This on ebay -

Yes it is a Merlin Rocket no 1663m "Sugar PLum" the 3rd Mike Jackson design beautifully home built by Robin Fowler in 1963/4, very quick on its day, it never really showed its full potential.

Interesting piece of history then, so different to modern boats, CB case almost non existant, hope it finds a good home.

I agree with David.  I owned "Chi-Chi" 1865 at one time (Ex. Owen Clarkson, Whitstable SC) - she was very fast and could easily keep up with the Kippers and Ghost Riders of the day, but could be a bit of a handful downwind!

I think I recall this boat, but not from the earlier days. I believe Robin sailed for a time from Wraysbury Lake S.C. The thing I remember was the boom, it was obviously wood, but was about 8" - 9" deep, a way to increase sail area down wind, well windage anyway. Can anyone confirm if my memory is correct, and if others played with booms like this.

Yes I have two wide wooden booms in my shed. One is off 1477 as the new owner didn't want it. (shame not to at least keep it with the boat) The other is off Gently no. 16 but this was certainly added later when the 'new' ali mast was added early '60s I guess.

Ps I have a number of wooden merlin booms of different widths as well as other bits if anyone is in need for restoring a boat of that period and wants some original items.
Chris Barlow

Robin Fowler was an engineer by profession and a superb amateur boat builder. In 1951 as a 16 year old (I think) he built his Yachting World Cadet 'Flounce' no. 841 and was 3rd at Cadet Week in his first season. Subsequently he built a Solo, I'm not sure but I think he won the Solo Championship in the late 1950s. He certainly won the huge Tideway Race on handicap in the early 1960s. Robin owned at least 3 Merlin Rockets during the 50s and 60s and rose from his sick bed to win a Championship race at Gorleston in 1961

When my Dad bought 'Passing Cloud' from Jack Holt in 1960 she had a flat 6 inch wide boom, I think the idea was to add a couple of extra sq. ft. on the run. Nowadays she's all carbon.

Hi Chris

As new co-owner of 1477, Lady Luck - I am pleased that the boom came straight to you. I would seriously question whether it was an original component with a 1962 Proc Xii. I do like the old Merlins but you know that I don't do 'vintage' ! I have just got home from Thames SC - Lady Luck now has a spinny chute .... Sorry !!! 
Hope to see you at the week end.
Ben

I think I watched Passing Cloud break that boom maybe 15 years ago team racing on the Serpentine under the aegis of the Royal Thames YC.

Hallo Ben, Yes I knew had bought 1477. I was just stirring a little!
I had been given 1477 a few years ago from a local who was moving and had to get rid of it or the bonfire was calling. I passed it on to Steve and we used to have some good racing together. I had always hoped he would join in more vintage events but he has other interests too. Unfortunately I'm now the only merlin sailor in the village (club). Bit sad it didn't stay local but I know he did try. Anyway I know it will be in good hands and have a good life so there we go.
Maybe see you at Thames on saturday. Cheers

Ps I think the boom was the same as the one on 1066 which is a 12 I think too. but whether it is original I don't know.

I have the wooden boom off 1008 which has been dry stored in our garage for nearly 4 years.
The hull has probably been scrapped by now as I last saw it upside down in a garden.

PS Chris, the only "active" merlin sailor in the club - just wait till the re-deck's done.

Hi Chris,

I am restoring an old merlin rocket no. 338 called Chippy Too. She has a lovely old boom but I would be interested in anything else you might have from that period, especially spinnaker pole and sails.

Regards Charlie