This may be a silly question but is there any merlin events aimed at single handers, over the years it would seem I am not the only one that races regularly 1 up.
Is there a py handicap for sailing 1 up?
Can you enter Merlin open races 1 up?

The rules state you must have 2 people unless the race is specifically advertised for singlehanders. There have been at least 2 others on the forum talking about it over the years - try using the search box to hunt them down.

I think people do it at club level, and it doesnt offer much advantage, so no PY adjustment. The advice given before was to get a long tiller extension, tie the jib sheets in a continous loop, and maybe get some elastic to centralise the rudder when let go of.

thanks Mags that confirms what I read in the book.

Is there any races then that are advertised as open to single handers as well as 2 up?

Are there any Merlin events in the North or Midlands that would accept a singlehander??

I sail at Swarkestone resevoir in derby just off the A50.  It's a smallish gravel pit but wednesday evenings during the summer is a special single hander series - everyone has to be single handed expecially the lasers!  We also sail normal races on Sundays and single handers are welcome to join in the race but there is a penalty on PY, I think due to reduction in crew weight. Though how this is the case in a blow is unknown!

http://www.swarkestonesc.co.uk/

If you want any more info email me and I'll find out or put you in touch with someone who can.  I sail a merlin there and will be sailing the single hander wednesday nights as well as the sunday series though I am currently the only merlin (NSM4 3428).

P.S. - Elastic on the tiller is a bit of a cop out but handy whilst trying to get the spinny pole up!

At Banbury SC, we also have a series of singlehanded races which a few Merlins enter - with the right wind, they even have been known to fly the spinnaker quite effectively.  We do not allow singlehanded Merlin sailing in the main race series.

get a dog, if you can't find any friends

Given how technical the Merlins are, the following may be appropriate.

Years ago I attended a presentation by someone whose job was to design fastjet cockpits.  He came up with this immortal explanation:  'The ideal for us would be a cockpit which can be operated by one man and his dog.  The man's job will be to feed the dog.  The dog's job will be to bite the man if he looks like touching anything.'

nice one Bill,
Stroker the problem with freinds are when you are 6' 3" and 18 stone you need a very small crew (too small to be of any use.

hehe - 18 stone?  Lightie!  My crew is 6' 3" and 17 stone n change.  I'm about 6' 1" and ahem, a little over 18 stone...

However, even in a drifter the other week (with nearly 40 stone in her) she (NSM4) still picks up n rustles along nicely.  As long as we keep the weight forward to stop water flooding in through the transom flaps!  (Must get those fixed!)  Doesn't take too much to get her planing either.

Just waiting for a howling gale, then lets see those light weights keep up!

The idea is to enjoy the boat, have fun and lose some of the excess poundage that's crept on over the years!  Plus two-up is more fun than single handed even if you're not 100% competitive due to weight in the lighter breeze.

Just my $0.02

:o)

Stuart.

Hi,
no problem with single handling.  All about boldness, technique and choosing your wind strength.  Single handed happens frequently at Midland SC.  Three sail up, no problem in  lighter winds.  

steve