MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : Bloody mary

3 merlins in the top 10 well dun guys.  Mr Gilbert won in a 14. Meatball 2nd. Rs3rd and stuart b 4th

Sure we get results like this cos the boats are sailed well. Handicap seems fair to me


Posted: 09/01/2011 12:36:08
By: Megan
It was a great race, even if I was sailing my OK and watching the Merlins come wizzing by! My Handicap was moved from 1109 to 1080 so I could start with the Lasers which was interesting. Not to mention the 15 litres of water i found in my front taks after dragging it up the bank!!

Back in the Merlin soon!!


Posted: 10/01/2011 09:46:50
By: Jez3645
How many Merlin sailers ae also sailing OK dinghies? We are 2.


Posted: 10/01/2011 14:54:35
By: Rod & Jo sceptical
apparently Any Harris is about to!


Posted: 10/01/2011 15:20:48
By: rower.
It is a great boat to sail especially on the river (hence the slight mistake of putting a bung in the drain for the front bulkhead as water rarely comes over the foredeck at Cookham!) I can highly reccommend them as a second boat for any Merlin Sailor. The class is just as friendly and helpfull and the boats are a good classic design. Sadly I found the Phantom class very much the opposite when I breifly tried that class which led me to swop back pretty quickly to the OK.

Still prefer the Merlin though!!


Posted: 10/01/2011 16:27:53
By: Jez3645
Don't tell me that now I just bought a Phantom!


Posted: 11/01/2011 22:44:12
By: alanf
When I used to sail at Minima Y.C. many years ago my favourite single handers were Solos and if Tamesis had an active fleet I'd certainly buy one. A couple of members do have Solos but they don't often sail them at Tammy.


Posted: 12/01/2011 08:21:41
By: Robert Harris
When I used to sail at Minima Y.C. many years ago my favourite single handers were Solos and if Tamesis had an active fleet I'd certainly buy one. A couple of members do have Solos but they don't often sail them at Tammy.


Posted: 12/01/2011 08:22:01
By: Robert Harris
We have a growing fleet of Solo's at Cookham but I just can't get on with them. I always find the centreboard case in the way and end up banging my head on the boom and falling over. They are great in a blow though as once you are hiking those are not problems.

Alan, I am sure you will love the Phantom. Nothing wrong with the boat but I had just refurbished an old Phantom and found the class reluctant to offer any help in setting up or give advice on the rig etc. Good boats, but for open spaces only.


Posted: 12/01/2011 09:19:56
By: Jez3645
Went to the Oh-so-slow champs once - loads of sad old blokes who wouldn't speak to anyone under 50! Bill-no-mates-class


Posted: 12/01/2011 13:08:40
By: Dave
Phantoms seem to be the most popular class at my club (Sutton Bingham sailing club, near Yeovil). It's a very friendly club, regardless of class. The guys at the front are competitive on the water as you would expect, but it's all amicable once we are ashore. I was very pleased to beat a phantom on Sunday in my Merlin Rocket - most of them were miles ahead. Hoping for a few more Rockets for our 'freezer' series.


Posted: 12/01/2011 13:50:43
By: Dan
I have sailed Solo's on and off for a few years now at a guess let's say about 40 (memory goes with age). Yes, some people can be remote but there are plenty who will be really helpful. As for age, I accept there was a time when the average age was further into double figures than some classes, but if you look at the class now I think you will find there is a more even age spread. Look at the latest champ results to see the names sailing, and I think you will agree this is supported. The Solo class like many others suffered from the Laser coming in and a lot of the younger sailors deserted the older traditional boats, the OK included. However the growth of the Solo in the last few years has been good to see. Why not try one, I think you will be pleasantly surprised. and if you are worried about your head and chins, you could come prepared with canoeing helmet, and chin pads, But I cannot promise not to take the p-ss, and photos for the gallery.


Posted: 12/01/2011 14:05:58
By: David Gates
At Tammy we are all waiting for Robert to buy a Solo. Then the class will take off.


Posted: 12/01/2011 18:30:54
By: ..
I tried a Solo for a year. Nothing really wrong with the boat or the sailors, it just slow. I have a personal theory - sailing in a slow boat is only enjoyable for the person that wins - sailing in a fast boat is enjoyable whether you win or not. I know the Phantom isn't ultra fast but its is the fastest boat at my club.


Posted: 12/01/2011 23:30:19
By: alanf
Come and sail at Bringhtlingsea!
a) we get a decent number of Merlins out every week
b) we relegate the Phantoms to the Slow Handicap!


Posted: 13/01/2011 10:56:45
By: ChrisJ
Its good to have a Merlin for Saturdays and a Solo for Wednesdays.


Posted: 14/01/2011 17:40:06
By: Steve Watson
Only if November 5th is on a Wednesday


Posted: 14/01/2011 20:48:26
By: badboy

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