MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : Merlin Clubs in South Essex

I have just become the new owner of an old merlin that needs a little work before I can put her on the water.

I can cope with the repairs to the hull (I think!!) however there is a lot more rope than I ever remember and I am not sure where it is all supposed to go.

I see from the web site that there is a merlin club listed near to Leigh on Sea (Thorpe Bay) but I have never seen a merlin sailing there.

As I will need to re-learn how to sail a merlin and also train my crew (who is 6), I am a little nervous of sailing in the Thames Estuary until my son is a little older and I'm a little more experienced.

Does anybody know of any other clubs near to Southend/Leigh where I can see other merlins and offers slightly more sheltered sailing?

Many thanks for any help


Posted: 02/11/2004 13:41:00
By: Steve Hill
Catch up with Alan Jackson on 01268 710111 - he knows Evrything about Essex!

Good luck, and enjoy your boat.

GGGGGGGGG


Posted: 02/11/2004 14:33:08
By: Chairman GGGGG
theres good mud in essex


Posted: 02/11/2004 16:12:00
By: shed bloke
GGGGGGGG. Many thanks for the information. I have had very useful replies from both Harlow & Blackwater and Thorpe Bay

Steve


Posted: 04/11/2004 13:41:40
By: Steve Hill
why not train up and join wembley club for the winter @£50.00 memebership its a abrgain and easy sailing


Posted: 04/11/2004 15:47:19
By: toshface
Because toshface we have Lorna and Lora and we cost less than £50 
PS we also have Ron, Chris, Malcolm, maybe Paul if he gets his leg's on


Posted: 04/11/2004 17:41:34
By: shed bloke
The wembley winter membership is £50.00 for helm crew and boat. I think thats excellent value you mean old goat


Posted: 05/11/2004 12:46:31
By: toshface
I sail in slow handicap at Brightlingsea in MR578. We also have 3444 but owner has had a gammy leg this year so not seen.  With you we could have half a class start!  We sail on mix of open water and tidal river.  Nice mix.  Give us a look next season


Posted: 05/11/2004 20:59:38
By: jonathanR
Try to visit the local cubs when they are racing. Merlins seem to be making bit of a comeback in Essex so you will not be alone if you join the right club. Visit the Harlow Blackwater Sailing Club website and you will see what a good Merlin venue it is. 
Ron
ps You might need a couple of bottles of red to decipher the race reports.


Posted: 05/11/2004 21:52:30
By: floppy toppy
Steve, Harlow Blackwater is worth a visit if you are looking for more sheltered waters, accessible to the Southend area.   The club is in Lawling Creek, an ofshoot of the main Blackwater; while we suffer from lack of water beyond a useful period around high tide, the creek can be used for more sheltered sailing, while longer races and often those for the fast handicap fleet usually go to the main river.   While we have handicap racing, the Merlin and Fireball fleets are growing again and easily hold their own agianst asymetrics on our courses.

We have some cadet training, and its growing agian which may suit your 6 year old. My own boys of 12 and 14 have learnt at the club and are crewing in our Merlin and enjoying it too I think.

The Jacko advice, training, enthusiasm and general arm twisting is building the Merlin fleet and general handicap racing activity.

Please do come and look at the club, you will be very welcome.


Posted: 08/11/2004 23:17:06
By: chris
"Suffer" from lack of water! it just gives us a decent time for a slurp after racing. We will be racing this Sunday from midday although the sailing might be a bit ropey as it is our laying up supper Saturday so hangovers and bleary eyes might be the order of the day!


Posted: 09/11/2004 15:28:00
By: floppy toppy
Many thanks for all the info.

I'll be trying to get to see of you soon.

Steve


Posted: 09/11/2004 19:49:03
By: Steve Hill
That should have been some


Posted: 09/11/2004 21:48:30
By: Steve Hill
Steve,
I hope that you enjoyed your visit on Sunday and are tempted to join us. The sailing was a bit ropey due to a few hangovers! I,m sorry that I did not get to speak to you but you can e.mail me if you need any questions answered.


Posted: 15/11/2004 10:19:49
By: floppy toppy

REPLY

To Reply, please join/renew membership.

Owners Association


Developed & Supported by YorkSoft Ltd

Contact

Merlin Rocket Owners Association
Secretary