lead over the Laser 3000 of local duo Emma Robertson and Bryn Abendstern. The venue in Birmingham hosted the Series for the second time, and once more, it was a hit among the sailors, thanks to its friendly atmosphere and conducive sailing conditions.

Making a sweeping score in the Series, Gillard and Holman outraced Andy ‘Taxi’ Davis in the pursuit race, who looked poised to steer his OK dinghy to victory but fell short in the final stages. Gillard’s control and coordination with the Merlin were impeccable, highlighting his trained knack for sailing under varying pressures and conditions.

Sailing enthusiasts are now looking forward to the next event in the Series, the Yorkshire Dales Brass Monkey, set to take place on 27 December. This will be followed by the Grafham Grand Prix on 4 January 2026, contributing to an exciting winter of sailing-the perfect opportunity for other contenders to rise!