Zilch plus fog at Icebreaker Trophy, Hullbridge

As the moon sunk into the frozen mist the signs were not good, the forecast was that a light breeze would back from NW to S! Only the keen removed ice from the windscreens. As it transpired sight of the north bank through the fog was a dream and a small fleet struggled with those miserable little split rings as the masts were stood and the frozen fog-let drops glistening in the rigging, hope was still high in the Merlin fleet that things could only get better.
It was good to see boats from Stone S.C. Creek-sea and Marconi S.C.’s and there was talk of a course to be set up river, but sadly it was a non-starter and Mathew Picket heading the race team threw in the towel. If there was a winner it had to be Lorna having been as good as can be and shiny as a Chrimbo fairy lit up Charles D’s eyes as she explained just what a performer she was in the front end of a Merlin and how lucky Jacko was to ride side-saddle behind her. By this time the tide had turned the fog had set in heavier and there was no sign of any wind.
The next race is The Blackwater Icicle on the 6 of Jan. starting at 10:00
Will the Fireballers make the start line? Will Batty fit in a boat at all? Will Ron hang out as a crew? Will Shed-burner sail his Laser or will he have been employed and be working for Mr Branson? Will Pies have recovered from a Christmas of arm wrestling? And what is this new and wondrous beer in the bar at Maylandsea Bay? And why is Lenny so happy? All will be revealed! Merry Chrimbo, now read on dit dit dit

picture below Simon and Pies Merlin 3230