Merlin Rocket Owners Association 80th Anniversary
Published 19:25 on 5 Aug 2026
The Merlin Rocket Association would like to invite you to join us in celebrating the 80th Anniversary of our beloved class.
All previous winners of key class events are invited to Upper Thames Sailing Club with a sailing and social programme shown opposite.
We've received a great response following initial conversations with a large number of ex and current Merlin sailors confirming attendance,
we hope the event will be a huge success and great opportunity tocatch up with old friends.
Tickets for ex Champions will be paid for by the class.
Please RSVP to Duncan Salmon or feel free to contact with any questions: anniversary@merlinrocket.co.uk
Friday Evening
The club bar will be open for those rigging boats, pitching tents, etc.
Saturday
9.00 am: Clubhouse open for coffee/tea and bacon rolls
10.30 am: Introduction to the day's events
11.00 am: A women's race followed by a juniors race. If numbers make it sensible these may be combined.
12.00 noon: Spade Oak Bowl race for juniors/parents and all other Merlins' who want to join in, including from the De May fleet.
After lunch
One or two Champions' races ideally combining the winning helm or crew with the champion boat. The ideal scenario for the afternoon is that the past champions who are not sailing and guests will spend much of the afternoon on the clubhouse lawn socialising and watching the racing. Racing will be run over short courses directly in front of the clubhouse, ideal for spectating.
Saturday Evening
6.30pm Welcome drink
Speeches and introduction of our honoured guests
Dinner
Band from 9pm till 11pm
Bar till late
Sunday
Merlin Rocket event for the Allen Challenge Cup which is now a Silver Tiller alongside the Thames Series and DeMay Series events for vintage boats.. Everyone is welcome to compete or watch from the lawn.
Accommodation
There is camping available in 'SinCity' (the field behind the Sailing Club). Club facilities are close at hand and available throughout the weekend. For the rest of us we are working on getting a bulk deal with some of the local hotels. They are all a short taxi ride away, so mini buses or shared taxis can be arranged.
Downloads
Related
- Merlin Rocket Champion of Champions 80th Celebration (5 September, 09:00-18:00)
Last updated 19:30 on 5 August 2026
