Please select your home edition
Edition

Merlin Rocket developments - a look at the new 'Amuse-Bouche' Rockatross design at the Dinghy Show

by Mark Jardine 25 Feb 07:30 GMT 22 February 2026
The bow of 'Amuse-Bouche', the new Rockatross design Merlin Rocket on display at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show © Mark Jardine

It's the 80th Anniversary of the Merlin Rocket, and as a development class they come up with some pretty innovative ideas... and then proceed to give them wacky names!

We take a look at Tom Low's new Rockatross design called 'Amuse-Bouche' and learn what Stuffers and Snodgers are, and how the complex one string rig controls mean you can rake the rig fore and aft, even when under full rig load.

Related Articles

Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller at Brightlingsea
Series concludes with the traditional dinner and prize-giving Saturday 31st October dawned chilly and still, but as the tide came in at Brightlingsea Sailing Club and the sun came out, a 6-8knot breeze built from the east. The Brightlingsea volunteers welcomed the competitors with a quick briefing. Posted on 2 Nov
Merlin Rockets return to Cookham Reach
For the first time since 2018 Saturday 17th October and 11 Merlin Rockets headed to Cookham Reach Sailing Club for the first time since 2018 for the combined Rowsell Sails Thames Series, Craftinsure Vintage Series and Classic Series event. Posted on 23 Oct
Merlin Rockets at the Allspars Final Fling
The last race of the day was a 4-mile long-distance course around the breakwater The Allspars Final Fling attracted a fleet of 82 boats, ranging from Mirrors to Nacra 15s, for a weekend of competitive racing under bright, sunny skies in Plymouth. Posted on 22 Oct
Allspars Final Fling Dinghy Regatta news
Looking to bring back the ever-popular Round Breakwater Race, weather permitting We've been working hard with the team at Royal Western Yacht Club to make this year's event the best Final Fling yet. Posted on 14 Oct
Merlin Rocket Inland Championship
Follow the motto 'land on the left, go left' The Merlin Rocket fleet descended on Oxford Sailing Club for the 2026 Allen Inland Championships on the 26th and 27th September, with a forecast that promised almost everything over the course of the weekend. Posted on 29 Sep
Merlin Rocket De May and Thames Series at Hampton
Strong gusts made for some entertaining sailing for the spectators Over the weekend of 19th and 20th September, Hampton Sailing Club hosted two days of Merlin Rocket racing, with the De May Vintage Series on Saturday followed by the Thames Series on Sunday. Posted on 25 Sep
Merlin Rocket Inland Championship preview
Next weekend at Oxford, sponsored by Allen There is the fact that eighty years of accruing an impressive selection of trophies, combined with generous sponsorship from Allen, means standout performances will be recognised right across the Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze fleets. Posted on 23 Sep
Merlin Rocket Silver Tiller at Trent Valley
Alongside the Vintage, Classic and Midland Series Trent Valley Sailing Club were looking forward to hosting the Merlin Rocket Craftinsure Silver Tiller, for the first time in over 30 years alongside the Vintage, Classic and Midland HD Series as well on Sunday 20th September. Posted on 21 Sep
Merlin Rockets at Lymington
Exhilarating sailing during the Allspars SW Series and Craftinsure Silver Tiller weekend Saturday 12th September at Lymington Town Sailing Club for the Allspars SW Series saw some strong breeze in a Solent south-westerly with around 22-24 knots over the race course. Posted on 15 Sep
Allspars Final Fling Dinghy Regatta Preview
An end-of-season regatta a favourite among dinghy sailors across the UK For the ninth year running, the Allspars Final Fling Dinghy Regatta returns on the 17th & 18th October 2026. Bringing with it the excitement, camaraderie and competitive spirit that have made this end-of-season regatta a favourite. Posted on 11 Sep