Hello, 

We are the proud new owners of an old merlin (currently sitting at Tamesis). It doesn't come with a trolley. I'll put a notice up at Tammy for one but if anyone knows of an inexpensive local trolley ~ that would be really appreciated.   

Also, does anyone have any history on the mighty Merlin 1746 'Il Gattino'. I understand it is an Adur 7 and was previously kept at Ranelagh for some time but it would be nice to understand more of the history about the boat. 

Thanks, Andy

Was certainly at Ranelagh in the late 80's early 90's but I never remember it being sailed, the owner also had a Solo.  Judging from the cobwebs etc inside it I doubt it had actually got wet since around 1980!  JOhn Stokes is likely to remember.

1746 an Adur 7 design was built by Adur Boatyard probably finished by her owner in 1964. She was called 'Faisca' and her first owner was J H Tatham, 10 Dudley Rd, Arely Kings, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs and Lenchford SC.
Her second owner A Ceretti, 40 Clifton Rd, Ashihngdon, Essex changed her name to 'Il Gattino' in 1966 or 67 and she was moved to Up River YC. 
The 1970 year book shows the owner as D Dunbar, 48 Bexwell Rd, Downham Market, Norfolk and Grafham Water SC. 
By 1971 her owner was M Bond, 2 Arthur St, Lincoln at the same club. He moved to 20a Bensham Lane, Croydon and Ranelagh by the time the 1974 book was printed. According to the year books he still owned the boat until 2001. The 2002 book shows Mick Bond as owning 1834 'Cantata' also at Ranelagh.
I hope the above info. helps.

Andy,
I have an old trolley, not a combi type, you are welcome to borrow, we could discuss terms later.
Rob

Andy D - IF you are still about, i have just bought 1614 (Adur 7) without decking - if you have still got 1746 i would appreciate a sight and the chance to take photos, please!!!
peterh

Hi Peter, 
Congrats on the new ship. It's all about the Adur. Mine is getting prepared (ahem) for a revamp so I somehow feel you would get more inspiration from looking at Rob Cages as it is amazing and also rather quick. 
If you need any local help with rigging I would recommend speaking to Jeff at the Welsh Harp dinghy shop. He was amazingly helpful when I took mine there a few years ago. 
BR 
Andy

1692 is an Adur 7 that Ben Marshall from Thames and Minima was going to restore, he got a slightly less challenging project so sold Hullabaloo to me the summer before last
Over last winter Laurie Smart worked his magic, couple of new planks, new hog CB case, thwart and decks.
We added tall Supers spars and Rowsell sails.
The project was to finish with a quick river boat to sail with my 13 yr old daughter, she is loving it, as am I!
I think the Adur 7 is a good call for the river, but I would add I know nothing about Merlins
Let me know is anybody wants pics
Rob C

As Tony accurately relates, MR1746 was acquired and renamed 'Il Gattino' by my friend and club mate Tony Ceretti, from the Up River Yacht Club at Hullbridge, Essex, in about 1967. He sold it when he asked me to build one of my Hotspur designs for him. That boat is MR2209 'Hydra', which is now back in my possession.