MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : Should I crew a Merlin in 2009?

Should I crew a Merlin in 2009 or have some fun in a 49er?

Northern based 70kgish sailor. Never stepped foot in a Merlin, but seriously considering a stint at the front of one for a change.

Would probably be looking for a serious open meeting campaign with someone who owned a boat, as I don't happen to have one in the garden.

Previous results for me include 1st Scorpion Nationals and 5th Fireball worlds.

Is a Merlin all it's cracked up to be?


Posted: 30/01/2009 23:23:06
By: Merlin Virgin
Well worth it loads of fun as long as you can handle the Social??? Forget 49`ers etc you will be in demand at front end lol ALLLEEZZ!!!!


Posted: 31/01/2009 00:33:38
By: ALLLLEEEZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
The Merlin Rocket as I knew it; and as it still possibly is; is just simply the best and finest Dinghy Sailing (No any sailing.)experience you could have. It has just one problem that it is such a sharp tool that all other boats seem dull and unresponsive,(Even if they are not!) there are faster boats no doubt but the thrill in all weathers and all waters is a memory that will not fade. It is also still by comparison a very pretty boat. Truly the Montrachet of sailing.


Posted: 31/01/2009 09:05:11
By: Ancient Geek
Yes you should. Sounds like you will do really well. Why not give it a try early in the season and see how you like it.


Posted: 31/01/2009 15:59:07
By: AlanF
The crew in a Merlin contributes more to the speed of the boat than in almost any other boat, it is a very easy boat to sail, but a very difficult one to sail well, and all the more satisfying because of it.


Posted: 31/01/2009 17:28:38
By: Ian
Give it a try first! There should be opportunities to try a boat new you.

If you want the hiking instead of trapezing, that is...

http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/regions.asp

Posted: 31/01/2009 22:26:00
By: Mags
Hello, Merlin Virgin.
If you're really keen, I could help you out in having a go. My home club is Hollingworth, which we will start sailing at again in March - Leigh and Lowton at the moment.
Where are you based?
In terms of whether you think it's the right boat for you everyone on here is going to say they're amazing boats - because they are!
Feel free to drop me an e-mail and we'll sort you out
[email protected]
P.S. People are always looking out for decent crews - there's a shortage!!
Pip


Posted: 01/02/2009 16:42:26
By: Pip - Northern Rep
Hi MV,

Merlins are crew's boats. A good crew makes all the difference to any helm, even those (like me) at the middle to back of the fleet - you will be very much in demand.

Not only that you wont have the cash outlay (except for the bar bills of course)

Cheers,


Posted: 01/02/2009 21:34:39
By: John B (3404)
Thanks for the comments. I did expect them to be all positive about the Merlin, but then this is the MR forum!

Pip - I will get in touch. Hollingworth is probably only just over an hour away for me on a Sunday


Posted: 02/02/2009 21:56:45
By: Merlin Virgin
I have now lost my Merlin virginity cursory of Taxi (thanks for the loan of the special toy) and to Tom Jeffcoate for stick waggling. 

For ones first time, an open meeting at Burton SC in no wind was not an earth moving experience (how many people have lost theirs at Burton over the years I wonder) and came a few years later than I would have hoped for, but better late than never! Despite the lack of wind, it became apparent that this was something I needed to try again, an itch that needed scratching...my 49er virginity was lost along time ago but now a distant memory...

My partner and I hope to get some enjoyment out of some new Winder apparatus in 2012.


Posted: 07/10/2011 23:54:24
By: Virgin no more

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