Merlin Rocket class all set for the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show
by Merlin Rocket Owners Association 20 Feb 2015 14:12 GMT
Stand C62, 28 February - 1 March 2015
Real Magic: 70 years of the Merlin Rocket by David Henshall © David Henshall
2015 is set to provide another fantastic year of close racing and competition, attracting some of the UKs highest calibre dinghy sailors while staying true to its grass roots of club sailing with family friendly events such as Salcombe Week, already oversubscribed as of January, 120 entered with a further 10 on the waiting list.
Kicking off the season at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show (stand C62 Main Hall), the MROA will be displaying two beautiful new boats that epitomise the class. A new offering from Winder boats with a proven track record of success, winning every major competition since 2010 and the majority of events since 2000. Alongside will be the latest thinking from Jon Turner, the evolution of his Genii design which draws on his knowledge and experience from bygone days of the 1980 when his boats and indeed himself were nigh on unbeatable for almost a decade.
David Henshall will be launching the much anticipated publication 'Real Magic – 70 Years of the Merlin Rocket' at the RYA Suzuki Dinghy Show (stand C62 Main Hall), 10.30am Saturday 28th Feb. The publication follows the design developments, historical moments and personal tales of the class from key figures. The class has been privy to a sneak preview, the coffee table style book is adorned with some stunning photography and insightful articles that even some of more prolific members were unaware of. For further information and to register interest in pre-orders please contact
The MROA are also proud to announce Selden as the headline sponsor for this year's National Championships at Whitstable (22nd – 28th August). Selden have very generously donated some of their latest technology in the form of a high-modulus carbon fibre mast. The mast will be auctioned off via sealed bids with the proceeds going directly towards the social programme and prize wear for the Whitstable National Championships.
The auction deadline is midnight Saturday 28th February, the winning bid will be announced Sunday 1st March at the Dinghy Show.
Dave Hayes (Account Manager at Selden), has been an active competitor within the class for the past 5 years, his experience and knowledge of sail design and rig development has seen himself and his kit at the front of the fleet. He has the following to say on the new rig that is up for grabs.
"Our new high modulus technology at Selden has many performance advantages over traditional carbon rigs. A significant reduction in drag with less wind-age from the skinny section delivers an immediate benefit and also allows for greater efficiency of the sail with less turbulence across the luff the laminar flow attaches itself sooner to the mainsail membrane. Bonded carbon spreader brackets, boom bracket and mast head help avoid penetrating the spar walls, enhancing the masts structural integrity and making it stronger. And of course it looks pretty cool as well."
Before the Championships the class will make its annual journey to Salcombe (4th – 10th July), in the 40+ year's event history the 96 boat limit was always reached. In 2012 the entry limit was raised to 120 thanks to an understanding harbour master, predictably the event was immediately oversubscribed making it one of the largest single class sailing events in the country. The stunning backdrop of Salcombe estuary with golden sandy beaches and natural rias attracts 100s of family members and hangers-on, making it a 'do before you die' sailing event.
With a healthy traveller circuit the class is in fine form and looking forwards to another year on the water.
For more information visit www.merlinrocket.co.uk