Hi All,
 
Just recently bought 3467 'Twice Shy' and sailing at Bough Beech SC with my wife after a few years of Contender sailing and we're loving the boat.
 
We have no other Merlins at BB to compare ourselves with so we are trying ourselves out against the handicap fleet here with varying success.
 
I'll freely admit to still being on the yellow 'Janet and John Book of Merlin Sailing' , but I've been a bit surprised at how slow this boat is in the light stuff (when we are sitting on opposite sides of the boat). Performance has been almost Contender-like, which I'm sure you know is pretty poor in light weather. It does come alive big time once there is enough wind to get us both on the side - which is encouraging.
 
Is this what one would expect for a CT on restricted water? We weigh in at about 22 Stone together.
 
Looking at her history in my new year book, I know I can't blame the boat(!!!)  . 
 
Can any of you guys who sail Merlins in handicap fleets help me gauge what might be the expected performance of a CT against a mixed H/cap fleet in the different wind strengths. I had rather expected the Merlin to be a bit more consistent across the range than the 'tender.
 
Looking ahead - planning to do a couple of opens next year (taking on the crucial role of propping up the back of the fleet) and the training event if there is one.
 
Thanks in advance for any pointers
 
Brian Whitmey
3467 
 
 

Hi Brian, You may be heeling the boat too much. A wide Merlin will have a a lot of wetted surface if you heel lots unlike the older narrow Merlins and one designs such as the Firefly or Enterprise. The other thing is you need to sit well forward to get the transom well out which means the helm right up by the foredeck in the light and drifty stuff. Crew forward of the thwart but head out of the slot.
Dave 3165 

Brian. Merlins should do well on handicap in any conditions, and should not be "Contender like" when it's light, so something is obviously not be quite right. We have a mixed age fleet at Whitstable so if you fancy a run on the sea do come and join us for a day or two (no charge!)  We can give you a hand on setting your boat up and anything else that mighty be helpful. Give me a call 0797314903714

Sorry - finger trouble.  Should be 07973 149037

Thanks John and Dave,
 
At least I know now what I should be achieving!! So .. we have a bit of work to do.
 
I get the point about wetted area. I reckon we were pretty upright most of the time (ex N12 sailor!), but we as far forward as you have indicated and I did notice there was a tendency to drag the bum, so something to look at there. An investment in a longer tiller extension will help, I think.
 
John, we will definitely take you up on the invite to Whitstable. I'd really like to get a head start on some standard settings. Not sure when yet - but I'll drop you a line. I'm sure this will be really helpful.
 
Thanks again guys!
 
Brian 

Im not the greatest in the light stuff but do find


Freeing jib of a tad and just keeping the boat moving by sailing slightly freer helps

Mast should pretty well be vertical 

Oh also the top batten must not have any hook in it.  I e too much kicker