As a relative novice, could anyone point me towards some books on A) Basic sailing theory in terms of general principles of setting up a boat for different conditions, the pros and cons, (even better if it is specific to merlins) and B) is there a definitive book on Merlin restoration which I could use as reference to repair an older hull? or a generic title which covers the pricipals?
Thanks

Two good books both by Ian Proctor both probably you'll have to buy 2nd hand.
Racing Dinghy Handling
Racing Dinghy Maintainance
Of course things have moved on in terms of Epoxy for repairs but Ian's revised editions do seem remarkably apposite. As A merlin Sailor and designer he covers the class along of others quite well if briefly.
Other than taht most libraries are well stocked in Hampshire anyway with the countless tomes. If you can get it Scientific Sailboat Racing by Snipe Champion Ted Wells give  it was written 60 years ago is still up to date especially in use of swage terminals but he was an airplane designer/engineer (Cessna.)

Have a look in the library, most ones I have checked do have several dinghy sailing books which could help.

Here is dinghy handling - very much old boat orientated though.

Amazon currently has 4 copies of the racing dinghy maintenance book by Proctor - from £3.50

The best 2 books I have are

1) "Looking at Sails" by Bruce Banks and Dick Kenny.  You'll probably need to check out Amazon for a used copy.

2) "Winning in One Designs" by Dave Perry.  This has everything in it from tactics to teamwork.

Aside from that you should read all of the articles available on this site in the training section and try to get to a training event as soon as you can.

Thanks so much for the information, I'll track down the Proctor books and perhaps his Wind and Current book also.  The boat is an older one so the information is probably quite appropriate - also discovered Milestone Maritime Books in Teignmouth Devon, so may try them -they have copies of both.
I'll look forward to a training event as well!

Check out all the info on www.cvrda.org, the Classic and Vintage Racing Dinghy Assoc. on repairing and restoring and varnishing wooden boats - lots of experts there and help on the forum.

Book Barn recently had lots of copies of various editions the Proctor books very cheap.

When you've done, come and race - and everyone else don't forget Frensham this weekend.

Hi All,
Now in possesion of Ian Proctor Dinghy handling and Dinghy maintenance; Winning in One Designs - Dave Perry, and This is Looking at Sails -Dick Kenny.

Looking for others but these books are really informative, thank you all again, can't wait to get started.

Let us know how you get on with the books - your thoughts will be useful to others I'm sure.

Jon

Thanks, I'll be pleased to keep an update of progress with the books and how they help with the rebuild, although after continued inspection the hull condition seems worse than it first appeared - not terminal but more extensive work. 
Some decisions may affect the eventual level the boat is restored to - it has no bow tank at all, no  decks and the support rails beneath the side decks would be better replaced, and so would the poorly fitted transom. 
Unfortunately the information from 'Bobs Boat Shop' is that any records of how the boat was first built will have gone long ago so I'm going to be looking very carefully at as many boats of a similar age as I can.
Thanks for the support,