Since the maximum beam of a Merlin Rocket was set some years ago by the width limit for trailers, i.e. 2.3m, I was interested to see the below come across my desk this afternoon. Any takers for increasing the maximum beam to 2.55m? Since most of us can only just get our boats into our garages, this is one that I think I'll not be supporting.

CHANGE TO REGULATIONS ON TRAILER WIDTH
The Department for Transport has announced the removal of the 2.3 metre width limit for light trailers towed behind a vehicle with maximum Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) not exceeding 3500 kg, i.e. most cars and 4x4s. The width limit for light trailers (i.e. categories O1 and O2) with max trailer weight of 750 kg and 3500 kg respectively is now 2.55 metres irrespective of the towing vehicle, be it car, 4x4 or qualifying commercial vehicle. This brings the UK into line with the rest of Europe to ensure harmonisation of technical requirements in all Member States and better functioning of the internal market. All motor vehicles (other than motor cycles) may now tow a trailer not exceeding a width of 2.55 metres. In the past the limit was 2.3 metres unless the towing vehicle was a qualifying commercial vehicle with GVW greater than 3500 kg.

The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use)(Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2010 - Statutory Instruments 2010 No. 964 came into force on 20th April 2010.

Andy, I seem to remember that the maximum beam was set at 2.2m [sic] when an unnaturally wide Merlin of that beam first appeared - I think it may have been 'Xpectation' MR2244 (owned by the redoubtable Chris Andrews, built by Rowsell Brothers and designed by Martin Jones - basically a wide Xpectant).

As the Hurricane 5.9 is 2.43 m. wide, that would mean that the class members have been towing illegially in the UK since its inception in the mid 1980's. Tow well at speed!!!! Tornado we had to break it down or as the German's and Dutch do, have a mega tilt trailer and lots of windage. No good for blasting up the road to events.
Interesting though.
Bye for now

Haven't got my Merlin book at work with me but my recollection was that the 1st Xpectation (as pictured on the back cover) was said to be a little wider than this at 7ft 3in - 2.2m being in fact 7ft 2.61" though as there were other inaccuracies in the book it may not be gospel.  With the contemporary construction methods one wonders if that was measured before or after putting the rig tension on!

Anyone who really wants a soapdish of 2.5m on a boat of just over 4m length has never tried sailing a max beam Merlin on a river.

Interesting:
but off the topic but while trying to check my memory of 14' x 7'2" max with 110 something for the sails, I noticed:
The rules say in BIG capital letters

TOTAL SAIL AREA... shall not exceed 10.20 square metres....

with a 10 square meter spinnaker that doesn't leave much scope for 'white' sails Is there clarification elswhere or are you all out of class ;)

It might be the legal width limit but the people who park in our lanes don't leave that much space. We already worry about getting the 6ft Merlin as far as the main road!

Some of the roads down here in Devon are not that wide either, even after the local farmers have trimmed the hedges.