Spring Series Finale, Fast Handicap Report

Published 09:45 on 14 Apr 2025

Saturdays race saw a mass turnout, with 20 Yawls taking to the water for the final race of the Spring Series. 

The Yawls had spent the morning in a training session and were keen to put their newly honed skills into practice. They joined Fast Handicap regulars Peter Colclough and Alister Morley in the 505, along with the two Merlin Rockets helmed by John Meadowcroft (crewed by Fran Gifford) and the father-and-son team of John and Frankie Burn.

A little too eager after their morning training, the Yawls caused a general recall — much to the displeasure of the 505 and the Merlins, who were unaccustomed to such unruly behaviour and were then forced to wait for the Solo fleet to start.

The second start, this time under a black flag, was clean — and they were off, Yawls everywhere! The enlarged fleet quickly spread out, which makes writing the report a challenge. However, the key contest was between the two Merlins. The Burn Merlin entered the final race leading the series by just one point ahead of John and Fran — meaning the winner between the two would take the series title.

In truth, the battle was over before it began. John and Fran got a clean start, while John and Frankie were forced to complete a 720 penalty early on. This left them battling their way back through the Yawl fleet on the first beat.

John and Fran finished 9th on the day, with John and Frankie in 12th — enough for John and Fran to claim the overall series win.

The race itself was won by Mike Knowles and Katy Meadowcroft in Y15, ahead of Mark Waterhouse and Phil Magee in Y17, who were sporting a new, shiny green paint job. Simon Dawes, crewed by Andrew Wood, finished third — coincidentally the same position they achieved overall.

A big thank you to Race Officer Nigel Blazeby and his team, who did a fantastic job running the racing.

By John Burn | Photos - Lucy Burn