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It all Class (racing) at Merricks YC

I know you are thinking, how would Barack Obama describe this week's class racing - with soaring rhetoric and inspirational themes. Well read on...
Tue 06 Jan 2026

Melges and Aeros rule in light fluky conditions

Simon 'The Admiral' Webster sought to redeem himself by winning the first mid-week race on handicap, after the disgrace of seeking to fool the handicapper in Race 5 of the Summer Series by entering as a slower version of the Melges. Followed closely by Toby Rechner in the Aero and Richard Jagger. And the same three sailors were on the podium on yardstick with Richard Jagger first, followed by Simon Webster and Toby Rechner.
Tue 30 Dec 2025

Huge Merricks Fleet (okay 20 boats) for Heats 5 & 6

We had tremendous weather, absolutely tremendous — some people are saying the best weather Merricks has ever seen. Heat 5 had 20 boats, Heat 6 had 17 boats — very strong numbers, very impressive. This was a big day for our mature sailors, believe me, they showed everyone how it’s done. Keith Darwent — winner, total winner — took out Heat 5. Storm Johnson, fantastic sailor, really fantastic, won Heat 6. Simon “the Admiral” Webster — great guy. On yardstick, it was a very different story.
Sun 28 Dec 2025

Melges rule

Melges rule (if you ignore the visiting Somers Contenders) with Simon 'Admiral' Webster coming first in the heat 3, and Derek 'Bradbury' Hollander second, with the position reversed in heat 4. Both Martin Corden and Matthew Darby were trounced by the Commodore on yardstick. And in a healthy fleet of 13 boats, Tom Clarke came 9th in both races so may be reconsidering giving up the handicapper role.
Sun 21 Dec 2025

Lets win back the Westernport Challenge in 2026!

Westernport Yacht Club is the host club for the 2026 Westernport Challenge. This is our Bay's premier annual OTB racing event. And we want as many Merricks boats as we can on the water to return the trophy to its rightful place at MYC. The date is Saturday January 17th 2026 with provision for resail on Sunday the 18th.
Fri 19 Dec 2025

The Summer Series is launched

It was a 1,2 finish for the Melges in the first heat with Tom Clarke ahead of Stephen Bradbury (sorry, Derek), while the Admiral relaxed lying on the concrete floor in front of briefing area (actually, he was in acute pain, but thanks for asking). In other developments, Pete returned to the Sabre, and Geoff Lawrence returned to sailing for the first time this century, back in a bargain basement Paper Tiger. Oh, and Martin got scared and decided not to complete the second race.
Mon 15 Dec 2025

Latest newsletter released

In a time where 'old media' is dying and 'fake news' is everywhere - Merricks Yacht Club is here to fill the gap, with a newsletter uncontaminated by AI slop, fake images, or stories about the American president. Enjoy - the link is below.
Wed 10 Dec 2025

Only the toughest survive

This week's sailing was in blustery conditions - some didn't even rig (yes, Karen, very wise), some launched but came back straight to shore (our own Stephen Bradbury - Derek), some managed on only one lap (Matt) and others did two before deciding that they were spending more time swimming than sailing (Martin and Simon C). But in the end, Simon W was victorious, followed by Richard and Mitch, followed by the hardy Sabre sailors, Doug and Ian.
Sun 30 Nov 2025

Mitch turns up an hour late

I know what you are thinking - is that news. But yes, our fearless House and Yard leader turned up just in time for Race 4 of the Opening Season, in fantastic sailing conditions. Others made both races including Karen (#2 and #1 in successive races on MYC handicap) and Derek (#1 in both races on Yardstick). The prize for consistency this week goes to Martin (#7 in both races on MYC handicap). Oh, and Mitch did manage to come #2 on Yardstick in the second race.
Mon 24 Nov 2025

Exciting start to the season

After a pleasant first race, it was a more exciting second heat. It was the third lap, and the Melges neck and neck, with Richard Jagger and Tom Clarke battling it out for line honours. But then at the final gybe around the wind mark, Merrick's Stephen Bradbury, was ready to pounce! Yes, Richard and Tom when into the drink, shortly followed by the Goat (in sympathy) and Derrick flew past them. He gybed flawlessly (apparently, his father had taught him everything he knows) and off to a win.
Sun 16 Nov 2025

Icebreaker and Opening Day results

Apologies for neglecting to post a news item on the webpage when I uploaded the results from the Icebreaker. But here are the results for that race and this weeks Mark Sefton Trophy results.
Mon 03 Nov 2025

Pre-season working bee

The season approaches and the pre-season working be will be on 18th October 2025 at 10am. See you there.
Fri 05 Sep 2025

End of Season Working Bee

Thank you to those members who turned out last Saturday to help clean up the yard after a great season of sailing.
Tue 06 May 2025

End of Season Easter BBQ

Our Easter BBQ on Saturday evening gave members an opportunity to mingle, tell stories and relive sailing exploits in the Commodore's Cup.
Wed 23 Apr 2025

Commodores Cup Results

Alas, it has come to pass, the sailing part of Season 2024/2025 is done, kaput, finished. But let's contemplate the results of the very prestigous, not 'penultimate' event 'The Commodore's in South America Cup'. Three tough races back to back.
Wed 23 Apr 2025

The Stern Chaser

The Stern Chaser - The genius of the Handicapper. Never has a handicapper done a more competent job in setting starting times for the Stern Chaser. Truly a magnificent achievement.
Mon 14 Apr 2025

Autumn Series Races 7 & 8

"Winter is Coming! Cold and bleak conditions faced the 'Magnificient Seven". With gusty westerlies up to 20 kts, grey skies and with a big swell it was hard to force competitors out of the change rooms and on to their boats.
Wed 09 Apr 2025

Autumn Series Race 5&6

They came, they saw and they conquered, well not all of them and particularly not Martin. It's still a mystery why it was a morning race but it was.
Mon 31 Mar 2025

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