I am trying to re introduce the merli fleet at Thames and Upper Thames ,these fleet over the years have gone, but now both of these fine old river clubs have now got keen young sailors, but can you find inexpensive resonable boats, no chance,  but there were hundreds of old wooden boats probably in someones garage or barn, if you know of any old boat please email me at [email protected], I have homes for an old narrow boat, or wide one

I've emailed you. I have 1099 which needs a good home. proctor mk vi 1961. will need work before being fit for the water again.

The Classic and Vintage Dinghy Racing Association (CVRDA) might yield something - see link below

I'm delighted to be thought of as a keen young sailor!  I am sure Patrick is as well!  There has been a concerted effort by many members to get re establish the Merlin fleet at Thames, but as you point out good boats are rare.  All help gratefully received!

Seventh Wave is in Norfolk having her inside re varnished and I hope to have her back in time for the second race in the Chichester Frozen toe series.

I decided against doing the Frozen Toe series in an effort to get more Merlins on the water for our Winter SZeries at Cookham this year. First weekend just gone and we had a better turn out which is good with lots more promised.

We got our Smokers 'Tobacco Road' back on the water for the first time in over 3 years and she has lost noe of her speed, even with 30 year old sails!! I am working on a few other boats though.

It makes me glad that I managed to secure my MR 950 - Desperation, when I did, especially as she started life at Upper Thames Sailing Club back in 1959.  

Even as an 'also ran' (Proctor mkVIII), I count myself lucky to have her.  Even if everyone is telling me to move my weight forward when I sail her - she has a lot of rocker and typically sails with a couple of inches of the bow out of the water if I take my eye of the ball - which is easy with a fat helm and a light crew.

She is about to be put under cover for the winter and dried out so that a few repairs can be carried out.

Good luck with the hunt.