[Merlin photos and videos]

External Links:-

[Merlin Rocket Owners Association]

Merlin Rocket Fleet
Merlin Rocket fleet captain:

Lets get the propaganda out of the way: Merlins are the best boats! They are fast, fun and friendly boats to sail. They have been going since 1945, so there's pedigree and history in abundance. It's a development class so you can modify your boat to suit your tastes (within the rules of course). They are bang up to date; the modern boats have carbon masts, which make them as easy to sail as they are fast across the water. The cost is as deep or as shallow as your pocket - a new boat with carbon fibre trimmings would easily push £10,000, but a competitive steed is about £2500 and you wouldn't really want to spend less than £750. Finally, and most importantly, they look gorgeous - the plastic boats are easier to maintain but are a bit soulless when compared to the wooden clinker-built real deal (although both hull constructions are as fast as each other).

It would be fair to say that Blithfield is more of a 'club' sailing base rather than a home port for Open Meeting contenders, although we do put in a good showing in the local Midland Circuit and attend Salcombe Week in Devon. Our fleet is as friendly as it is competitive - we have some of the latest ex-champions boats and some lovely classics that regularly sail. Everybody is willing to give help and advice both on and off the water and the fickle finger of fate means that the outcome of a race is never a foregone conclusion!

If you've decided to get a Merlin, you need to decide which hull design you desire. The rules mean that you can design a boat to suit your specific sailing and crew weight (typically circa 22 stone); although there are different designs to suit lighter or heavier crews or helms. The Class Association is very active and organises events all over the country, merlinrocket.co.uk is the best place to look for the 'design guide' and the biggest source of secondhand boats and equipment.

Since there are so many bits of string to tweak, there is no need to buy a new suit of sails every season to remain competitive. You'll do better to perfecting what you've got rather than waste time pouring over sailmakers brochures. If you would like to try sailing a Merlin Rocket, send an or pop down on a Sunday; most of the fleet will happily let you have a go with their precious boat if you promise not to scratch it! Everyone can sail Merlins - when it's light winds, you can take your kids out and get a weight advantage, and when the North Sea winds are coming in, you can put the spinnaker up and make some real progress!

Don't hesitate to get in touch if you need a crew or advice on choosing your first boat. I look forward to seeing you on the water!

Tim Male
3339 The Flame