435 (formerly Coppellia, now Pawn) hit the water for the first time in at least 10 years last Friday. Margaret Dye mentioned it was the 60th Anniversary this year. She sails beautifully, so well balanced and (I never thought I'd say it) better than my Enterprise from the same design board.

Anyone have any memories of 435 they could share with me, long shot I know?

435 Coppelia was built in 1952/3 by Jack Holt and probably finished by her 1st owner. She is a Holt Penguin design.
I regret I cannot tell you anything about her first 10 years but the 1962 Year Book shows the owners as D.S. Farrow and R.F. Goetz of Aldenham SC.
The next change in the records is in the 67 YB when the owner was K Johnson of the same club.
By 1968 she was owned by H.E. Batchelder, 70 Hartforde Rd, Boreham Wood, Herts but no club is shown. In the 1980 YB his/her new address is shown as Little Paddocks, Bevan Close, Carleton Rode, Norwich. From there the trail goes cold.

Thanks for the information, she's older than I thought ('54), I knew she was a penguin and the guy I bought her from purchased her from the Wroxham boat auction some 10-15 years ago (in a sorry state!).

The Batchelder name sounds familiar so I might follow up that line of enquiry.

Bring her to the Vintage events and CVRDA events please - we love old Merlins

Will be doing, intended to do Norfolk Broads Yacht Club event organised by Jamie Campbell, saw there were 6 Merlins there so will definitely be there next year!

Will post photo's soon given 60th anniversary year etc.

I rember Dudly Farrow always used sail in bare feet summer or winter, while the rest of us all left our wellies on the pontoon and changed into sailing shoes in the boat to stop the varnish from getting scratched. Thank heavens for modern boat finishes.