|
Merlin in the USA
|
So finally, after more than 10 years of little notes of encouragement attached to my annual MROA membership kit,
here is an update on what is happening with one of the few Merlin Rocket sailors in the US...not a lot I am ashamed to say!
Last time I wrote (early 90’s) we had purchased MR 3133, thrown it in a 40’ container along with our furniture and had
moved to Cary, North Carolina. It was supposed to be a three year adventure, but here were still are 15 years later!
The Merlin is sailed half a dozen times per year, even raced once in a while, but nothing serious (except for a NC Sate
Games win in 1991). In 2000, due to a company merger, we moved to Sparta, a small and very pretty town up in the hills
of north-west New Jersey, with its own private lake and sailing club. We occasionally sail (unsuccessfully) against
the small resident fleet of Snipes and Lightnings (the US kind, 19’ plus skipper and crew of two). My 14 year old son,
Michael, will crew for me if pushed, but prefers to sail his Laser Pico.
Tony Lock built a strong boat that seems to thrive on neglect. It gets the occasional coat of varnish and a recent new
cover, but basically it is as original, same sails (1987) and rigging, hog stepped mast, original (short) spinnaker poles.
Any modern-day Merlin sailor might be horrified by the set up of the boat, little change since constructed in 1978, and
I have not even considered trying to make it more competitive. I have followed the development of the class rules with
some amusement, spinnakers, kevlar, correctors, deck stepped masts, wood or composite. When you have the only MR in the
state, who cares! However, I have to use the published handicap for up-to-date boats whenever I race. This means I can
rarely ever be competitive.
Even after 14 years of isolation from the class, I am certain of a couple of things: 1.
Merlins are unique and beautiful. Even in its sad condition, 3133 still gets more admiration than anything else on
the water, everyone loves a wooden boat. Please keep true to the boats origins - composite by all means but wooden decks
really make the difference between a jelly mould and a work of art you want to keep. 2. The occasional comment by MR
enthusiasts suggesting Merlins are easy to sail is just patently not true. Compared to what I ask...a skiff?
They are inherently unstable, which is probably why they are so interesting to sail. They are pigs to sail dry once
capsized (I just take a bucket with me), it is impossible to sail hard without tearing some flesh, and I still do
not know how to step out of a Merlin onto the jetty without getting wet or turning it horizontal or crunching bones!
So what is next? A few years ago when the maintenance was getting to be a nuisance, I tried to sell the Merlin in
Wooden Boat magazine. I felt so guilty when the magazine hit the shelves that I was delighted when it did not sell.
Also, I pushed the boat into the garage, the unstepped mast hitting the garage roof and pushing out the transom.
After some expert advice (a kind gentlemen who builds Gypsy Moth wings as a hobby!), a lot of epoxy, 50 clamps and
some aircraft grade plywood, she is as strong (if a little heavier) than ever. It appears that 3133 and the Hamon
family will be partners for many years to come. This winter will bring some hull stripping and painting, and I must
get some new (used) sails.
Any Merlin sailors who end up in the NJ area would be welcome, especially if I can get some free 'go faster' advice.
All the best
Nick Hamon
Library - by Category, by Magazine Edition