Hi
 
I would be grateful if anybody could give me some history/design of Merlin No. 1988 
 
with thanks
 
Marek 

The Merlin Rocket yearbook says that this is an Adur 8 design built approx 1967.  If you do a quick search for Adur 8 on this forum you will find some feedback about how they sail from people who have owned them.  

Merlin1988 "Saracen", as Tim says, is an Adur8 built at the Adur Boatyard, Shoreham but I will go a year earlier - 1966. The first owner was F. Durr a member of Lancing SC.  By 1970 she had a new owner in Canterbury, Kent.

Comments & conventional wisdom about Adur 8  as a dog could well be right, but don’t believe all that you read on this excellent Forum. For e.g., our  #1620 Proctor Mk XV has a persistant reputation as a heavy weather boat only, but seemingly based on a single championship 1962 where Robin Judah  went well in the first two windy days but less so in the calmer stuff that followed; there could be many reason for that,- like going the wrong way or too much partying!  
 
Of such stuff legends are made. I have owned 1620 for close on 50 years; we find it a pure delight to sail in the light stuff, & are often stunningly well placed in our club's handicapped racing,- even with recent PY ratings which are tough on older boats. Conversely, #1620, otherwise very well sorted, can be a bit of a handful when it blows; the fact that combined age of boat & crew is now 194 might have a little to do with that!

Just sail & enjoy!
 
Rod & Jo