Winder Merlin Rocket
The results speak for themselves in the Merlin class as Winder Boats have dominated the scene for years., however the design and systems are being continually developed to ensure boats are built stiffer, stronger and faster than ever before.
Active involvement in the class means that our cutting-edge techniques are used in design developments and considerable thought and effort goes into refining all the controls, particularly the hoop and rake systems. Our quality construction has ensured a healthy second-hand market which has created probably some of the best fleet racing in the country.
The information below is for our ‘Complete’ boat which comes with Allen fittings, Super Spars spars and HD sails. We also offer Harken fit-outs, Selden and a range of other sailmakers.
East Lothian Yacht Club is set to host the Aspire Merlin Rocket National Championships from the 14th to 19th August 2021. This is the classes' 75th National Championships which has been made possible with thanks to our wonderful sponsors Aspire Financial Advisers, HD Sails, NB Distillery, SSE Renewables, Fernhurst Books and Triggernaut Sportsglasses. Here are the Runners and Riders for the event.
Stu Bithell and Tom Pygall are pairing up for the first time since 2017 where they delivered a comfortable victory. Fresh from his Olympic GOLD in the 49er class, Stu should be on cloud nine and looking forward to sailing with friends in a somewhat less stressful environment. Individually these sailors have all the skills and ability but a lack of time in the boat and practice may catch them by surprise (although Stu has probably got more time on the water this year than anyone!).
Ben Saxton and George Yeoman paired up for a guest appearance at Whitstable 2015 where they managed to pip Stu and Tom to take top prize, that said Stu had to miss a day due to other sailing commitments. They return sailing 3777 which George purchased shortly after Whitstable. Having successfully campaigned 3777 he and his wife Sophie have impressed with steady progress up the fleet. Spending time at the back of a Merlin really helps improve and round your crewing skills so we expect a lot from George.
Christian Birrell and Sam Brearey: Like Sunny and Cher or Victoria and David, this pair are celebrities known by first names alone, who is the wife and who is the husband is still up for debate. Boat speed and consistency are a key strength, but it is rumoured that they have had a significant lack of time in the boat since the last champs win in 2019. Having attended training led by Christian we all still have plenty to learn and we're lucky to have yet more topflight sailors raising the bar for the class.
These three teams are by far the bookies favourites for the Championships, but could there be an upset at the front? None of the teams are as race polished as they would like to be, having not sailed regularly together, if at all in some circumstances. I don't think this will be enough to unsettle them for the series, but it may be enough to allow a surprise race winner from outside of the group, and stranger things have happened!
Andy 'Taxi' Davis and Pippa Kilsby, now sailing Pip's boat (3735) and running a new Ceilidh mast; this pairing is in their third season of sailing together and are a formidable team. Their greatest strengths are boat speed across all ranges and relentless ability to claw back through the pack.
Tim Fells and Franny Gifford for the past few years have been the best of the rest, the rest being us mere mortals. Tim, now a full time retired Salcombe resident, will be sailing fit from competing in his Aero throughout the 2021 season. It is fair to say they're not top of the leaderboard for outright boat speed or fitness, that goes to our Olympic chums, but they don't have any weaknesses and are sure to put together a strong series.
Ian Dobson and Charlotte Fildes have been tuning their bespoke Rockatross design and are on a definite upward curve, winning recent Silver Tillers and gaining race wins at Salcombe. This pair are very capable, which combined with Ian's vast Championship experience will go towards putting together a consistent week.
Winder Merlin Rocket
The results speak for themselves in the Merlin class as Winder Boats have dominated the scene for years., however the design and systems are being continually developed to ensure boats are built stiffer, stronger and faster than ever before.
Active involvement in the class means that our cutting-edge techniques are used in design developments and considerable thought and effort goes into refining all the controls, particularly the hoop and rake systems. Our quality construction has ensured a healthy second-hand market which has created probably some of the best fleet racing in the country.
The information below is for our ‘Complete’ boat which comes with Allen fittings, Super Spars spars and HD sails. We also offer Harken fit-outs, Selden and a range of other sailmakers.
East Lothian Yacht Club is set to host the Aspire Merlin Rocket National Championships from the 14th to 19th August 2021. This is the classes' 75th National Championships which has been made possible with thanks to our wonderful sponsors Aspire Financial Advisers, HD Sails, NB Distillery, SSE Renewables, Fernhurst Books and Triggernaut Sportsglasses. Here are the Runners and Riders for the event.
Stu Bithell and Tom Pygall are pairing up for the first time since 2017 where they delivered a comfortable victory. Fresh from his Olympic GOLD in the 49er class, Stu should be on cloud nine and looking forward to sailing with friends in a somewhat less stressful environment. Individually these sailors have all the skills and ability but a lack of time in the boat and practice may catch them by surprise (although Stu has probably got more time on the water this year than anyone!).
Ben Saxton and George Yeoman paired up for a guest appearance at Whitstable 2015 where they managed to pip Stu and Tom to take top prize, that said Stu had to miss a day due to other sailing commitments. They return sailing 3777 which George purchased shortly after Whitstable. Having successfully campaigned 3777 he and his wife Sophie have impressed with steady progress up the fleet. Spending time at the back of a Merlin really helps improve and round your crewing skills so we expect a lot from George.
Christian Birrell and Sam Brearey: Like Sunny and Cher or Victoria and David, this pair are celebrities known by first names alone, who is the wife and who is the husband is still up for debate. Boat speed and consistency are a key strength, but it is rumoured that they have had a significant lack of time in the boat since the last champs win in 2019. Having attended training led by Christian we all still have plenty to learn and we're lucky to have yet more topflight sailors raising the bar for the class.
These three teams are by far the bookies favourites for the Championships, but could there be an upset at the front? None of the teams are as race polished as they would like to be, having not sailed regularly together, if at all in some circumstances. I don't think this will be enough to unsettle them for the series, but it may be enough to allow a surprise race winner from outside of the group, and stranger things have happened!
Andy 'Taxi' Davis and Pippa Kilsby, now sailing Pip's boat (3735) and running a new Ceilidh mast; this pairing is in their third season of sailing together and are a formidable team. Their greatest strengths are boat speed across all ranges and relentless ability to claw back through the pack.
Tim Fells and Franny Gifford for the past few years have been the best of the rest, the rest being us mere mortals. Tim, now a full time retired Salcombe resident, will be sailing fit from competing in his Aero throughout the 2021 season. It is fair to say they're not top of the leaderboard for outright boat speed or fitness, that goes to our Olympic chums, but they don't have any weaknesses and are sure to put together a strong series.
Ian Dobson and Charlotte Fildes have been tuning their bespoke Rockatross design and are on a definite upward curve, winning recent Silver Tillers and gaining race wins at Salcombe. This pair are very capable, which combined with Ian's vast Championship experience will go towards putting together a consistent week.