After looking on ebay for a sailing dinghy, I find myself in possesion of MR 2794 in need of some restoration. I may be able to get her sailworthy, but not sure I'll actually be able to sail her.(never sailed a racing dinghy !) Anyway if anyone knows any of her history, I'd be love to hear it.

Congratulations!

Where are you located?
There's a numebr of Merlins around in different clubs - ask one of the committee - or a local fleet captain - I'm sure you can have a ride (or several) locally - and pick up the tips etc.

If you are restoring, don't forget to post here if there are odd bits you need - I've got a number of odd & ends. You don't need to buy everything new!

Colin

Many Thanks.
I'm located in Shinfield, just outside Reading, Berks. If anybody is brave enough to have me on board it would be much apreciated.
I think the boat is pretty complete, but thanks for the offer.
Graeme
Ps. Great website !!

There are not many Merlin Rockets there, but there are some very friendly people at Burghfield Sailing Club. See www.burghfieldsailing.org - just off J12 of the M4, over the canal bridge in Theale. The most popular evening series in the country (last year we averaged 59 boats each Wednesday) starts tomorrow at 18:45!
We have a chandler on site, open on Wednesday evenings, Saturday and Sunday's. He sails regularly, so is pretty good at finding bits if you can't find them on this site. 
If you are new to sailing, there is an associated RYA sailing school at the lake as well: they do day, weekend or evening courses for all levels of abilities.

2794 is a Watts built Rapidity, called Rapidity. It's the first of only a couple of boats built to that design (by John Freeman) and is probably ex Alan Warren who failed to distinguish himself with it i'm afraid hence the design not acheiving popularity. I think it may have come along at the end of an era in hull shapes, the finer waterline of the Phantom Kipper and Hexagon designs made the design sticky in light winds and they were as fast or faster in all other conditions. There is not a lot of information available any more, though Alan will remember the boat and if one of the Warrens happens on this thread i'm sure they will ask.

While it may not have been a successful racing boat in it's day, it is of historic interest and will still provide plenty of fun on the water and will be fine on personal/period handicap should you persuade a club to use them.

Don't want to be pwedantic but wasn't it Designed by Tony Watts and built by Freeman.

2794 was designed by Tony Watts , later to become IYRU Chief measurer .It has a very low freeboard which which proved to be too low for sailing at Shoreham .

2794 was designed by Tony Watts , later to become IYRU Chief measurer .It has a very low freeboard which which proved to be too low for sailing at Shoreham .

Graeme,

If you want to see and maybe go out in a Merlin come down to Cookham Reach SC on a Sunday and Ithere will be plenty of people wanting to talk to you. We have a fleet of around 25 Merlins at the club.

In fact if you really want to see what goes on it is our Merlin Open Meeting on 10th / 11th May with training on the Saturday morning, all welcome even without a boat as there is on shore and I am sure there will be space in a boat for you.

E-mail me if you want more details.

Jeremy Deacon

I remember Rapidity well.  She was bought by Bill Botley from John Freeman and brought to Arun after Alan Warren had decided she "didn't go".  
By this time (1973) at Arun we were all sailing Satisfactions or their derivatives and Rapidity suffered the same as the Wotnots in that she was slow in light winds.  Alan borrowed Chris Andrew's "Philistine" that year and won the champs - good decision!
If you want to know more, contact John Freeman.  I saw him last year after a thirty year gap and he is still just the same and still in Peacehaven - but not building boats now.

Graeme,

If you can make it to Netley in July we're having the Classic Nationals, an event that will also attract a healthy number of older Merlins. One of our home boats is the original Wotnot, one of the 'ancestors' of 2794. The event will be a mix of racing and opportunities for people who've come into the sport through getting a 'classic' - there will also be plenty of people on hand who own older boats and are well versed in keeping them going. It's just 'down the road' for you, camping is gratis and 'on site' plus the beer is cheap! Hope to see you then!
David - 3025

Well guys, to say I'm amazed and impressed would be an understatement. Thanks to Chris M, whitstable pro  and JC for the history lesson, fascinating.
Thanks to Jez3550 for the invite, I'll e-mail and try to get along.

Thanks to David for the invite.

What a GREAT bunch !!

Quote:-
"There are not many Merlin Rockets there, but there are some very friendly people at Burghfield Sailing Club. See www.burghfieldsailing.org - just off J12 of the M4, over the canal bridge in Theale. The most popular evening series in the country (last year we averaged 59 boats each Wednesday) starts tomorrow at 18:45!
We have a chandler on site, open on Wednesday evenings, Saturday and Sunday's. He sails regularly, so is pretty good at finding bits if you can't find them on this site. 
If you are new to sailing, there is an associated RYA sailing school at the lake as well: they do day, weekend or evening courses for all levels of abilities."

Yup. that's where my Merlin is.....

Drop me an email and i'll get back to you - I'm still waiting for the water to warm up a little, but...

Colin

David forgot to include the link for the classic nationals and other events - come and join thst forum too!