I have been sailing an Internationl of a about 3 Years now (just for fun, not competitive). After my good friend and crew died last year, it has never been the same again and I am thinking of selling to boat and getting a more moderate one, to sail/race with my girlfriend and anyone who wants to have a try.
I am thinking of a small, uncomplicated boat, without a trapez. The 3 boats which came to my mind are: RS 200, National 12 and your Merlin Rocket.
I don't realy like the idea of not having a kite, like on the 12 but if the racing is great, that shouldn't matter. On the other side I like the idea of an open class. 
What about the Merlin?
Why should I go for the Merlin Rocket class?
I am glad for every comment! also via email: [email protected]
thanks a lot, and have a good time on the water!

Max

Max,

I presume that you have had a look the web site. From that you'll see that the Merlin is likely to meet your every requirement. The best way to prove that is to try one out and meet some of the Merlin Sailors who have a proven reputation of being friendly and helpful.

Clearly, if you are near Wormit, Thamesis, Weymouth or Trent Valley this weekend why come and see some in action. We will be at Weymouth.

If you sail 14's then you'll probably know Dave Bosnia, (crews James Fawcett) and you certainly would have heard Rachel Cooper if you've been at any events recently. Both have sailed Merlins and are coming to Salcombe Week and the Nationals, speak to them for a less bias opinion that you may find on this forum.

Obviously I think they are great, recent developments have been limited to the rig, consequently older boats are still competitive and racing is currently very tight. The one string raking system has made rig tunning easier for the less technically minded yachters amongst us attracting more novice sailors. All in all it's a cracking boat to sail but at the end of the day you do need to try one out to see if it suits you. Suggest you call your regional rep and organise a test sail.

did you like the asymetric kite on the 14 if so the rs may suit you but symetrical spinakers are so much better so get a m-r

The Merlin is not a small uncomplicated boat...

BUT if you want a properly sorted boat with good handling, a strong fleet at open meetings and national events and a continuing challenge to sail well that's more like it.  You won't get the power and speed of the Int14, but you can throw in 2 tacks in 40 yards without falling in the water or stopping dead.  Both the RS200 and particularly the N12 are really for lightweights.  The RS 200 and 400 fittings and controls are primitive by Merlin  standards, the N12 doesn't have a kite, which makes things a lot less interesting downwind.

Biased on this forum?  Really!!

An RS200 will probably fall apart long before either Merlin or 12. I've sailed both the latter extensively and find the Merlin far more exctiting.

must get a splee checker on this site- exctiting, a new sport?

Quite simply no matter where you roam the Merlin Rocket is the best of the dinghies if you are man or woman enough.

Well since he's used to driving something with a 30m2 spinnaker he ought to be able to cope with an MR

having sailed merlin Rockets for a few years, and N12s for the past year and a half, i can safely say that Merlins are the way to go! Merlins are that bit more exciting, and a good challenge. go for it!

Well thank you all for the replies!
I am very sorry for calling your boat small and uncomplicated, after all it is a Rocket!
So I am looking forward seeing you down south soon! I'll go check it out!
Best wishes

Max