Cookham Reach Sailing Club · 2026
Cookham Shield Merlin Rocket Open Meeting 2026
Notice of Race
Saturday 17th October 2026
Notice of Race
Rules
The event will be governed by rules as defined in The Racing Rules of Sailing 2025-2028.
It is part of the Merlin Rocket Thames and Vintage Series.
Cookham Reach Sailing Club is the organising authority and it’s by laws and the class rules of the Merlin Rocket Class shall apply.
Eligibility and Entry
The event is open to boats of the National Merlin-Rocket Class only.
For results to count towards the MROA Thames and Vintage Series, helms must be full MROA members.
Eligible boats shall enter by completing and submitting an entry form and paying the required race fee at registration.
Fees
Required fee is £15 for the event to include morning tea/coffee and a bacon roll for helm and crew.
Lunch will be subject to supplementary charges.
Registration & Schedule
Registration: From 9.30am Saturday.
Races 1 & 2: To start no earlier than 11:00am and to be sailed back to back.
Race 3: Start time to be announced by the race officer on the day.
Measurements
A current and valid measurement certificate shall be held for each eligible boat.
Insurance, Liability & Personal Safety
Rule 3 of the Racing Rules of Sailing states: “The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.” Sailing is by its nature an unpredictable sport and therefore inherently involves an element of risk. By taking part in the event, each competitor agrees and acknowledges that:
- They are aware of the inherent element of risk involved in the sport and accept responsibility for the exposure of themselves, their crew and their boat to such inherent risk whilst taking part in the event.
- They are responsible for the safety of themselves, their crew, their boat and their other property whether afloat or ashore.
- They accept responsibility for any injury, damage or loss to the extent caused by their own actions or omission.
- Their boat is in good order, equipped to sail in the event and they are fit to participate.
- The provision of a race management team, patrol boats and other officials and volunteers by the event organiser does not relieve them of their own responsibilities.
- The provision of patrol boat cover is limited to such assistance, particularly in extreme weather conditions, as can be practically provided in the circumstances.
- It is their responsibility to familiarise themselves with any risks specific to this venue or this event drawn to their attention in any rules and information produced for the venue or event and to attend any safety briefings held for the event.
- Their boat is adequately insured, with cover of at least £3 million against third party claims.
Sailing Instructions
Sailing Instructions will be available no later than the time of Registration.
Venue
Upstream to Bourne End railway bridge, and downstream to Cookham road bridge. Competitors are advised to exercise extreme care approaching Cookham road bridge due to the lock and weir beyond.
Cookham Reach SC is located at the very end of Berries Road, a private road found beside the Crown pub at the end of Cookham High Street.
Course
The course shall be a number of laps around two or more Marks as detailed in the Sailing Instructions.
Scoring
The Low Point System, RRS Appendix A will apply.
Prizes
The winners will be presented with the Cookham Shield Trophy, to be held for approximately one year. Other prizes are at the organisers discretion.
Rights to use Names & Likenesses
Competitors automatically grant CRSC without payment the right in perpetuity to make, use and show still pictures, motion pictures and live, taped or filmed television of or relating to the event.
Cookham Reach Sailing Club, Berries Road, Cookham, Berks. SL6 9SD