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Merlin Rocket Champion of Champions 80th Celebration

Sat 5th September, 09:00-18:00

2026 marks the 80th anniversary of the Merlin Rocket Class, where celebrations began at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show in Farnborough in February. There are celebratory events throughout the year with one of the key events, comprising both sailing and a celebratory party, being the Champion of Champions race on Saturday 5th September 2026.

This decennial event which was started on the 40th anniversary of the class, marks the wonderful heritage of champion sailors including young and old Olympians and alumni from other classes, who have won the National Championships. Invitations have been sent out to Champions going back to the 1970s and we are looking forward to welcoming a number of them and where possible their championship winning boats to take part in a race on the River Thames in front of spectators enjoying the wonderful Upper Thames clubhouse and river side lawns.

The Champion of Champions race will take place after lunch at around 2.30 pm on Saturday, preceded by a race for women and juniors at 11.00am and the Spade Oak Bowl trophy race for all comers at 12.00 noon.

After the racing has completed the serious partying can begin with drinks served from a marquee on the lawn, a prizegiving and introduction to the champions by their compere and raconteur Peter Scott. A hot buffet supper will be served, a disco to entertain us and the bar that will be open until late.

Tickets are £45 each for the Saturday party which can be found below

On Sunday 6th September, the Silver Tiller Merlin Rocket Open Meeting is being incorporated into the Thames Series and Vintage Series. Book here for Sunday

so why not make a weekend of it? Camping is available on site and there is other accommodation available locally.

Any questions or further information please contact Duncan Salmon.

Downloads

Tickets

Anniversary buffet and disco
£45.00
0
+

6.30pm Welcome drink
Speeches and introduction of our honoured guests
Dinner
Band from 9pm till 11pm
Bar till late

Anniversary Youth/Womens/Spade Oak Bowl races
£10.00
0
+

this is for main race (The Spade Oak Bowl) which is open to all Merlin Rockets.
Additionally There’s also a Womens and Youth Race (under 25)

Payment by Bank Transfer to UTSC on receipt of invoice.
Please use invoice number and surname as the reference.
Thank you

I agree to be bound by the Racing Rules of Sailing (RRS), to sail in compliance with the RYA Racing Charter and all other rules that govern this event including the published NOR and SIs. I hold and will produce, when requested by the Race Committee, a valid class measurement certificate and a current certificate of insurance in respect of Third Party Liability to a minimum of £3,000,000 for the above boat.

Data Protection
UTSC’s Privacy Policy is available in the Clubhouse and on the website at www.utsc.org.uk. Your data will be stored & used in accordance with this policy.

I agree to receive occasional mailings by post or e-mail from the club in relation to Open Meeting events at the Upper Thames Sailing Club and the information will be retained for this purpose.

The Club may arrange for photographs or videos to be taken of MROA Silver tiller Series and published on our website, social media channels or in our publications to promote the Club. I consent to the images of all the participants of MROA Champion of Champions Open Meeting that I am responsible for being used by the Club in this way.

Last updated 10:54pm on 5 August 2026

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