I have just acquired Merlin 347 from a gentleman in Plymouth, complete with wooden mast, and cotton sails. From the year book, I know it was registered late 1951 is a Rocket design by Wyche & Coppock, builder unknown, named Jonathan. I am in the process of contacting the RYA, who I am hopping will have a little more information. However is there anyone who may know any history of the boat, previous owners etc. Also any details of fittings layout on a boat of this age, as I would like to try and keep it as close to original as possible. |
Hooray, someone keeping it original. Come and join the cvrda events and race with similar boats. Handicap gets +4 for cotton sails (equivalent of +40 in PY terms) and +2 for wooden mast so you'd be sailing off 101 along with Iska (merlin 6). By comparison our 1968 merlin goes off 92 and a seventies ones off 88 so you have a good equaliser. http://www.cvrda.org |
SHe was built by her original owner. Would imagine it is a nice looking boat. |
I understand she was redecked about 15 years ago. I have some work to do on her. The hull seems very sound. Has not seen water for about 20 years. Been stored in a garage all this time. If anyone is near the Windsor area and would care to look and give advise all would be welcome. I am sure a beer or two could be found. |
Photos in the 'vintage' and 'building/repairs' galleries might help. http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/default.asp?folder=gallery/vintage |
Gannet 252 which I restored is also a Rocket design by W&C. There are pictures here and on the CVRDA website. If you like to email me I will give you my phone number and we can have a chat. |
Should have said it would have been an appropriate boat for me as Jonathan is my middle name!!!! I hope you enjoy her - I really like mine. I have a set of cotton sails but they need repairing when Trish gets thesewing machine in action. |
A couple of photos http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/gallery/default.asp?folder=gallery/building_and_repairs/restoration_of_252 |
347 'Weethree' is a Rocket design and completed by Mr A H Evans from a Wyche and Coppock hull. He was a part owner with C W Potter and H E Willington all of Bristol Corinthian YC. |
I'm all for keeping vintage boats original - why else sail a vintage boat? I shall be sailing Merlin 6 tomorrow with the tall rig and sails that haven't felt the wind for 60 years, at whitefriars' event. |
Chris, did I hear your boat has copper buoyancy tasks....? |
Yes they are the originals!! And apparently they oping when they expand in the heat...... What heat!!!!! I am sure that Chris can tell you more |
That will be "go ping" when they expand. |