Due to my father sadly passing away last year we have inherited his Merlin Rocket which he built himself in 1974.The designer was K.Callaghan and the design is Hotspur 206.We would be grateful for some advice on the best way forward in giving her a good home.

Anita,

Have sent you a PM.

Thanks

Richard

Hello Anita,
I used to have a 'Hotspur' back in the early 70's. I think it was Keith's first design and was very quick in light weather, perhaps not so competetive as some of it's contempories when it came to fast reaching at sea?
The older boats in our class are going through quite a revival, with people renovating and racing them - mostly on rivers and restricted waters where I feel your Father's boat might be particularly suitable.
As he built it himself you obviously want it go to a good home so I suggest putting it on our second list - at least we are all enthusiasts (nutters) here!
As to the value - it is a bit hard to say. Perhaps our 'second hand man' Chris Martin could advise you.
What was your Dad's name? It is possible some of us will remember him.

Hello Pat
Thankyou for your advice and additional info.My fathers name was Dennis Sharpe and he was an active member of Parkstone Yacht Club for many years.

Patrick is being a little modest here - quote from Keith Callaghan (designer's) web site gives this information about the Hotspur:
Patrick's boat ('Mythbegotten' MR2446) won the Silver Tiller series in 1971.

This was a little while ago.

My formative experience that has led me to the Merlin class was in 1977 in Chichester Harbour in a Wayfarer (sorry) on a Bosham Sea School course in which I gained an RYA certificate.  I was somewhere near the windward mark that a pretty serious group of Merlins were converging on.  I was given to understand by Patrick amongst others that they would rather I had been in a different bit of the harbour.  He won the championships.

I hope you find a good new home for your father's boat.

Andrew