It's Merlin 1649, Shamal.  Does anyone know its history, please?

PS I hope that I've got the apostrophes correct

IX by Chippendale 1964, in '75 was owned by B Wall, Whitstable,still the owner in 1994

When new she was called 'Pope's Progress' and her first owner was M.F.Pope at Whitstable YC.
B.G.Wall changed her name to 'Shamal' probably in 1972.

Yes I remember her with very happy memories    She was the first Merlin I raced seriously  It was 1967  I took her to the Poole Championships and had a great time in her.  She was a Chippendale Mark 9  Owned from new by Mike Pope who lent her to me for that season  Mike had been a crew for Stewart Morris in his International 14 Bolero when they had won the POW Cup in 1957 and 1960   Mike and I later worked together for many years as partners in the same accountancy practice in Canterbury   He sadly died last year after a long illness   At the time I sailed her she had a very flat Lucas main - a Ratsey jib and I bought a new Musto Spinnaker for her   She had a Proctor mast - a very heavy early B section - with no speaders  We had a centre mainsheet arrangement   We used to sale with maximum mast rake we could get on her   Yes she had a bit of weather helm but was very effective upwind   As with most Mark 9s swimming was quite a frequent occurence !   It now all seems a very long time ago

The heavy proctor mast is came with he and what appears to be the original centre main blocks and cleats.

Give me call if you want to chat.  07879 482159 mob or 01227 732393.  I live at Chartham Hatch near Canterbury.  Where are you ?    I think it is a brilliant present and should be much appreciated !!! Richard

I Richard I live in Walton on Thames, Shamal is currently at Thames Sailing Club, but will most likely end up at Upper Thames Sailing club.

I'll try and give you a ring tomorrow, as i would appreciate some advice.