Sunday 19 July saw nearly 40 Merlin Rockets from boat sail No.1 up to 3828 gather on the banks of Putney Embankment to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Merlin Rocket Class.
Ranelagh Sailing Club is a place often refered to as the home of the class as it was here Jack Holt first built Merlin no.1 Kate, a prototype for the Merlin Class, so it was very fitting that it was raced by custodian and RSC member Fran Gifford, crewed by Ed Low.
With a downwind start, no spinnakers were allowed until passing under Fulham Railway bridge, the second bridge on the course – quite a fortuitous decision when you see the top photo!
Quickly Ollie Houseman and Egle Tumosaite (3560) broke free from the pack to lead the fleet all the way to the turning mark. On the return leg Andrew Harris and Sara Warren (607) set off in hot pursuit.
With their spinnaker flying, Harris and Warren were able to eat into Houseman and Tumosaite’s lead, eventually catching up between Battersea Railway and Wandsworth Bridge, bringing the breeze with them.
From Wandsworth Bridge to the finish, it was nip and tuck with never more than a tack in it between the two leaders, the final leg from Putney Bridge to the finish line was sailed in a fresh breeze.
Houseman and Tumosaite pipping Harris and Warren on the line just a few seconds in it after an hour and a half of racing.
James Wells and Anna Aylward (3746) won the battle for third place, John and Livvy Bell (1201) held onto fourth, Duncan Salmon and Luke Moores (3702) were fifth, and Mark Barwell and Lou Johnson in sixth.
Ashore, the party was just getting started. RSC had organised a fantastic BBQ for the competitors, and there was yet another epic cake, bubbles and a wonderful atmosphere to celebrate the class where it all began.
The 2026 event was sponsored by Leveche Associates Limited (Licensing & Security Consultants) and the Merlin Rocket Owners’ Association.