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Merlin Rocket The Merlin was designed in 1946 by Jack Holt for the Ranelagh Sailing Club and was the first class to have an owners association. The rocket was designed by Wyche & Coppock Ltd in 1949 and the two classes were merged in 1951. Old Merlin photos Merlin Trophy, Feb 28th 2010
The first Silver Tiller of the season, hosted by Ranelagh SC, was held on a blustery river Thames. The Thames Barrier had been shut, allowing 22 enthusiastic boats – representing 9 clubs – a competitive sail in the comparatively slack tidal stream. After a brief postponement to allow the rowing eights to clear the race track, the officer of the day – Margaret Stokes – got the fleet away first time. Quickest out of the blocks were the Dalby brothers sailing the ‘General Lee’ who led the fleet up river towards Hammersmith Bridge. However, by the first turn at Crabtree, it was Matt Biggs and Ben Hollis in ‘Two Pints of Lager’ who had seized the initiative. These two sailed impeccably, stretching out their lead at the front of the fleet for the remainder of the race to record a comfortable victory. Those further down the order found the racing a little trickier. There was some impressive tactical duelling for the places from 2nd to 5th – with Duncan Salmon and Ian Garwood sailing ‘Salmon en Croute’ eventually taking the runners up spot and Alex Jackson and Chris Downham in ‘Monkey Business’ finishing third. The rest of the fleet were kept on their toes by the gusts rolling down the Middlesex bank. A few were caught out – taking impromptu dips. The five Ranelagh boats enjoyed plenty of jostling for position, with Phil Plumtree and Liam Dempsey sailing ‘Shenandoah’ achieving home honours in eighth place. The meeting was rounded off with beef stew and chocolate brownie and ice cream desert in the club house. A good time was had by all. Prizes were presented by Mike Pullin, winner of this race in 1954 in Merlin 291 Tarka More pictures
Merlin Rocket 2005 River Thames Series Open Meeting Jan 23rd Result & Photos RTYC Merlin Rocket Open Meeting November 14th 13.45 report RTYC MERLINS AT RANELAGH 13/11/04 With low winds forecast only a lucky 12 crews turned out on Sunday. Old heads at Ranelagh said the wind would arrive with the tide and so it proved for the duration of the race held in beautiful sunshine, the wind falling as the last boats finished. The 2004 Graham Donald Thames River Series results were still in the balance but without the results of the previous race it wasn’t clear what that balance was! The single race on the traditional sausage course got under way with a beat down tide to the weather mark at Crabtree. Then competitors sorted themselves, some hugging the bank and some braving the tide for stronger wind further out. Those that chose the middle ground lost out but the leaders favoured the stronger wind. Headcase took an early lead from Scantily Clad. Last years winner in Poached Salmon was 3rd for most of the race, taking second place on the last lap with The Holy Grail 4th, ably crewed by Morgan, a fine crew in the light winds. These 4 pulled away from the chasing pack and the Ranelagh vessels who were having a rare old battle to be first old boat, won by The Stolpers in Scoobee Doo. Prizes were presented by Jack Edwards, Rear Commodore of Royal Thames Yacht Club. 1st 3650, Headcase,
Lawrence Tosh & Chloe, Wembley SC
Ranelagh Vintage Merlin Open 5/6/03 A benevolent North wind greeted the 13 Merlins that turned out for the second Vintage Merlin meeting of 2004 on June 5th at Ranelagh, 6 visitors & 7 home boats, the youngest being a sprightly 30 years old, not a cotton sail amongst them. Two races were run, the first a warm up of 4 short laps in front of the Club House saw much place changing as people sorted themselves out but a comfortable win in the end for Berry Ritchie and Bambusa ahead of Thomas & Sonia Stolper in Scoobee Doo After a break for sustenance the longer second race was run, two laps of the traditional sausage course at Putney. A mass start saw the Edwards in Merlin’s Moon first to the weather mark followed by Joker and Bambusa the latter two having swapped places by the end of the first lap after a long run with spinnakers gave everyone a chance to compare sizes and length of pole. Those without spinnakers at all, were at a severe disadvantage on the long run against the tide. Final places were determined by age handicaps, the only losers being the Stolpers who lost 3rd place by 35 seconds to Will Mackinnon in Joker. M Stevens in Avenger gained 3 places on the final lap to finish second but couldn’t catch the flying Ritchie who had a well deserved win of the 14ft Merlin Rocket trophy. Photos
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Ranelagh Sailing Club
