Merlin and Rocket classes split
by Mark Jardine 1 Apr 06:30 BST
1 April 2026
The new Merlin and Rocket sail emblems © Merlin & Rocket classes
75 years of collaboration came to a close today when the Merlin and Rocket dinghies decided to go their separate ways.
As a bit of background, the Merlins and the Rockets dinghy classes merged to form the National Merlin Rocket Class in April 1951. The Merlin class was launched in 1946 when a syndicate of eight dinghy helmsmen from Ranelagh Sailing Club, commissioned Jack Holt to design them a 14 foot dinghy for river sailing, while the Rocket class was formed in 1948 after a group of Tynemouth dinghy sailors asked Wyche & Coppock wanted a 14ft boat suitable for sea sailing.
On the surface the merger seemed like a good solution for everyone, but there have been simmering tensions which have been passed down the generations. Skillful diplomacy and evolution of the rules kept things in check for three quarters of a century, but the idiom "It's only a matter of time" highlighted that the cracks in the Entente Cordiale were beginning to show.
Matters came to a head at the 2026 RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show soon after the celebratory 80th anniversary cake was cut. Stuart Jenkins, Chair of the Merlin Rocket class, fuelled by sugar from the delicious icing topping, mentioned he'd noticed the inferior performance of the Rocket class inland, and how they never should have merged. Until this point he'd done such a good job of pulling everyone together in the class, so it came as somewhat of a surprise to Lou Johnson, who took immediate offence to the comment.
Needless to say, Sunday on the class stand was frostier than the cake's crust, and the battlelines were drawn. A Whatsapp poll revealed a 50/50 split amongst the members, with the Vice Chairman of the Merlin Rocket, Paul Dean, yet to pick a side.
"Rockets are faster and more refined - it's implied by the name. We will go far, the horizon is our limit.", said Lou, the self-appointed Chair of the Rockets.
"The Merlins are magical. Like the falcon we are built for speed and agility, and like the magician we offer wisdom and foresight.", replied Stuart, the Merlin class Chair.
The new class insignia have cleverly blended the existing elongated triangle into their design, with the Merlin class adding a few stars, and the Rockets adding a couple of fins and a plume of fire.
The Merlins will still celebrate their 80th Anniversary at the Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy in August as planned, while the Rockets are going to be hosting their championship across the harbour at Castle Cove Sailing Club at the same time.
With accommodation already booked by many there will be some tension in AirBnB's where friends, and even some families, have chosen differing sides.
How the race area in Portland Harbour will be divided is yet to be seen, as it looks highly unlikely that the two sides will be able to negotiate in an amicable manner.
"We can at least sail in Weymouth Bay if we choose, as the Rocket is an excellent sea boat. The Merlins will probably sink if a slight chop builds in Portland Harbour.", quipped Lou.
Word is that famous dinghy historian Dougal Henshall, and author of the Merlin Rocket class 75th Anniversary book, will act as mediator in any discussions.
"The one thing British dinghy sailing needs is more classes, so we've definitely helped on that front.", concluded Stuart.