Women Sailors Invited to Join the Merlin Rocket Women's Championship at Brightlingsea Sailing Club
by Caroline Gould & Lou Johnson 2 Sep 13:28 UTC
13-14 September 2025
Abbie Croft and Jane Calvert - Merlin Rocket Women's Championship © Graham Williamson
The Merlin Rocket Class is set to host its Women's National Championships on 13-14 September 2025 at Brightlingsea Sailing Club. The event title, listed in the official 2025 calendar, marks a weekend dedicated entirely to women's participation in one of dinghy sailing's most competitive classes. This year our headline sponsors are Creation Covers and Box PR providing a variety of prizes across the fleet.
The format of the weekend combines an intensive training day on Saturday with fleet racing on Sunday, a structure that ensures both empowerment and engagement for existing sailors in the fleet and new sailors experiencing the fleet for the first time.
This will be the third Women's Championships following a strategic decision by the Sailing Committee back in 2022 to launch the event for 2023. Since then, the feedback has been incredibly positive and the class has seen an increase in Women helms in the fleet, peaking at Salcombe Week with 10.
Saturday: Training Day
Saturday's training provides a rare opportunity for participants to hone their skills under the guidance of seasoned Merlin Rocket helms and crews. Past Women's Championships have seen notable mentors lead sessions on boat handling, rig setup and race tactics. At the 2024 event at Parkstone, sailors valued the day as a nurturing and inclusive learning environment, particularly welcoming those new to Merlin Rockets or dinghy racing.
Sunday: Racing with a Supportive Edge
Sunday transforms the classroom learning into action, with a number of races that balance competition and camaraderie. The 2023 and 2024 events featured tightly contested races, where even newcomers found themselves competing confidently among seasoned helms and crews. The racing ethos encourages mutual support, and offers spot prizes and fun recognition awards, fostering an atmosphere where every finish is celebrated.
Why Women Should Attend
This championship brings together several compelling reasons to participate:
- Skill Development in Safe Hands: Saturday's training packages high quality coaching within a women focused environment, perfect for those eager to improve but hesitant to attend mixed fleet events.
- Inclusive Competition: Sunday's races are intense yet friendly, the offer an experience where all skills are respected, and every sailor is welcomed.
- Community and Connection: The event thrives on its inclusive spirit. Many participants form new partnership, Merlin Rocket crews team up, ex-Merlins return, and newcomers are welcomed into the class.
- Accessible Format: Whether you own a Merlin Rocket or not, there's support to help you join in as the organisers assist in finding crews, helms and boats.
Entry Details & How to Participate
- Who Can Join: All women sailors are encouraged to take part, experienced Merlin Rocket helms or crews are welcome, and novices can also find boats and teammates through the class network. We also welcome male crews to get involved in supporting the event.
- Class Membership & Entry: Entry is organised between Merlin Rocket Owners Association and Brightlingsea Sailing Club. The 2025 calendar lists the Women's Championship at Brightlingsea sailing club on 13-14 September.
- Need A Boat or Crew? The class community is eager to help match people, there are crews looking for helms and vice versa. Plus boats available to loan.
Looking Ahead
As the only Women's National Championship in the 2025 Merlin Rocket calendar, this event stands out as a wonderful opportunity that focuses on inclusion. From the structured training to the spirited racing, it's a weekend crafted to inspire and elevate women across all sailing levels.
Whether you're an experienced helmswoman, a crew looking for your first helm, or someone simply curious about dinghy sailing, this weekend promises growth, connection, and fun.
To get in touch please email with any questions or requests for helms, crews or boats.
Entries are open: www.sailbrightlingsea.com/event/merlin-rocket-ladies-training-championship-weekend