Five reasons to visit the Merlin Rocket stand at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2024

Caroline Croft sailing with Pete Gray during Merlin Rocket Salcombe Week 2023 © Oliver Turner / Salcombe Stories

You could win a bottle of In The Welsh Wind Signature Premium Gin including two tasting glasses © Lou Johnson

The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show is just days away, the boats are being polished and the final touches are coming together.

Here are five reasons as to why you need to make time in your day to visit the Merlin Rocket stand, I30, at the show from the 24th to 25th February 2024.

Reason 1

Save yourself £45 and enter before the Merlin Rocket Aspire National Championships before the early entry closes at 23:59 on Sunday 25th February. Join the 60 boats already entered… noting only 10 place remain as the entry limit is 70. The championships, hosted by Tenby Sailing Club takes place from the 11th to 16th August 2024.

Reason 2

You could win a bottle of In The Welsh Wind Signature Premium Gin including two tasting glasses to drink it from. In The Welsh Wind is a supporting sponsor to our National Championships. They will be sponsoring our welcome drinks at the commodore’s reception, the Hero of the Day prize, plus they are putting on a highly discounted ticketed gin tasting evening during the event. Details to follow nearer the time.

Reason 3

Place your bid in the Ezi Launcher Auction 2024 kindly donated by Allspars. The Ezi Launcher has an RRP £403.94. The auction opens at 10am on Saturday 24th February and closes at 23.59 on Friday 8th March. Place your bid by emailing .

Reason 4

See the latest Winder Merlin Rocket build on the stand, 3820, launched in 2023. Owned by Caroline Croft, she was quick out the blocks winning her first event out of the wrapper. Come by the stand to see the tweaks to this boat and how it has been adapted specifically for a female helm. Also learn more about the suppliers and specifically those who support the class - Allen, Allspars, ClamCleat, Craftinsure, Creation Covers, North Sails and Winder Boats.

Reason 5

Come by to see your friends! The stand will be manned by current Merlin Rocket Sailors, those who are active in the fleet both on the circuit and at club level. You can find out about all our circuits, national and regional plus our Youth and Women’s Championships. There is so much to talk about we might need to get some seats!

The RYA Dinghy Show is at Farnborough International on 24th and 25th February and you can find the Merlin Rocket Stand on I30. Find out more at www.rya.org.uk/events/dinghy-show