Merlin Rocket Designs

My interest in designing (and building) Merlin Rockets began in 1965, when I contacted the then top designer in the Class, Ian Proctor, with a view to obtaining a set of plans for DIY building. He declined the request, as he wanted to support the professional boatyards.
So I borrowed a book on yacht design from the library, and set about designing my first Merlin Rocket. I was 19 at the time.
..... Hebron was launched in 1966.

	HAZARDOUS series: 21st century Merlin Rocket designs 20th CENTURY DESIGNS... HEBRON (1966) HOTSPUR (1968) HORNBLOWER (1971) FOUR RUNNER (1972) HEXAGON (1973) HYSTERIA (1974) HAZARD (1977) The move to liberalise the construction rules (1972-1973) - the 4-plank Merlin How it all ended (1977)
The National Merlin Rocket has an active Owners' association. Visit their website at http://www.merlinrocket.co.uk/ For details of the early history of the Merlin Rocket dinghy, see "The First 6 Years".

This section is dedicated to my friends Ian Perkin and Alf & Joan Darlison, who sailed Merlins with me at the Up River Yacht Club (1966-1973).

Last updated 31 October 2009