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The Mother of all things Sled is back on the west coast, for what appears to be an extended stay!
Bill Lee's original downhill surfing sled has entered the building after an east coast romp and is planning on
putting her through the paces with hopes for miles of smiles in her home waters where she accelerates.
Boat captain Brian Malone explains: "We completed the majority of east coast objectives, many of those included far too many
uphill legs, so it was time to bring her back where she belongs"
Owner Bill Merlin will also be on hand for this years BBS, after a scheduling conflict eliminated his participation last time they competed
here in San Francisco...
Last Sunday, Merlin took a tune up shake down with local sailors and guests. A typical San Francisco Bay
Day, with a fresh breeze and a sun fog mix. It was Captain Brian's 1st trip outside the gate on Merlin, a voyage long
overdue. A quick rid to Point Diablo, set the kite and peg the fun meter! As the keel sang, Merlin accelerated and the
grins grew large! 22 knots with 4-5 gybes and the old girls dashed down the central bay to Treasure Island went by in rapid fashion!
Merlin's published crew list:
Theresa Brandner Group 1 USA
Akira Bratti Headsail Trimmer Group 1 USA
Doug Grant Spinnaker trimmer Group 1 USA
John Hayes Group 1 USA
Chad Howard Medic/Doctor USA
Miro Kaffka Other Group 1 USA
Beckett Kern Switch Flipper Group 1 USA
Ryan Kern Headsail Trimmer Group 1 USA
Karen Loutzenheiser Pit Group 1 USA
Brian Malone Cat 3 Cooler Jockey Group 3 USA
Chip Merlin Group 1 United States
Orlando Montalvan Group 1 USA
John Pytlak Mast Group 1 USA
Michael Rohde Bow Group 1 USA
Kip Wanaselja Bow Group 1 USA
Chris Watts Main Trimmer Group 1 USA
Hannah Weymuller Floater Group 1 USA
Merlin will compete in ORR B, a fleet loaded with talented sailors and fast boats, including 2 Rogers 46's, 2 J-125's,
2 Melges 32's, A fast 40' and and IC 37... Vegas odd's makers are still calculating and crunching numbers to see if the is a
corrected favorite...
