MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : bat out of hell

I have recently been left "bat out of hell" No. 3249 by a friend who recently died. I was wondering if any one knew the history of the boat. It was sailed out of SMYC coincidently where I used to sail many many moons ago. Any information would be most welcome.


Posted: 30/01/2005 18:02:33
By: jeremy
From the Merlin Handbook

it is a 'Summer Wine', built 1981 by Guy Winder


Posted: 30/01/2005 20:49:23
By: Alan
Is that Jerry Rook ? If it is love to my old crew Pauline

Could the boat have been built for Dick Batt ?


Posted: 02/02/2005 10:03:54
By: whitstable pro
If my memory serves me right, Bat out of Hell was built for Bryan Drake at Parkstone YC - he was a very good helm who was unbeatable (locally) in his day - the days when we saw 25 Merlins out regularly for club racing and Summer Wines went well on the waters of Poole Harbour.  The boat stayed at Parkstone for a while after he sold it - was always a nice looking boat then with the picture from Meatloaf's Bat out of Hell album on it (don't suppose that's still there?!), so glad to see it back on the scene again.


Posted: 02/02/2005 10:36:52
By: Jude
Most memorable for us is Richard sailing it in Shoreham with Steve Vyse in 1996 and in the process of trying to save Steve's new paint and varnish job, ended up losing his thumb on the front of the boat!  We believe it was in Shoreham during the time of 1994/5- 2000/1 owned by Steve Vyse who sailed it with a number of crews including both of us at different times.  Have had some fantastic sails in it, especially off Shoreham in a blow and breaking the rudder.  Richard also borrowed/stole it for Salcombe too in 1996 (not put off by losing his thumb he went back for more!).  If you want more Steve Vyse is a good contact, now sailing Juvenile Delinquent in J24 class via Sussex Yacht Club, he knows the whole history and lovingly restored it and kept it beutiful whilst it was in his possesion, although he didn't have the success he wished for in it, he had enthusiasm and it was great entertainment, especially at Salcombe.


Posted: 05/02/2005 06:58:32
By: Richard & Sue Parke in New Zealand
Sue sure is right - Steve managed to get it going at about 90% speed of a Wayfarer - despite the expert crews he had .


Posted: 05/02/2005 18:41:04
By: ble pro

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