Hello, I'm new to dinghy sailing and have just decided on a gentle introduction by way of MR3019 (I'm sure it will work out ok in the end). I have picked a local dinghy club that I hope to join in the next couple of weeks but I have not found a club near Warrington/Wigan area that has MR's.

I would be grateful if anyone could suggest where I might find MR sailers round the North West. I would also be grateful if anyone knows anything about MR3019 as I have not found reference to her or the September Mod design. The builder is listed as JF Yeates.

Thanks, John

Have a look at the list of clubs found from the link on the home page.  I would have thought that either Hollingsworth lakes or Bolton would be able to help you as both have fleets.

Thank you for the quick response. I was hoping to keep my carbon footprint down. Bolton is about an hour from me but would be the closest. Do you know the club at all? Merlin Rockets don't feature on the web site?

Thanks, John

You need to have a word with the northern region rep, Pippa taylor  - her contact details can be found on the committee page of this website BUT don't bother trying this week as she is crewing for Dave winder at the merlin championships in Tenby. She will know who to contact at bolton - checking the open meeting reports they had two club Merlin's entered in their open meeting in July 2012.

You need to join the MROA - details on this site.  As well as a superb magazine, you get the yearbook which lists all Merlin's with details of the design, the builder and the owner (if a MROA member).

From the yearbook, 3019 is a Phantom Kipper design built in 1976 either by the original owner or a builder who only built one boat and is named as Peppermint Patty.

Leigh and Lowton used to have a strong Merlin fleet and I'm sure some ex-Merlin sailors there would make you welcome but I guess you'd have to sail in the handicap fleet.

Thanks for all the help. Lowton is 10 minutes from me. I will call in and see if they have anyone who wants to talk Merlins.

I would also be grateful for some help on what I need to spend money on. The MROA payment is on its way. I guess the next payment is to the sailing club followed by insurance when I take the boat there. I was not going to join the RYA but was not sure about what I need to do to renew the measurement certificate? I will speak to the RYA technical bods when their back from holiday next week but was wondering if I would need to have the boat re-measured.

and finally. I have seen 1 other reference to 3019 being a Phantom Rocket which is when I think she was sold in 2005. The measurement certificate says September Mod though. She also measures about 6'4" across the hull (not that I know where I'm supposed to be measuring) which sounds more September Girl than Phantom Kipper.

sorry I've thought of something else. How do I get the mast up. Can I stand in her when she's on the trailer?

Thanks again,


John

Best to put the mast up from outside the boat - you do not know if there are any weaknesses in the hull!

Clubs - Leigh and lowton does not have any mroa members at hence and hence probably no Merlin's. Bolton has a number of similar age (eg 3012) to yours as you will see when you get the yearbook.  

As to design, it is quite possible that the entry is simply wrong but suggest that you ask RYA technical to check back on their original record (rather than what they now have on computer).

Despite the extra carbon, I would always prefer to go somewhere that already has Merlin's so that you have local brains to pick.

The new certificate is easy - just a matter of sending £20 to the RYA, giving your name and address and asking for a certificate for Merlin Rocket 3019. Remeasuring isn't required unless you've re-modelled the boat! And you don't need to be an RYA member.

And shop around for insurance as many insurers assume you have expensive carbon spars. Bishop Skinner are Merlin friendly and price for non-carbon if you speak to them.

The Phantom Kipper design was a modification of September Girl-main difference wider topsides.  Usually a Kippers were about 6ft 9inch wide (outside width measurement inc gunwhales) with some variation between builders.

The boat is just over 6' 4" wide over the gunwhales so sounds like a September Girl or a variation on the theme. The measurement certificate was easy. If you register on the web site you can register the certificate under the options in my account. It's then available as a pdf. They did charge £25 for the pleasure but an efficient system.

If you are prepared to travel a bit further along the M62, then there is Hollingworth Lake Sailing Club with an active Merlin Fleet. We are near Rochdale, which wouldn't be too far for you.