Entries open for Merlin Rocket Women's Training and Championships
by Lou Johnson 30 Apr 2023 03:22 PDT
20-21 May 2023
Jen Dodds and Pippa Kilsby © Sophie Mackley
Join fellow female sailors on the 20th and 21st May for the first Merlin Rocket Women's specific training and racing at Lymington Town Sailing Club. Sponsored by Baltic Lifejackets, Box PR and Creation Covers, the aim of the weekend is to provide an environment for our female sailors to build their confidence in a Merlin and to attract more female sailors into our class.
This event hasn't appeared from nowhere, it's evolved as part of our discussions on the Merlin Rocket Owner's Association committee and our goal to be 'Leading the future of dinghy racing, providing high quality racing for everyone whilst preserving the class for the next generation.'
What's the plan for the weekend?
There will be a training day on Saturday, coached by some of the top sailors in the fleet. If you want an environment to develop your crewing or helming skills, and build your confidence on the water, this is a great opportunity to get involved. After a full day on the water, the club will be putting on a meal with the plan of having a relaxed debrief and discussion with videos from the day and any questions you may have for our coaches or other female sailors attending.
Sunday will be our first Women's Championships. A number of races will be organised with the option of asking the coaches questions in between races. To date we have entries from our regular female helms, female sailors taking the helm for their first event, Olympians and GBR Squad Sailors.
It would be fantastic to get as many all-female crews out on the water as possible, however we are aware people may feel more comfortable with their more regular helms so gentlemen you are encouraged to get involved and get out on the water.
"We are really excited to be holding our first Women's Championships this May and then our Youth Championships in September, we are looking to encourage more inclusivity across the class and the sport, and we hope that by organising these events it will be a step towards this," comments Rob Allen, Chairman of the MROA.
"I'm delighted Eilidh McIntyre has entered and will be presenting the prizes from Baltic Lifejackets, Box PR and Creation Covers at the end of the weekend. Eilidh will be helming for Alex Warren, he will be passing his Merlin Rocket specific knowledge across, and we are pretty sure he will pick up a tip or two over the weekend!"
For all of you who own a Merlin, I would encourage you at first to try and find a female helm for the event in your boat or a female crew, this is after all the Women's Training and Championship weekend!
If you would like join in but do not have access to a boat then please get in touch with Caroline Croft via or contact us via any of our social media channels.
Entries are now open and we look forward to you joining us on 20th and 21st May 2023
All women who enter and pay by Wednesday 3rd May at midday (BST) will go in a draw to WIN a Baltic EXTREME Buoyancy Aid!