What makes Salcombe so special? The Merlin Rocket Class has a question you can help answer
by Lou Johnson 14 Aug 07:49 BST
Helly Hansen Merlin Rocket Week at Salcombe Yacht Club © Lou Johnson
The Merlin Rocket Class has a question we'd love your help answering
Every year we have two standout events in the calendar. The Aspire Merlin Rocket National Championships, which moves to a different venue each year, and Merlin Rocket Week at Salcombe Yacht Club, which has become a firm fixture of the summer.
In recent years our National Championships have attracted between 30 and 70 boats, while Salcombe regularly welcomes over 100 entries, with waiting lists in several of the last seven years.
So, what's the secret? More importantly, how do we bottle a little of that Salcombe magic and tempt more of you to join us in Weymouth for our 80th National Championships?
The numbers tell an interesting story - Merlin Rocket Week 2026 welcomed:
- 105 boats entered (103 competed)
- Sailors aged from 13 to 90
- Eight female helms
- Seven members of the same family racing
- Two Olympic medallists
That's a pretty cool cross section of our class. Young and old. Experienced champions and first-timers. Families. Olympians. Club sailors. Everyone sharing the same start line.
And while we'd love to see those numbers continue to grow, what really stood out wasn't just the size of the fleet, it was the atmosphere. Here's what sailors were saying throughout the week:
- "It was like the good old days - a great atmosphere around the club."
- "Great to see lots of young new faces in the fleet."
- "The weather wasn't always perfect for sailing, but it was perfect for the beach."
That's the Merlin Rocket community at its best.
Let's bust a few myths
Before we start, this isn't about judging anyone's boat or budget. The time, money and care people invest in their Merlins is something we all respect.
But there are a few myths we'd like to challenge.
Myth 1: You need a brand-new boat to be competitive
Wrong.
The oldest boat competing was 2663, built around 1973. The newest was 3833, launched in 2026. In Race 7, the 53-year age gap didn't matter. 2663 finished 13th, while 3833 finished 16th.
Myth 2: The front of the fleet is dominated by men
Wrong.
Two all-female teams finished in the overall top three.
Across the 12 races:
- Two races were won by all-male crews
- Four races were won by all-female crews
- Six races were won by mixed crews
Enough said?
Myth 3: You need the latest boat to challenge for the title
Wrong.
Merlin Rocket 3611, built in 2002 and last modified in 2005, finished second overall and went into the final race with a chance of winning the week. Twenty-four years old and still mixing it with the very best.
Myth 4: I need to own a boat
Wrong.
One of the easiest ways to get involved is by borrowing one of the class boats. Both boats, 3749 and 3582 were used successfully during Merlin Rocket Week.
Rory Gifford, sailing with Ewan Wilson, summed up the experience perfectly:
"This was Ewan's first time in the Merlin; it was my 5th Merlin week. So it was good fun for me to help Ewan figure the boat out together.
"It was a brilliant experience; the boat is of a really good quality with all the gear in order to be competitive. The fleet is super helpful and friendly to newcomers, we found there was no shortage of people offering advice to help us.
"Salcombe was a super tricky and interesting venue; I think it's fair to say it got the better of us on many occasions. The size and competitiveness of the fleet is also remarkable; there is such a brilliant depth in quality and talent within the fleet.
"All in all it was a great event and a brilliant boat that we would both recommend to any young sailors looking to try a tweaky, interesting boat that also comes with a really challenging fleet."
Need a class boat? Get in touch with to find out what's available.
So why not Weymouth?
If you've ever wondered whether the Merlin Rocket Nationals are for you, they are.
- You don't need the newest boat
- You don't need decades of experience
- You don't even need to own a Merlin Rocket
What you do need is a willingness to join one of the friendliest and most welcoming fleets in sailing.
This year is even more special as we celebrate the 80th Merlin Rocket National Championships at Weymouth & Portland National Sailing Academy from 22-28 August.
Come and experience the atmosphere for yourself.
Entries are now open - we'd love to see you on the start line.