John Merrick's Tiger Trophy 2011 - another great result for the Gill Race Team

Date Posted: 07/02/2011

After 13 years of trying, the £1,000 cheque to the first team to win all races at the John Merricks Tiger Trophy has gone to Gill Race Team members Andy Smith and Tim Needham, who conquered some fierce conditions in their 505 this weekend.

While sailors were tipping in left, right and centre across the reservoir, keeping the tireless rescue teams working full bore all afternoon, Smith and Needham sailed majestically around the trapezoid course with seemingly little bother.

The following day dawned even windier, and there was nervous chatter at the prospect of the pursuit race taking place in high wind, with the exception of a few gung-ho competitors such as former OK World Champion Nick Craig, another member of the Gill Race Team. In the end, the race officer decided to call off the racing, although Craig went out anyway and put on a masterclass of survival sailing in his OK while everyone else packed up to go home.

Well done from all at Gill.

Gill Race Team members Andy Smith and Tim Needham win the Bloody Mary Pursuit Race

Date Posted: 14/01/2010

Despite freezing temperatures, snow flurries and gusting northerly 25 knot winds, Andy Smith and Tim Needham have won the 37th Bloody Mary Pursuit Race.

Despite the appalling conditions in the week leading up to the event and on the day itself, 61 boats entered.

With 20 minutes left to go and despite an RS800 snapping at their heels, Andy Smith’s 505 took the lead and retained it until the end.