Aged between 16 and 25? The Merlin Rocket Class Wants to Hear from You
by MROA 23 Jan 10:48 UTC
Merlin Rocket Youth Championships poster © MROA
The Merlin Rocket Owners' Association is pleased to launch its youth training programme. This is a brand-new initiative, and we look forward to welcoming participants from across the dinghy sailing community.
If you are within the aged 16 to 25, are an experienced dinghy racer (in any dinghy class) and want to learn to race a Merlin Rocket, then this initiative is for you!
The Merlin Rocket class invites you join our four-part training programme, one of the most exciting doubled handed classes in the UK. To ensure a level playing field and that participants get the most from the sessions, you must an experienced dinghy racer in both boat handling and the racing rules as this course is not aimed at those learning to sail.
Participants younger than 16 will also be considered at the organiser's discretion.
You do not need to attend all four sessions to benefit from this course. Each session must be entered online via the MROA portal.
The four sessions and venues for 2026 are:
- 14th Feb at Fishers Green SC
- 28th Feb at Fishers Green SC
- 18th April at Royal Corinthian YC
- 3rd May at Bartley SC
Put the training in practice at the Merlin Rocket Youth Championships at Bartley SC on 4th May 2026.
The course is led by Courtney Bilbrough, an RYA race coach who has competed internationally in the 29er class. Other experienced championship level Merlin Rocket sailors will also be on hand to assist with the training at each venue.
Subject to weather conditions, the course aims are summarised below:
'Understanding the controls and rigging' - Using controls to keep control.
Daily plan A (dependant on conditions):
- 09.00 arrival at the venue
- 09.30 start of the course
- 1 x short land session
- 1 x longer on water session
- Debrief
- 16.30 Send off
Simple catering will be available, but you may wish to bring your own food, especially if you have special dietary requirements.
Objectives of the course: How to get the most out of your Merlin, Sail the boat to its maximum speed.
- Sessions 1 and 3: Technical focus (Fishers Green SC 1 and RCYC)
- Session 2 and 4: Technique focus (Fishers Green SC 2 and Bartley SC)
The programme will cover: Setup and rigging, effects of all the adjustable on the rig, boat speed - set-up, boat speed - technique and roles.
Once we complete the first session, the aims and objectives may grow and expand based on feedback as to what people would find useful to go over. It's tailored coaching to fit the needs of the group with an overarching theme on controls and speed.
You do not need a boat to participate but if you can arrange to borrow one, that would help. Please let the organisers know in advance.
Each session is limited to a maximum of 20 participants (10 boats). We can helm and crew match, so if you if you are looking to get involved please get in touch.
Queries should be directed at MROA Vice Chairman Paul Dean and if you are ready to go, please enter via the online booking at portal.merlinrocket.co.uk/booking/type/training