The usually fierce Tiger looking mild and moderate this weekend

One of the great classics of the cold season takes place next weekend, 3 & 4 February, when Rutland SC hosts the John Merricks Tiger Trophy. It’s the seventh event of the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series which has seen good turnouts over the past number of months.

As ever, Olympic silver medallist David Wilkins will be running the racing on the water as well as being a driving force behind the ongoing success of this long standing event. David has earned a reputation for sending the fleet out to race even in stormy conditions where other race officers might fear to tread. However, while the Tiger has a name for being brisk and breezy, next weekend is looking like a mild and moderate affair on the long-range forecast. The racing looks set to be spot on for some great competition.

Even with the closure of the John Merricks Sailing Trust, the event continues to support other sailing-based charities. “We have put together big plans this year for deprived young people with the fleet of four RS21 keelboats we now have at Rutland,” said David. “We also are running programmes with local schools. That is just a small snapshot of what we hope to do. So the funds will be put to good use. Who knows, we may find another John Merricks!”

The Saturday night dinner is always a highlight of the weekend, and competitors can book their spot via the Series website... 

Missing for the first time in the history of the event are Dave Hall and Paul Constable who usually race their Fireball to great effect at Rutland and have maintained their commitment to the Tiger Trophy for more than two decades. However this time Dave and Paul are about to contest the Fireball World Championships in Australia and everyone associated with the Tiger Trophy wishes them all the best downunder. 

30/1/2024 08:40