ALL CARBON MERLIN ROCKETS
In a decision after legal consultation and taking Counsels Oppinion sure to spark global controversy, the Merlin Rocket Owners Association Committee in conjunction with the Royal Yachting association accepted that they had no choice but to allow radical
changes to that most venerable of sailing classes: the Merlin Rocket now allowed as a recognised material... and now through a loophole in the rule change, may be used for ANY part of the boat
including the hull.
"The rules were supposed to just cover the boom, mast, and internal fitting out this is
an unintended consequence of vague wording, but the council and committee have no intention of changing it. We are rather excited, frankly, about the prospect of a
100 pound all-up boat." said a spokesman Boats are heavy. Backs are weak. The average age of Merlin Sailors is increasing. (Many are over 70.) Hauling an Merlin Rocket hull off up a slipway, loses its charm after the 50th time you've done it. I can't wait to see the first all-carbon hull, I'll bet I can lift it with one hand."
Said Merlin Owner from Deeside Beaurigard McTavish: "Let's be perfectly honest here,
all this happy talk about sailing being for everyone is balderdash. It's for the gentry. So what if an all carbon Merlin Rocket costs £50,000?
The higher cost will keep some of the rabble out of our nice, Corinthian sport."
www.merlinrocket.co.uk
Posted: 01/04/2006 12:24:42 By: Beaurigard McTavish |
Joking aside how many metres of cloth goes into a Merlin hull? just thinking out loud, & while were at it if you can use carbon to build the main bulkhead/central case top/decks, etc, just how big could you legally make the flange where it joins the hull?
50mm.......150mm.........1.5mtrs?
In short whats to prevent building virtually a large internal moulding? ....in carbon.
Apoligies if it's been asked before, Barry.
Posted: 02/04/2006 22:21:26 By: Barry Watkin |
Very good! Joking apart....don't be too quick to associate carbon with exhorbitant cost. My 14 (recently sold and now at Dalgety Bay) was just over £4k with an all carbon hull structure (inc deck). It is as stiff today as it was 4 years ago. I'm not suggesting that Merlins should go all carbon, that would be folly (especially since longivity with Merlins is very much in evidence.) The hull would be so light you'd have to make it up with yet more fittings (which some may like!) and more lead. But if there is a weight-loss program being considered, then applying carbon in strategic places would help and not increase the cost very much. You've probably had this debate many times before (all classes do!) but it would be interesting to hear a boatbuilder's viewpoint.
Posted: 04/04/2006 09:10:59 By: Mark Nicholson (Mad Jack) |
