Entries Open for the P&B Merlin Rocket Womens Championship 2026
by Lou Johnson 27 Apr 16:37 BST
16-17 May 2026
All to play for at the Merlin Rocket Women's Championships 2023 © Patrick Blake
Northampton Sailing Club set to host the P&B Merlin Rocket Women's Championships on the 16th and 17th May 2026, and the entries are now open.
The event is a relatively new and fast-growing addition to the UK dinghy sailing calendar, launched in 2023 to encourage greater female participation within the Merlin Rocket fleet. The format of the weekend is designed to be both inclusive and developmental and combines a dedicated coaching day with a full programme of racing, creating a supportive environment for sailors. "Come and get involved. The weekend offers those already experienced in racing the perfect chance to come and try the Merlin Rocket and meet new friends," says Storm Nuttall organiser from the class.
2026 will be the fourth women's championship, and it has quickly built momentum as a key initiative to broaden participation and strengthen the future of the class through the loan of boats and support finding suitable partners for the weekend. Last year at the popular Salcombe Week, 10% of the entries were female helms, the most in the history of the class
This year, the class is pleased to welcome onboard P&B as our title sponsor. As a UK based sail loft, store and workshop they power championship performance with precision-crafted sails, expert boat fit-outs, and technical clothing that delivers when conditions demand. Their sails are used within the Merlin Rocket fleet, and their experienced team is always on hand to bring deep racing knowledge to every product and service. The Merlin Rocket class is grateful for their commitment and support of this event in their 80th anniversary year.
On the Saturday sailors will be coached by experienced sailors from within the fleet, familiarising themselves on the controls and boat handling as many are often in the front or may be new to the fleet. Saturday night camping is available at the club, and there will be a debrief and food organised. Sunday is when the racing happens, where one crew will be crowned P&B Merlin Rocket Women's Champion 2026!
"P&B is delighted to be the title sponsor of the Merlin Rocket Women's Championships 2026. We are keen to support the class and we have been drawn to this event over the last three years, they are doing great things to support women in sailing," comments Kirsten Neal, marketing for P&B. "With our local club, Northampton Sailing Club, hosting the 2026 event we hope to see many of our sailors get on the water too. Good luck to everyone competing."
Come and be part of it. There is team ready and waiting to link crews to helms, helms to crews and to source boats. The class has two boats ready to go. Don't delay claim them today!
Enter here.