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The Sailing Team
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The increase in power of the wider hulls and the ability to control the power of the modern rigs has meant that the desirable sailing weight for the Merlin Rocket class has dropped slightly over the years. 22-23 stone (140-150kgs) is now a common weight band, but boats are sailed competitively with crew weights varying from 20-27 stone.
As both crew members contribute to the sitting out power by similar amounts, a wide range of crew combination is possible. Young “light” helmsmen and women can sail with a powerful gorilla up front. On the other hand, helms of a more mature and round shape can sail a boat with a young fit and light male or female teenager at the sharp end. No matter what shape and size you are, there is a place for you in a Merlin Rocket.
The vast majority of boats have permanently-rigged twin spinnaker poles which assists lighter crews to handle the spinnaker in most weather conditions. When the going gets tough, some weight and strength are always an advantage.
Having such a mixture of people in the fleet, young-old, male-female, light and not so light just adds to the character of the social scene.
Merlin Rocket - the boat for all shapes, sizes and weights.
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