CLASS BOAT

Merlin Rocket has a class boat available for newcomers.  If you wish to try a Merlin Rocket or borrow the boat please contact [email protected]

The History of the Boat

The Merlin Rocket Owners Association made the decision to buy a Class Association Merlin Rocket in 2017.Never Been to Salcombe (NBTS) was purchased with the primary goal being to introduce new sailors to the Merlin Rocket Class.

With a well-earned, historic reputation for a brilliant traveller’s series, the Silver Tiller, as well as incredible bucket list sailing events like Salcombe Merlin Week, highly competitive National Championships at top venues attended by the best of the best of the UK dinghy sailors, and an amazing social scene within the class the MROA knew they were on to a great idea.

Since the pandemic this Class boat has been pushed towards introducing younger sailors to the class. With fantastic older boats still competitive in the fleet and well-priced for young sailors there is a great opportunity for them to race in a technical, exciting dinghy against some of the legends of British dinghy racing scene.

Finding a custodian

In 2023 to coincide with the launch of the MROA’s first Youth Championship and Women’s National Championships the Committee was approached by crew in the fleet who put forward a proposal to be a custodian of NBST.  With the aim to attend as many events as possible and encourage their friends to get active in the Merlin fleet, this has been a success in 2023 and the boat is now in the hands of a new custodian for 2024.

During 2023NBTS was based out of Southampton Uni Sailing Club, racing weekly with a number of sailors many had neither helmed nor crewed a Merlin Rocket before.

In 2023 NBTS competed at the Women’s andYouth Championships as well as more local club events. Moving into 2024 the aim is for youth sailors to take NBTS to Silver Tiller events, plus the Inlands, National Championships Women’s Championships, Salcombe Merlin Week and Youth Championships.

Borrow NBTS for an event

NBTS is available for anyone to borrow, who has an interest in trying out a Merlin Rocket in the UK.

To register your interest and check current availability please email [email protected]