Merlin Rocket 80th Anniversary Champions Weekend at Upper Thames Sailing Club

The past, the present and the future!

Every ten years the Merlin Rockets celebrate another milestone in their history. This year marks the 80th since Jack Holt and other luminaries of the post war dinghy scene launched the first Merlin at Ranelagh.

As with previous decennial celebrations Upper Thames Sailing Club hosted the event, this year in glorious sunshine and with a near perfect (for this stretch of the Thames) westerly breeze, allowing for some great sailing and perfect for the many spectators who lined the Club lawns.

Light conditions for the start of the race - Merlin Rocket 80th Anniversary - photo © Rob O'Neill

First of the day's events were a women's race and a youth race. The rule was women had to helm and either the helm or crew had to be a junior. With twelve Merlins lining up for a race upstream and back down to the home mark, Lou Johnson and Harriet Salmon made what looked like a perfect start and soon built up a substantial lead only to cross the line three laps later to silence having been OCS.

The same over enthusiasm at the start befell Caroline Gould/Anna Aylward and Sarah Richards/Chris Feibush, leaving Sophie Mackley and Helen Hilditch in 1097 to take the winning gun followed by Rebecca Videlo and Roger Gilbert second in 3722 and in third place Pippa Kilsby and Sally Townend in 1996.

In the juniors race first junior crew was Emily Housman, the youngest competitor of the day crewing for her dad Ollie in 3560. It was Emily's first-time racing using the spinnaker and clearly, she has a great future in front of her Merlin sailing.

Of the boats with a junior helm Tre and Jax Jacobs (both qualifying as youths) were first in 666, Lyla Jacobs and Peter Slack second in 578 and George Scroggie and Harry Scroggie third in 3488.

The last race of the morning was the Spade Oak Bowl, an open meeting race run by Upper Thames Sailing Club every year. It was open to all categories of Merlins and their crews and was won by John and Livvy Bell in 1201, second were Caroline Gould and Anna Aylward in 3820 and third were Roger and Rebecca in 3722, having swapped sailing positions!

All smiles as John and Livy Bell win this beautiful trophy - Merlin Rocket 80th Anniversary - photo © Rob O'Neill

After lunch in the sunshine the main event of the day being the Champion of Champions. Race took place at 3.00pm. 20 National champions were in attendance for the celebrations including Alan Warren now 90, who first won a Merlin Championships in in 1965 crewed by Barry Dunning, who was also there. Alan went onto win a Silver Medal at the Atlanta Olympics in 1972 and has only just retired from sailing after Salcombe Week 2026.

Eight boats sailed by champions lined up for the race, with three modern and five vintage. It was clear from the start no quarter was being given and at the end of the first lap William Warren and Chris Robinson were leading, to be overtaken during the second lap by Roger Gilbert and Rebecca Videlo.

First beat and complete concentration from Barry Dunning crewed by Will Carol - Merlin Rocket 80th Anniversary - photo © Rob O'Neill

At the end of the second lap, Dave Dobrijevic crewed by Lou Johnson, chanced their arm by trying to sneak into the leeward mark where they had no water on Richard Whitworth and Sally Townend. This did not end well, and Dave and Lou had to do penalty turns much to the amusement of the rather vocal audience on the riverside.

By the end of the fourth lap Roger and Rebecca in 3722 had pulled out a comfortable lead to take the gun from John and Livvy Bell, who were second in 1201 and William and Chris third in 1493.

After the sailing the 155 Merlin sailors and friends who were attending the party were treated to a drink's reception sponsored by Craftinsure, an incredible three tier cake by Caroline Gould, and an amusing speech by Peter Scott cataloguing the exploits of the 20 champions present, followed by dinner and celebrations late into the night.

"The 80th Anniversary celebratory weekend welcomed over 200 visitors with 155 siting down to a meal and partying late into the evening with Merlin Rocket sailors past, present and friends of the class," commented Stuart Jenkins Chairman of the Merlin Rocket Owners' Association.

"The success of this event shows the class is strong and in good health, with 41 events this year including our Nationals, Inlands and River Championships as well as Salcombe Week with over 105 boats competing. Thank you to everyone who has supported our anniversary year."

A wonderful time was had by all, and our thanks go to the members of Upper Thames Sailing Club who did a wonderful job making it all happen.

Phil King and crew Jenny were celebrated as arguably the most successful Merlin sailors of all time - Merlin Rocket 80th Anniversary - photo © Rob O'Neill

Champion of Champions Race:

Ladies Race:

Youth Race:

Spade Oak Bowl:

Peter Scott hands Pat Blake the microphone for a few words - Merlin Rocket 80th Anniversary - photo © Rob O'Neill