I have just been given an old Merlin Rocket, she is a lovely boat but needs a bit of woodwork and a nice paintjob. I am interested in finding out as mutch history for her as possible. her sail number is 3039 and she was last sailed at Carsington a couple of years ago.

Strange, nothing on her in the 2005 or 2007 year books - earlier archivists may be able to help more.......

You will find 3039 in the boats destroyed list!!! Are you sure of the number? Is she in a bad way?
In 1988 she was listed as Giong For A Song and is a Callaghan Hysteria and was built by the original owner. Registered owner is B.C.Dingwall, 33 Montgomery Road, Cannons Park, Middx. No Club listed.

Hope this helps.

Sorry it is 'Going For a Song'

Thank you for the super fast reply,  

Sorry about this a good clean reveals that the third digit is an 8 not a 3! her number is actually 3089.  The damage consists of many glued joints in the gunnels, top deck and transom coming apart. Some decking needs replacing and it will need a repaint.

John Swain

Her name at the moment is "Just Possible"

John

Your not the same John Swain tht sails a boss at carsington are you ?

Hi,

Its a small world, but not that small.  I sail Flying Fifteens and a Solo at Ogston Sailing club in Derbyshire.

John

From the 2006 Year Book she is a Morrison 'Hooligan' design, listed in the design guide. Sounds as though generous amounts of epoxy should work wonders. I used the West System (instructions downloadable from the www) and it seemed to work well even in winter temperatures. I bought my September Girl last September and discovered a very rotten forefoot and a soft spot in the keel near the transom. Repairs are quite easy provided you have the right wood, an ability to work standing on your head and an extra arm.
Go for it!

Hello John

Please send me your address and e mail and I will add you to our Vintage mailing list

Hi All,

I can’t find any soft wood, so it looks like I can re-use most of it; the extra arm is in the post.  However I may have to wait a month before starting repairs due to DIY/wife commitments.  Thank you for the Info. I hope to see you on the water by late summer.

John

She is a Holigan built by Laurie Smart. Going to be a good boat. Onr of the best ever builders, Probably the best at that time.

and still remains, in my view, one of the best builders of wooden Merlin's.......and just about any other boat!

Perhaps I may add a little more to the history of 3089 'Just Possible'. 
She was probably built in 1977 and finished by her first owner E.R.J. Ward, Corbetts Waterloo, Gillingham, Beccles, Suffolk. He was a member of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston YC. 
We went there for the Championships in 1961. It was mainly light and very tidal if I remember correctly. 
The next change of ownership was recorded in the 1986 Year Book. The owner then was A. Gisborne, 14 Gunton Church Lane, Lowestoft, Suffolk and Waveney and Olton Broad YC.
There appear to be no further ownership changes in the Year Books.

Eric Ward died playing squash about four years ago. His widow Judy is at the samew address.