Creating magic in the Merlin Rockets

Class overview

The original Merlin class was launched in January 1946 with a design from legendary boat builder Jack Holt for a two-person hiking dinghy; the Rocket followed in 1948 and the two merged in 1951, retaining the best of both to create a popular class suitable for sailing on any size of water from open sea to small lakes and rivers. 

Identifying the problem

Despite its rich heritage as a restricted class that has developed slowly over decades, the Merlin Rocket fleet it remains at the forefront of dinghy racing but has always struggled with the perception that it was expensive compared with other classes. 

Implementing a solution 

In the early 2020s, the class made a conscious decision to promote the Merlin Rocket as modern, accessible and inclusive – making boats available for people to borrow, running more events and training for more sailors, and sharing clear messaging that while in any class you can spend a lot of money on a boat, you don’t necessarily have to. Initiatives have included:

• Women’s & Youth Championships: Introduced in 2023 with training on the Saturday to build skills and confidence, and racing on the Sunday – encouraging sailors to have a go and discover the Merlin Rocket as a competitive, fun and accessible boat. Championship titles for top all-female team and youths aged 25 and under. 
  
  
• Regional circuits: In addition to the national Silver Tiller Series, and an already successful Midland and Thames traveller series, the class has created regional circuits for the South West & South East, and hopes to replicate this in the North. Regional opens count towards the national Silver Tiller Series, enabling many sailors to complete most of the events required within their region - reducing time, travel and accommodation costs. The circuits are supported with regional WhatsApp groups.
  
  
• All ages of boats welcome: Boats have been built over the last 80 years and due to the management of the class rules they are all Merlin Rockets. They race as one at events and the older boats also have their own series; Vintage boats from 1-3357 and Classic from 3358–3603. Also, Vintage and Classic boats do beat modern ones on the water – even without their handicap applied.
  
  
• Prizes: Major championships award an array of prizes including: Platinum (top 8, which includes Olympians and professionals), Gold, Silver and Bronze, so everyone has someone to race against in their bit of the fleet, creating a buzz for all competitors at an event, with racing BIBs to be worn by the overnight leaders of each category. There are also prizes for Classic and Vintage boats.
  
  
• Publicity: An extensive calendar saw 44 reports sent to yachtandyachting.com over the 2025 season, with 3rd placed boats tasked to produce a write-up for each event. Reports are topped and tailed by the class marketing officer to ensure the essentials are covered and that sponsors are mentioned and valued. Must-haves also include links to results and next events, photos, full names, and thank yous to the host club and volunteers.
  
  
• Venues: The Merlin Rockets have historically always wanted to be the only class when a club hosts an open meeting, but are now seeing the value of sharing events – benefiting clubs which need to cover their costs and helping to raise the profile of the class, since it showcases the Merlin Rocket to people who wouldn’t otherwise see it. Similarly, the class is keen to try new venues, and multi-class regattas like the Final Fling at Plymouth.
  
  
• Class boats: Two insured class boats are available to borrow for a modest daily hire fee to cover maintenance, providing an affordable route in for those who might like to give Merlin Rocket sailing a go – some of whom then go on to buy their own boat. One is immaculate and one is entry level, and the class works with owners to make other boats available on loan for events to help bring people into the fleet. There are also now new boats being built, supporting the second hand market. 

Assessing the impact

As the Merlin Rocket blasts off into its 80th year in 2026, the class association is working its magic to conjure up a broader, more inclusive and vibrant membership.

Combining a clear marketing drive with availability of boats, events and training – alongside modern rigs that make it easier to de-power as wind strength increases – new / younger / lighter teams are being inspired to compete in the class, creating a more diverse demographic. 

Salcombe Merlin Rocket Week in 2025 – a key annual highlight on the calendar and always popular – attracted 100 boats, including a record 10 female helms / 10% of the fleet, a number the class is committed to growing. Youth sailors help to lower the average age, but the fleet thrives off all ages and this is something the class is proud of. The class association committee includes youth reps, who have been flying the flag for the fleet with friends and on their social media to bring in more young people to try Merlin Rocket sailing. 

Numbers competing at the National Championships have remained steady at around 70 entries, while open meetings typically attract 15-20 entries. This is lower than pre-Covid, where open meeting entries were around 25-30, but there are now more events – providing increased opportunities for people to go Merlin Rocket sailing and leading to greater participation overall. The number of sailors qualifying or nearly qualifying for the Silver Tiller Series has increased.

Insights and tips

“It’s about listening to your members and trying to do more,” says Lou Johnson, Publicity Lead for the Merlin Rocket Owners Association. “The ultimate goal is to have more people sailing Merlin Rockets by showing it’s possible to borrow a boat or buy an affordable one and be competitive, and that you don’t have to travel far to take part. 

“Our aim is to offer more opportunities and bring Merlin Rocket sailing closer to people. Club sailing is the heart of what we do and the future is in clubs bringing people into classes, so building club fleets and having local events is just as important as travelling. 

“We’re also open minded about seeing what’s working for other classes, and we don’t see other classes as a threat. We’re all trying to encourage people to go sailing and see the benefits of being on the water, so let’s work together to do that. Let’s make it fun. And build a community.”

Useful links

• Find out more at Merlin Rocket Owners Association
• Take a look at the Merlin Rocket events calendar