David Henshall's article

Originally posted by Chris 249 I've done almost no sailing in Europe but last year I came across the astonishing sailing scene on the Alster, a tiny lake in Hamburg. The lake's circumference is about 6.5km but inside that space there are some 50 active Dragons, several clubs including at least one gingerbread palace, marinas that house up to 50 of one type of small, slow dinghy alone, and big fleets of sailing dinghies for hire.  Interestingly, there was an extreme emphasis on traditional styles; even most of the hire boats appeared to be traditional Zugvogels (?), which are like a 12 Sq Metre Sharpie. There were also some lovely classics, like the amazingly long and low Z Jollen (sort of like a streamlined Rater) and an O-Jolle (predecessor of the Finn) which had been in the same family for something like 60 years. In many ways, the Alster appeared to be the most vibrant sailing scene I have ever come across, and yet apart from the many Lasers and Optis, a very small number of cats and many Congers, just about everyone was sailing a boat that would have been old hat in the sixties. Maybe it's just a German thing, but even if that's the case then perhaps the lesson is that what we sail has to vary according to the locale and its culture.

Edited by Simon Lovesey - 21 Dec 14 at 6:26am

Originally posted by patj Originally posted by tgruitt Originally posted by Rupert The Merlins have a much more strict rule set, and have to incorporate the technology into those rules. Carbon fake clinker hulls are the result, and a rig that is 2nd to non when it comes to technology, but has to use the sail plan rules that are currently in place. For me, all it would take to kick start Merlin development again would be to scrap clinker and to free up the sail shape a bit more. However, the Merlins are happy where they are, and I have no intention of sailing one in either form, so it really isn't anything but an academic interest from me. Second that. SCRAP THE CLINKER!!! But it's been done already!!! Obviously so popular that you've all forgotten the MRX, a smooth skin Merlin designed by Phil Morrison. Britain has 1 fleet of MRX but umpteen fleets of Merlins - I think the vote and "survival of the fittest" favours clinker.

It was done before that ask Dougal about Mercury, built 1948? smoothie Merlin.

Roger D "It was done before that ask Dougal about Mercury, built 1948? smoothie Merlin hull"
Indeed it was an but for a bizarre accident on the shore at Cowes, could well have won the Nationals and set the boat down a very different path. But this was actually the second attempt at a smooth skinned hull and had a whole host of other innovations (not least a self draining cockpit). Without giving too much of the game away, Mercury II may not be lost to us; Indeed, in keeping with it's name, it could make a return as the hottest classic in the solar system!. The details are already written up and could be on here soon - an interesting tale of saving an iconic boat - and then bring it bang up to date! You will (I can assure you) enjoy it! D

Keith,
would you believe that I found another bit of Mercury II in the workshop yesterday! I was actually hunting for the wooden base for the Christmas Tree when I unearthed it (all together now, "Bah Humbug"!). I'd been keeping it to one side intending to ask Chris Barlow to turn it into a trophy, it would clean us nicely I think. (not so much a Topmast Trophy but a Topdeck Trophy)
D

I think this is part of the "find old boats with plenty of interesting history and get them sailing again if possible" thing. Much more interesting.