As a new member of the association, I sailed the Merlin for the first time today, light airs but gusty. Really impressed, sensitive and well balanced - sweet boat!

A few observations that I'd appreciate guidance on:
* Top batten sticks when tacking - Is this too tight or just too little wind?

* Tiller seems long, extension seems short: i've had a quick look at the rules but can see nothing about the tiller/rudder. Is there a good reason for having a long tiller and short extension? Or is it personal choice? Can I put a longer extension on?  Rudder seems to be quite thick at the bottom, any reason why I cannot make a foam/carbon rudder with a different profile?

* sheeting seems too far aft on the boom, are there any guidelines for the optimum block positions?

* Going down wind in about 5 knots, there seems to be a lot of turbulance at the back end (a small rooster following us)despite getting weight well forward. Is this normal? Any thoughts on how to reduce it?

* In same downwind conditions with the kite flying on a close reach, the front third of the main seems to be backing - I've never had a spinnaker before; Is this normal?

Daft questions, I am sure but I would appreciate a bit of guidance from those that are more experienced than I.

Regards,

1) Hit the deck harder coming out of a tack. Merlin battens are somewhat unique and you'll soon get used to it.

2) It's up to you. The long tiller means the helm can hoist the kite without dragging the back too much. You can have as long a tiller/extension as you wish. Rudder profile is entirely up to you as is construction materials.

3) Hard to say without seeing the boat as they are all slightly differant.

4) In light winds you need to sit as far forward as you can, this means both of you in front of the thwart.

5) This does happen and it is annoying. If the main is right in it's a sign that you are too close for the kite really. Another possibility is that your pole height is wrong does the kite collapse from the middle of the luff?

I find that falling over in the middle of the tack sorts out the batten nicely!

hi,
use the search box on the forum to find 100s of other answers about top battens! it needs a real flick of the sail to get it to pop over. if it wont go try asking crew to hang off the boom for a second while you yank the sheet.

i too have noticed a roosters tail following my transom. it cant be a good sign. maybe the bottom egde of the transom is too rounded (ought to be sharp right angle). else rudder stock is dipping in the water.

Why would the batten flick back while actually sailing - it looks as if the luff of the main is backing and it flips.  Rather slow and annoying but is there a simple cure - Have I got enough kicker on - the wind was about force 3 gusting 4 and it happens in the gusts.

I am sure there is a simple fix, as it is simply not right. In survival level winds the batten is often inverted, but then no one cares as they don't want the power at the top. It could be the cut of your sails, but most likely in my opinion no enough kicker and easing too much in the gust rather than hiking harder. But as always, it would be easier for an expert to tell by watching you sail (e.g. Rutland training)

Turbulance. There are a variety of thwart positions on Merlins, the thwart on my tales is 5 inches further forward than on my last boat a Summer Wine. We also have to move around the boat more to stop it parking. Having the crew sit on the thwart of this boat is fatal to boat speed in any conditions. I have an 11 stone crew and I am 12 stone.

The Thwart position will also effect the position of the hoop and boom blocks, this will effecy the bend at the top of the mast. the blocks are normaly together over the hoop. Have a look at other boats.

Steve - it is you isn't it ?
Have you bought Jacko's boat?

I would think carefully before putting the longer tiller extension on the boat - those transom mainsheet stops are tricky devils - if the combination of tiller and extension is too long then you can't tack. Personally I would look out for a flat-top hoop and install that - but having never sailed a Laser myself I cannot tack with the tiller swinging round the front to save my life.

Bye the way - that rooster tail at the back means you must be heavier than Jacko !

All the best
Ian & Tina

Didn't mention this is 252 gannet with no hoop etc !!!  Sorry about that.  Kicker and mast rake may be to blame - will try next week!!

Hi Ian,

Yes it is me. So you mean that you deliberately attach your mainsheet to those heavy looking back rests that I have seen! As I am getting on a bit, I thought one of those might be a good idea but Stu says that I am enough trouble to get moving already, let alone when I start to get comfortable!

Best wishes,

Steve

Steve 
I know you are new to the class - but please use the correct terminology!
"Heavy looking back rests" = "Zimmer frame"  - and I can tell you they are very useful when gybing in heavy weather.
All the best 
Ian
p.s. Welcome by the way!