I'm trying to find out how many Merlins are sailed in Scotland, and where they are based.  If you own a Merlin and live in Scotland, please let me know with details of where you sail - I'm looking for replies from anyone, not just members of the Association.

Please e-mail me at [email protected]

I have a Merlin rocket- Figaro- sail number 704 (Holt built) and as original including sails,gear etc. She has been sailed/raced on the Solway at Kippford, Solway Yacht Club. Figaro has not been raced for a few seasons as I spend a lot of time training juniors and racing my Flying Fifteen whenever possible.
Last weekend another Merlin arrived  on the dingy park, from the Clyde, to sail/race this season.

Ah - the numbers are building up slowly!!  Three I know of in Aberdeenshire now.  There has obviously been a bit of cross-border raiding!!!

Although I don't have my boat up in Scotland, I'm a Merlin sailor currnetly living/working in Rosyth and would be interested in crewing for anyone in the the Forth/Clyde area if I can fit it around work and visits down south to sail my own boat (3319).

What happened to the early Merlins that were listed in the yearbook as built and sailed (presumably) in Orkney?  Anyone know?

Hugh has got a boat in scotland, but it doesn't quite measure as a Merlin, though it's got nice curtains from what I've heard.

When can go for a trip round teh bay Hugh?

I have just acquired 3076 although I doubt if I will get it on the water this season.  Not quite Orkney, but the Inner Moray Firth (Chanonry SC).  Does this make me the most northerly member?

Merlin 1728 now restored and sailing in the Moray Firth area.

Just a thought already exchanged with others.  What price we try and persuade as many Scottish Merlins as possible to Tummel week next summer?  Not for the whole week but Friday to Sunday perhaps?

http://www.lochtummelsailingclub.co.uk/ltsc24.html

Bill here is a link to the website

Thanks Garry.  As the site shows, the 'week' is actually Sunday to Friday inclusive in the last week of July.  The suggestion still stands, although there is no reason why it should apply only to Scottish Merlins.  Five boats make a fleet so can we do it?  As the site shows, it is very much a week for everyone, and two races a day leaves a lot of time for sight-seeing around one of the most beautiful parts of Scotland.

Hi, I'm the Orkney one! However, there are two others up here. They usually sail in the local regattas. My rocket ship is 'Urban Kipper' sail number 2900. The others are older... I'll find out.

Cheers.

I am a member at wormit boating club where there is a NSMIV based. i used to sail MR 3263 NSMI omega there as well. Great boats and very competitve. MR3263 is still in scotland i think, it was a Lawson cup (tay week) winner twice.
The NSM iv is sail number 3336 i think and i am sure the guys who race her would like some other rockets to race against. Please see wormits web site for photos

There are former Rocketeers here too. Maybe challenge us?

Bill 

Le tme know if you get interest in your Tummel proposal

ive sailied at Tummel and its a lovely veneue with good winds. I for one would be up for it
I sail Merlin 3589 but have ordered a new Winder. Would be a great advert for the class if we could get 10 plus

And I have just been told that there is at least one at St Mary's Loch - anyone know anything about it?

Hi 
I have the NSM4(3376) at Wormit and sailed the Nsm1 Omega with the laser man.I sold NSM1 3263 to a bloke from Glasgow. I think to be sailed at St Marys. I sail at Findhorn week most years, great location/event for the family but open to sugestions and keen to race other merlins. We should try to organise an event somewhere. I know my home club (Wormit) would be delighted to organise an event for us.

To me it needs to be like Tummel week as a weekend is
too short for that amount of travelling. Tay week is good but its in the evening

As i said i would really be keen and we could really promote the  Merlins . i know there used to be a good fleet at the Holy Loch but think it died away

I e mailed Mike but it was undelivered. Does anyone know him? If not e mail your interest or wherabouts to me cos I would like to sail against another merlin. I know a number of clubs who would be delighted to see merlins. There is a choice of 1 day,2day or 5 day events to choose from if you want to race.

I have exchanged e-mails with Mike, and he was going to follow up after the Nats.  I'll try and contact him again.

I have exchanged e-mails with Mike.  He is going to get in touch with us all so that we can start sorting something out properly.

Here's some pictures and information from the northern 'Urban Kipper' 

Cheers,
Davy.

The noblest sight any body especially a Merlin Rocket sailor in Scotland will ever see is the M6 heading south!

Glad you think so...

Maybe its a tad ambitious but maybe we could make it the Scottish Merlin Championship

Remember - when anyone emigrates from Scotland to Englend it is said that the average IQ of both nations rises!!

Hadrian had the right idea!

Oh dear so much for the famous merlin community. What are you southerners afraid of? Glorious venues both inland and coastal and not a gravel pit in sight you should come and sample the waters, just not in the whisky.hadrian was a xenophobe!

Hadrian had the right idea!

Have to agree with the laser man's comments.  The scenery is spectacular - I sailed at Tighnabruiach this year and it was breathtaking and it looks as if Loch Tummel would be similar.  Come on everyone - welcome to Scotland - I towed my old wreck from Somerset to Aberdeen before restoring it and we don't even have a comprehensive motorway system!! I can do Warwick to Aberdeen in 6.5h without getting penalty points so it's not that far.

i thought he was a roman.

Would you interested in coming to the Tamesis Open Meeting...?  It's a silver Tiller.

I have every intention of entering a couple of Vintage events next year - this is my first year back into sailing after a long break so need a little time!!!  However the event at Tummel IS a week long rather than a weekend.

What about asking Tummel to do a 4 day event - say Saturday to Tuesday

As i said we would need at leat 10 boats to be serious

Why dont you try to set up a traveller series first instead of going for a scottish champs. It seems to me that some people cant take a week off to do tummel and that others think that traveling distance for a weekend just wont be worth it. Look as the venues that other classes get to (prestwick to nairn). surley it would be better to pick a large well run regatta weekend and test the waters for peoples commitment then when you all get together you could decide where to go next. To be honest if there is a class worth building up its the scottish rockets.

The answer might be to treat the whole of Tummel week as a Merlin 'Raid' with two days chosen to represent a 'Travellers' as appropriate.  We would need to cater for those who have got to travel long distances, Orkney and Southampton for example.  

HOWEVER

Two problems, kids.  First, as I read and understand class rules, you gotta be a member to race.  Several of the identified Scottish based Merlins are not MROA members.

Second, discretionary handicaps based on age of boat are not valid for class racing.

If I have got this right , then my take is that we are not going to tempt enough old boats or Scottish owners unless we can offer something different.  So we need some lateral thinking here.  For example, NTOA Vintage Wing race several of their days on the Derwent handicap basis judged and adjusted on results.

Option One.  Ask Tummel not to run an MR class, irrespective of numbers that turn up, but to be willing to run a fast handicap instead based on the published discretionary handicap figures.  We would get some other boats joining us but at least we would all race together.  Technically, neither membership nor handicap need be a serious issue.

Option Two.  Ask Tummel to run an MR handicap race based on the Derwent system (first race off scratch, subsequent adjusted for actual time/result).  We would still need to seek permission from the Class to waive the membership clause .

Option Three.  Run a Merlin class based on the discretionary handicaps.  We would need Class permission for exemption from both conditions.

Comments?

or, how about persuading those not yet members to join?  Only £25 p.a. and lots of publications to read over the less clement seasons and goodies, as well as the whole racing thing... 

Application forms on the web or from me 

(advert over)

Ye-e-e-s.  Just remind me, if someone sails a vintage MR in Orkney, what class racing are you suggesting they can access for their �25?  Remembering that the sailing club membership is probably a very similar amount (yes I know it's cheap), and the ferry and petrol will put one on the wrong side of �200 before one reaches the border.

Don't get me wrong, I totally agree that the MROA is the right way to go; that's why I've joined. All I am suggesting is that we may need to be a bit more constructive if we are going to rebuild a worthwhile Scottish fleet.  What about a one-off regatta membership fee of �10 with no access to magazines etc?  More than one regatta and you pay full whack?

I am very new to this and you will know the finances far better than I.  However, for the Class's sake in Scotland I would have thought that 20 members paying �10 is better than 5 members paying �25.

you only need to be a member of the MROA to race if the event is organised or recognised by the MROA. I am a member and agree that it is important to encourge people to join but lets see how many turn up and where they are from.Ask the people who turn up at the event how/where they would like events run. Any number of boats can turn up to many open regattas and a separate class is made at the race committees discretion. Handicaps---hmmm   I see a huge spread of age and design of boat and the youngest Scottish boat appears to be mine at a just out of nappies age of 18. Each boat should have a handicap to go with its age. Tummel week--I think that a week is too much to start with. I would prefer to see a one or two day event at a central location to where people are coming from.

I just cant see people going for a weekend thats why i suggested a 4 day event at Tummell . Agree a week is over the top. 
Tummel is a truly beautiful spot and great sailing

If for instance we had a first race on Saturday mid afternoon. Then went through finishing 1 race on the Tuesday with 2 on the Sunday and Monday would that not be a help
Dont think we should get too complicated with the handicaps.I suggest for non carbon masted boats that they start 2/3 minutes in front. we operate this in our wembley pursuit races and it workds well although the carbon masted boats still tend to win through more because of the sailing standard
could this be a silver tiller ?

Just to widen the issue a bit; 2006 is the 60th Anniversary of the class, and my history book tells me there was a challenge at about this time between the Scottish contingent and the Southern Softies.  This entailed a convoy of Softies (including Beecher Moore and Joan Braithwaite, the earliest recorded Lady Helm in the class) setting off from the South coast and towing their Merlins to Scotland to race for the Clyde Quaich, now a Nationals trophy, on the Clyde.  Not forgetting this is 1946 we are talking, pre-motorways, almost pre- internal combustion! this must have been an epic undertaking by any standard.

I can't help feeling this would be a splendid event to resuscitate....

Any thoughts?

GGGGGGGGGG

To be held in Shetland!!! (Don't forget to apply for the correct visa!!)

There is another old merlin in Dalbeattie(Proctor I think) I will try to contact the owner I am not sure if its in racing condition and I know that he races a flying fifteen at Kippford.

Merlin Rocket 2563 is now based in Scotland. She is a Wyche and Coppock Ghost Rider IV.

Who has 2563 in Scotland. Do you have contact details.
Thanks 
Calum

Dates for the Wormit boating club regatta now finalised as 4 / 5 june 2005. Entry fee is £20 for a double hander. So Far I think we have six rockets confirmed for the event and given the age differential we prepose to use the fleet handicap allowances to ensure everybody has a fair chance of winning something. If anyone feels like turning up from any other areas/ clubs and requires accomodation please contact myself or Calum and we will sort you out. If yourequire any more info please get in touch.

Just to re-enforce the message Wormit boating Clubs regatta will be held on the weekend 4/5 June 2005. should anyone care to enter please get in contact with me or Calum B. As previously stated we may be able to help with accomodation, but we need some warning so we can go and buy some tents!!!!. the beer is on order and we are currently fattening up the cattle......

To be a little pedantic, Callum, and being sympathectic the to issue in Scotalnd, you did state that you only have to be a member to compete in MROA events, which isn't strictly true.
The Merlin Rocket rules state
"No boat is entitled to race in the class unless
the Owner is a current member of the National Merlin-Rocket Owners’
Association."
so at a club like mine, where the club rules state that a boat must have either a valid certificate or comply with class rules, then even racing at a non MROA event, any owners not a member are breaking a club rule and are not entitled to score points in the race.

Mmmm - food for thought.  I live in Aberdeen and although I am a member of the MROA I was wondering how I get my rather old Merlin built in 1964 a certificate of compliance.  If anyone would like to pop up for the afternoon to do this and issue a certificate ......  or am I OK?

Perhaps you could apply to become a measurer!

Apply to RYA who should be able to issue you with a new certificate.

I like Garry R live and sail in Scotland I don't have the certificate for my boat and am not as yet a member of the MROA where does this leave me as I plan to do some opens in the spring/summer?

sorry RichardT I never refreshed my sreen before writing my last comments. What info does the RYA need to issue a new cetificate?

Call them, they are really helpful.
If it has previously been measured and a certificate issued, all they will need is the sail number, your name and address and a cheque I think it is £20 for non RYA personal members and £15 for RYA personal members (but they will tell you).

If it has never been measured then you will need to find get a class measurer to your boat or visa versa.

Technical, Registration, EU Recreational Craft Directive, MCA Coding, PYS, Sail Numbers and Measurement Help  
tel: 0845 345 0383 (charged at local rate) 

Or: 023 8060 4202 (Charged at National or local rate)

Garry/Scoot - you boat will have been measured in the past, and even if you've lost the old certificate, send £20 to the RYA and you can have a new one. You don't need to be a RYA member.

Interesting to note that you don't need to be a member to participate in Vintage Wing events....yet that breaks our own class rules!!
Where's the chairman?

Many thanks Mags and keep up the good work with the web site

the point made about boats requiring certificates and the owner being a member of the MROA is correct however any club can run a class race but it may not be recognised by the MROA and our main aim is to make it easy for people to sail at this event and see if we can rebuild support for class racing in Scotland. We can sort out the rest if there is support. Rome wasn`t built in a day an all that sort of stuff.

As far as club rules go, the race commitee can change these through the sailing instructions for the event as it is not confined to club members. As I am sailing sec at wormit with Hamish(laser 72***whatever) assisting and the full support of the club commitee I feel confident we can overcome any problems. Lets get some merlins together.

I'm quite sure no-one on the committee is opposed to the excellent notion of building up the Merlin fleet in Scotland! Go for it.

..Sorry Mags, wasn't paying attention...

Rules clearly state that to race you must be an member of the association and have a valid certificate for the boat.  Not quite sure what Berry was referring to in his article, but, surely, every Merlin owner wants to be a member of the Association anyway, so what is the problem!

GGGGGGGG

i have read with interest the comments above in regards of the class rules ect. I think people are missing the point of what Calum and myslef are trying to achieve, namely a get together of scottish rockets with a view to generating more interest in the class north of the border. I agree that the class rules are important for the classes future well being but making pedantic comments is not realy helping. the notion of the event at wormit is to raise awareness and test the water for a potential travellers series. Obviously given that most if not all of the rockets are 20+ years old it seems a bit rich to chase people for measurment certs ect. Please dont run before we can walk. Adding comment of this type may scare people off attending the event and that is not helping our situation. We have already stated that this is not an official Rocket event and we would be using the class handicap age allowance's to give everyone a fair crack of the whip. We are fortunate that Maggs has got behind us and show some great support for what we are trying to achieve. I just hope the rest of MROA feel the same. See you in June.

Oh dear - of course the MROA are behind you....its just that this forum is entirely populated by pedants...well, it can seem like that some days. Don't worry about the odd comments!

I hear there used to be a highly contested 'North v South' championship or trophy of some sort in years gone by - English MRs against Scottish ones? Can anyone clarity? Would be a great one to revive once Calum and co get things going. One for the vintage wing perhaps.

As a Merlin sailor in Scotland for over 5 years, I have never sailed with or against or even seen another Merlin in the flesh.
I sail merlins because they truly are as fantastic to sail as they are to look at,
I sail my smokers very heavy in the winter 31-32stone and single hand all summer series @ 18stone (3 sails) to have fun and enjoy my sport.
Scottish merlins as far as I can see are not the super expensive anorexic carbon wonders but 20-30 year old plodders just like mine. So it is with great enthusiasm that I applaud Wormmit for attempting to bring together the Scottish fleet and any other travellers from the South, grudge match it most definitely is not, but fun and a fantastic venue will guarantee awareness and new interest in our class in Scotland and may poach some more merlins north of the border and you never know in a year or two I might have a carbon wonder and have lost 6stone (or is that just being daft) and be sailing in a thistle clad rocket series.

Being one of the pedants, I just want to say that of course I think it is great that you are trying to build up the Scottish fleet.

Whilst I agree that chasing a few people who are just having fun sailing in 20 year old boats may be off putting and isn't the way to promote the involvement.

On the other hand, if every one took that attitude there would be no class association either.

Thanks Alan and I do understand and support the MROA and thank them very much for this fantastic web-site in my view the best class on the web but that is my total involvement with the MROA I will also acknowledge that my smokers in 1977 was the then cutting edge in designs and people through the years have invested a great deal of money in the development of Merlins and continue to do so.
p.s. I Have printed of and sent my application as the web debates are worth the cash on there own right.

I have no truck with the views of other people in regards of the class rules ect. i just think that making everything too formal at this early stage may be a hinderence rather than a help. When ( NOT IF ) we get the class moving forward in Scotland then i would advocate a move to mebership of MROA for all. As has been mentioned this is what keeps the class so strong.
Dont baffel people who love these boats with red tape is the view i take.

Still sailing in Orkney No 1203

Hi Harky  Do you fancy a trip south to Dundee to join the fun in June. Do you know of any other Merlins in Orkney. Please e mail me and let me know.

Does anybody have contact details for the rocketeers at Glasgow Uni. We are aware that there may be crew/helm positions needing filled for boats that are coming to the Wormit regatta and we would like to put togther a list of people who may be interested. We have also been informed that there is another rocket at Forfar ( wish sombody would buy me one for my birthday) who has expressed an interest in the event.

Try talking to the Glasgow sailors through the Glasgow University Sailing Club Website. http://www.gla.ac.uk/~clubs/Sailing/

use the guest book to make a comment

Team Captain is Tobi Watson

Rocket Dad - thanks for the info. I will post a message on the web site and await results.

Hi, I am now the proud owner of 2687 recently purchased and collected from Lybster. I am located close to Biggar in South Lanarkshire
This is my first venture with the Merlin's, but it could be a while before I get her on the water. She needs a lot of care and attention. Any advice on getting parts specifically wooden parts to replace the rotten area's would be greatly appreciated.

I wondered if someone had purchased that one. Ask Garry (e mail address on this thread) for advice as he has done renovations recently. If you have joined the mroa (money well spent) then you can read an article on his last rebuild in the latest mag. As you will have read Hamish(laser) and I are organising a meeting at Wormit 4/5 June and you could see Garrys boat and others there and perhaps sail in another boat if yours is not ready. Feel free to e mail myself or Hamish for any help or advice. Hamish has now sold his laser and he and I are making a trip south to source him a boat April 16/17. Anyone know of any other boats up to the £1000 mark other than the ones on the list?

Calum,

If you are quick there is a satisfaction on E Bay

Just to let you know - i have just purchased MR3321. that means Wormit officailly has the highest number of racing Merlins in Scotland ( a mighty 2!!!).Come and beat us on our own water if you dare!!!. In case anybody has forgotten the perfect oppertunity will be the 4th and 5th of June for our open regatta. Calum and myself would love to see you all there.

Just finished doing up 1156 for a fellow sailor in Westray,olso still going in isle nos 974 / 1320 / 3071.

wormit weekend is almost upon us and I still dont have acomidation never mind a crew,
I here there is new compition in the form of a Laser turncoat.
Calum do you have confirmed numbers yet and what handicap are you proposing (is there a single hander allowance????)
I am looking for a campsite or travel-lodge if the weather is crap , any ideas??

you can crash in your car at club with club facilities or in the club after everyone has stopped drinking or we will find you some where, there are lots of options. handicap allowance for age (boats age). 6 confirmed working on more. laser turncoat mmmm he only sailed a plastic soap dish under duress and he has carried on his laser habit of tossing it upside down in a force 6 but this time he had a kite to untie once he worked out which way up it goes. I watched with straight face through the spray or was that fear as an even bigger squall hit us.

Only three weeks to the first gathering of merlins in Scotland for years. make the effort, it`ll be great. we req boats, helms, crews and people up for a laugh. Wormit Boating Club, south side of river tay opposite Dundee on the 4th&5th June at woodhaven pier. Briefing 11.00am, 1st start 12.00 hot cold food all the time, bar , BBQ, great sailing water bla bla bla

one tiny little capsize in a force 6 - not a bad start i would say. I have a spare bed / settee should anyone be interested - cheap rates too!!.Don't know about the rest of you but i am really looking forward to this event, it should be shome specticle. Oh yeah Calum forgot to mention that we have managed to get a video camera so we can film some of the goings on or off. Perhaps a prize for most embarrising moment is required. All thats left to do know is sort out the beers!!!

I will donate a bottle of wine for the prize for most embarrising moment - I stand a good chance of winning it back!

a bottle of wine for the most embarrising moment - pass me that spanner so i can undo the crews toestraps !!!. Calum and myself are proposing to have a small meeting with all Merlins at Wormit to discuss a few issues that we think are important going forward. If any one has any thoughts please speak at this meeting so we can work a few things through. We plan to do it after the second race on the saturday and we will get the drinks in ..... see you all in just two days.

I think a meeting of the scottish merlins is a great idea and I would encourage any  merlin owners in scotland that are unable to attend at wormit this week end to forward thier e-mail and contact details and become part of the information loop. I know of merlins for the 60's to the 90's dotted around the country some in racing condition some not.
So get in touch and lets build up a picture of where the scottish merlins are, I for one would travel to sail with other merlins if only I knew where they were.

I'll be at Wormit, but we need to share ideas widely.

Last year when I put forward Tummel as an option, someone sugested a Scottish travellers' series.  This might make good sense.  We might go for three events initially, e.g. one river, one estuary, one loch.  I know my own club, Chanonry, already does RS200 and Laser travellers' events and would welcome us, Tummel have said that they would be delighted to see us, etc.

Keep the ideas coming.

Good ideas Bill, look forward to seeing you on sat, we need establish a contacts group and get all these ideas out in to the scottish merlin comunity.

Calum Im sorry but its just too far for me this weekend to go to Wormit

Just got a new dog Megan and she is high maintenance ( but not as high as the other half)


However the idea of a Scottish travellyer is great and i thin kTummel is aprticularly good as iits such a beautiful spot and normally you get pretty decent winds . I still feel it should be tied up to Tummel week so its say 3/4 days as its a long way for just 2 days

Col, thanks for keeping in touch. we do appreciate that its a long drive and will mention your thoughts at the meeting tomorrow after race two. We will hopefully be able to develop the momentum thats built up over the last few months  and who knows we might even set up a traveller series. We will send a review of the event to the web site so you can see what you missed!!.

hope your event goes well

I really do miss the Mc Ewans special rather than the water they serve down here

If any of you guys want some floor space at salcombe give me a bell , its a great week

we can talk about scotlands imminent rise as a football and rugby nation

Hamish or Calum what is the address of the wormit club I dont trust my brain only auto route

you never know Col if I get my passport stamped and manage the combi over hadrians wall I might bring the old girl back later this year.

4 Eastgait Rise, Tayport, Fife DD6 9HA

Mags you just gave my crews home address the address of Wormit is Woodhaven pier, woodhaven, Wormit. Although I`m sure he wouldn`t mind merlins turning up outside his door there ain`t much water.

Thanks Wormit B.C. for a great weekend of sailing - AND hospitality.  There was some really close racing in tricky conditions but no doubt Calum and Hamish will be sending a report and pictures of the event so you can see what you missed.  Looking to increase the numbers next year of course.

Doh...thought I had got that from the sailing club homepage...? Obviously not..

Thanks to everyone who came and supported the event. great fun. Full report and pictures to follow asap. Looks like the next event will be at Forfar in September. We will keep you posted.

Whzt a great weekend - real experince to sail with a good helm and against othe rockets - learnt lots (not least to check the water depth before leaping over the side!) Thanks agan to Calum & Hamish - here to a great start to  the Scottish Rocketeers!  Seee you all at Forfar (where the water is shallower!)

just in case anybody thought we had gone off the boil, the race report and some other stuff will be posted to the web site shortly. I would like to thank all the people who have helped make the first (recent Rocket event in Scotland a sucess and hope to see you all on the water again before the season runs out. Lets just hope the next event has a few MPH more wind !!!.

I've got a report, and some photos! Lets hope this new fleet will go from strength to strength...

I would like to say a big thankyou to Calum, Hamish and all of the Wormit Boating Club for hosting the first Scottish Merlin event in many years. 
The Sailing area is fantastic with tricky tides and flukey winds to keep you on your toes, the race officers and saftey cover did a fantastic job as did the galley staff who kept us all fed and watered over the 2 days.
The whole weekend was excelent with copius amounts of beer and the swaping of merlin tips & tales in to the early hours. 
hope to see you all on the water soon 

p.s Toby, drop me a e-mail if you fancy doing Kippford week 7th-12th August transport, room and board provided.

Traditional boat festival (for old boats built in the year dot and before) is being held in Portsoy (beautiful old harbour) on the Moray coast next weekend (25th/26th June.  If anyone happened to be in the area and fancied a sail on either or both days in Merlin 1728 give me a shout!!  Long shot I know but it should be fun - there are 2 races.  Entry free and there is a free buffet for crews.  If you want a look there is a website

See http://www.thebpl.co.uk/stbf2005/

just wanted to post a message take the century slot.....hurahhh done it

Merlin 1728 won the dinghy handicap races on Saturday and Sunday at the Portsoy Traditional Boat festival in very light winds. What was anmazing was the number of people who looked at the boat and admitted to having had one in their distant past - even this far north.   Must go and attend to my sunburn as we had wall to wall sunshine all weekend and probably 13000 people attended!!!

Not wanting to blow ones own trumpet, but MERLIN WINS RTYC FAST HANDICAP REGATTA. Nice one! Faster than a Fireball upwind and kicked an RS200 in to touch. Tay Yacht clubs Tay week event continues this week. Calum has pulled his boat down as well so the team trophy could be ours......