Small craft
Merlin Rocket sailing dinghy
(REF: 18339)£SOLD
Full specification
Wooden ships comments on this Merlin Rocket sailing dinghy. Devon £3250
The Merlin sailing dinghy was first developed by Jack Holt in 1946, later merging with the Rocket to become the modern Merlin Rocket with a over 3000 boats built and a keen race following.
The design concept limited only length and beam thus allowing a very flexible development of the class resulting in the latest design with extreme beam – trapezes not allowed – so different from the first boats.
This is Sail No 8 so a very early example.
Length 14’
Weight 98kg
Clinker planked mahogany with 9 planks per side, copper nails and roves to delicate steamed oak timbers and built like a piece of furniture.
Ply fore deck with spray breaker, mast stepped on the deck behind the spray breaker.
Roll round ply side decks.
Wide aft deck.
Ply centre-board in a mahogany box.
Re-rigged recently with Collars spruce mast and boom, new sails at the same time.
Stainless steel sheet horse.
Stainless steel rigging.
Boom-up cover.
The following link is a superb piece of archive footage from 1946 showing this very boat, Merlin No. 8, sailing in Christchurch.
http://www.britishpathe.com/video/two-men-in-a-boat/query/two+men+in+a+boat
A superb example of the boat builder’s art as well as being a very good early example of the class. These are performance boats, exciting to sail, easy to tow, quick to rig.
Surely not just a sailing dinghy, this is sailing heritage.
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Disclaimer:
These particulars have been prepared in good faith from information provided by the Vendors and are intended as a guide, Wooden Ships cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. The Purchaser should instruct his agent or surveyor to validate all details as necessary and satisfy himself with the condition of the vessel and its equipment.
