Please select your home edition
Edition

Merlin Rocket developments - a look at the new 'Amuse-Bouche' Rockatross design at the Dinghy Show

by Mark Jardine 25 Feb 07:30 UTC 22 February 2026
The bow of 'Amuse-Bouche', the new Rockatross design Merlin Rocket on display at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show © Mark Jardine

It's the 80th Anniversary of the Merlin Rocket, and as a development class they come up with some pretty innovative ideas... and then proceed to give them wacky names!

We take a look at Tom Low's new Rockatross design called 'Amuse-Bouche' and learn what Stuffers and Snodgers are, and how the complex one string rig controls mean you can rake the rig fore and aft, even when under full rig load.

Related Articles

Anniversary Classes at the Dinghy Show
We speak to a number of classes celebrating significant anniversaries The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2026 saw over 9,000 people visit Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in the UK over the weekend of 21st & 22nd February to take in the feast of boats on display. Posted on 1 Mar Chichester YC 2026 Snowflake Series day 4
Torrential rain eases shortly before the first start Torrential rain greeted competitors as they arrived for the seventh and eighth races of the Snowflake Series, though the forecast offered some encouragement. As predicted, the rain eased shortly before the first start. Posted on 24 Feb Learn more about the world of epoxy
At the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show When you admire all of the boats at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show, taking place on the 21st and 22nd February 2026, you may not realise just how many have been constructed, restored or repaired using PRO-SET® or WEST SYSTEM® epoxies. Posted on 20 Feb Bartley Beast Series Finale
January's cancelled event goes ahead, with sun instead of snow On the first sunny day of the year, 16 double-handers arrived at Bartley for the last leg of the Bartley Beast. Bracing themselves for cold temperatures, the sailors found the sunshine a welcome relief. Posted on 18 Feb Hyde Sails in attendance at RYA Dinghy Show
Ben McGrane and John Brooks are available to speak to Our team are preparing to get another season under way and will be in attendance over the weekend to speak with both trade and retail customers. Posted on 18 Feb Merlin Rocket Youth Training event 1
Fishers Green hosts session for 16-25 year olds 2026 has seen the launch of the Merlin Rocket Youth Training Programme. A brand new initiative for the class, made up of four events for those aged 16 to 25 years old. Posted on 17 Feb Blithfield Barrel week 4
A light wind conclusion after three character-building winter rounds After three character-building winter rounds held across November, December and January, the final round of the Blithfield Barrel Winter Series arrived with a forecast that at last promised something more decisive. Posted on 17 Feb Celebrate 80 Years of the Merlin Rocket
At the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show 2026 2026 marks a rather majestic milestone... the Merlin Rocket turns 80 and the class will launch its celebrations in style at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show 2026 on stand J34. Posted on 15 Feb Dinghy Show Discount Period from Hyde Sails
10% off all one design sails, covers and accessories Hyde Sails are delighted to launch our Dinghy Show Week Promotion once again, offering 10% off all One Design sails, covers and accessories. This exclusive discount is only available online through the Hyde Sails webshop. Posted on 15 Feb Oxford Blue set to wrap up the Sailjuice Series
Eighth event takes place on Valentine's Day, with more than 60 entries signed up The eighth and final event of the Seldén Sailjuice Winter Series takes place on Valentine's Day, with more than 60 entries signed up for the Oxford Blue. Posted on 13 Feb
This site and its contents are Copyright © 2026 Sail-World FishingBoating.World USA and/or the original author, photographer etc. All Rights Reserved. Photographs are copyright by law. If you wish to use or buy a photograph contact the photographer directly.
If you have any questions about advertising or editorial then please contact our team. If you encounter any technical issues then please email techsupport@sail-world.com
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy