Just trying to get some history and date my Merlin.
It has a plate that reads :
Sugar Plum 
Anderson Ridgen & Perkins
Whitstable 2730.

It has Proctor spars and a spinnaker shute which seems advanced for the hull number

Not sure how to add pictures?

 Merlin 2028 is indeed a Mike Jackson designed Sugar Plum.  Built 1967 by Anderson Rigden & Perkins of Whitstable.  The boat was named "Lazy Bones" by her first owner J. Griffiths of Whitstable SC.  The boat has had a number of name changes with the last recorded name "Mudpuddle".  Many boats had a spinnaker shute fitted retrospectively. 
 
 

 Thanks Mike, appreciate the feedback. The boat is in Canada, just east of Toronto. Not sure when it was exported? No idea of the boats previous history.
We were sort of gifted the boat a few years back.  It was in pretty good condition for its age, initially just refinished the deck and sorted the lines.   However, the first time we sailed it in a good blow a couple of planks opened up and the tiller self destructed.  It was pretty exciting getting it back to shore.
 
Over the following winter we did a full refurbishment and as we are using it for recreational sailing, most of the controls and fittings have been left as original.
 
I could use some help with a couple of things:
 
If there are some good pictures or diagrams of the jib car/fairlead setup typical of this era.  It appears that things have been modified a fair bit early on and not particularly well.
 
Also wondering about the best way to source replacement sails for a Merlin of this period.  I gather the rig has evolved a fair bit so buying some season old racing sails would probably not work? 
 
I would be happy to post pictures of the boat if that helps. We are pretty keen sailors and race a fair bit in F18 catamarans but this boat is a real challenge to sail well. Nothing can touch it in a light to moderate breeze but in shifty or gusty conditions, it is a handful to keep upright. Tons of fun. 
 
 
 
Thanks , Tony 
  

So, I guess you are in Canada!  There are pictures of restorations on the MR site which may help. I owned a Sugar Plum (1865) many years ago - fast but a handful off the wind in a blow.  You are right the rig has evolved dramatically since the 60's and a modern suit of sails would probably not set well or even fit the rig.  You can contact me directly (with some pics) on [email protected] 

 Yes Mike, the boat is in Canada. No other Merlins to paly with as far as I know.
Looks like I will have to join the owners association to view pictures on the site? 
I will look into someone local to make a set of sails. The ones on the boat have a measurement stamp from the 70s! 
 
Thanks again, Tony 

Though you may have the only Merlin in Canada, you are not the only Merlin Sailor in Canada, as Liam Dempsey is over there these days.

Not sure where he is located but if he is close to us, he is welcome to come sailing.

Loved my SugarPlum 1890,once I got a decent deep rudder it was great offwind in a blow.
A set of X sails made it even quicker.
Sailed it at Whitstable, Draycote Water and on the Thames at Teddington. 

 Hi Rob,
I would like to hear more about the sails. Did you modify the rig or new sails for the existing rig?
Thanks, Tony

Mine was a standard 21'6"rig
I did add spreaders but otherwise as it came.
Sails were from Mike McNamara in Dacron
If you can get hold of the measurement certificate it will(should) have the necessary luff and foot sizes
Most sailmakers I n the UK will produce sails for older boats cut to the ubiquitous procor D mast