Grafham Grand Prix

Originally posted by getafix

Originally posted by getafix

IMHO the reason Merlins get bad-press on handicaps is that they are a bunch of gypsies! (although they're definitely the type who travel in mercedes with laptops to prepare legal statements or accounts than the white-van "do you drive way mate?" type!!!)

......  they travel like no other class I can think of and there are good travelling Merlins "groups" in the north and south so they get to all the main events.  The standard of sailing in both travelling groups is extremely high (as you'll see if you've ever sailed against them) and they are helped by the fact that the boats have evolved in rig technology and sail plan much faster than in hull/foils (canterbury tails derivatives dominate) so in light, medium or even strong conditions they do very well - it's only when it's really blowing or the course is dominated by long reaching legs that they suffer, if it's upwind/downwind over medium size (i.e. non open water) legs then they'll be bl$$dy tough to beat if sailed well

....as for £20k for a new woody MR, well value is all in the eye of the beholder isn't it?  some of us look at people who drive new Ferrari's/Lambo's/Porsches off the forecourt as idiots who have more money than sense given you struggle to do more than 60 on most roads in the uk anytime except the dead of night, but to them its £kkk's spent well

So they travel and are an active bunch of good sailors! Ergo the handicap should come down, remember it's not based on the boats!