The item by Nick USA about his forthcoming article in Wooden Boats Magazine in the USA prompted John and I to calculate that since 1954 the Harris family - Harry, Robert, John, Richard and Andy have owned at least 26 wooden Merlin Rockets. Including the plastic boats the total's at least 29! 

Useless pieces of information perhaps but can any other family beat it?

Robert, Not sure how many my Dad has had but it must be close to 20. I have had 3 last year alone! and 3 previous to that. i Guess we are close but might not be able to beat the harris family. Currently we own 3 between us and one of them is Johns old boat Tobbaco Road!

Hi Jeremy. I remember 2926 'Tobacco Road' well enough. I drove to Weymouth on the Thursday evening of the 1975 Championship to watch John and Dave Wooton win the Championship in 'Tobacco Road' on the Friday. They had what seemed to be an unassailable lead BUT to win the Championship they had to finish in the first 16 because they had been disqualified over the line in a previous race.

I watched the race in the press boat with John Nichols of the Times and Tony Fairchild of the Telegraph. A five minute rule was in operation and to our dismay we clearly saw 'Tobacco Road' pop briefly over the line and back into the melee just before the start. We confirmed with the P.R.O. that they had been over, they finshed a pointless 3rd. One of the worst days of John's life and mine.

Did not realise she came that close. Knew she was always a fast boat and still is. We rescued her from the boat park after having sat there with a torn cover for about 8 years. Would not part with her now though for anything. My father is thinking of deck stepping the mast and lowering the tank but not sure if there is much point.