In the early 70s the move to eradicate the clinker hull form in order to make the Merlin Rocket easier to build in newer media such as GRP was not accepted by the owners. So we still have clinker GRP hulls. The class is still thriving as a fine racing machine, attracting top level competitors, but very few new boats are being produced.
Has anyone looked into the benefits/drawbacks of the clinker design in terms of speed or tacking efficiency and other metrics? In other words, does it feel like the boats are held back by the design, or is the difference so small as to be negligible? I have a 1963 boat which I'm restoring and it is beautiful, although obviously far from competitive today.
Thanks Ben. As I inevitably age (don't we all!), I am focussing more on making videos about the beautiful boats that great builders such as Laurie Smart and Simon Hipkin have created from my designs.
Absolutely stunning
Great to see the video of Laurie at work - thanks
Glad you enjoyed it Vigor
Good to see Wicked again - I remember her from the show and her launch at BSC.
Best to all
Colin, Thanks for your comment. Wicked is a beautiful boat, built by a great builder.
@@KeithCallaghan just a shame about her foredeck...
I do have a Y&Y photo from the dinghy show...
Cheers,
Colin
Amazing that clinker hull racing sailboats still exist. I used to sail a Merlin Rocket in the 70s and assumed that the class was long extinct by now.
In the early 70s the move to eradicate the clinker hull form in order to make the Merlin Rocket easier to build in newer media such as GRP was not accepted by the owners. So we still have clinker GRP hulls. The class is still thriving as a fine racing machine, attracting top level competitors, but very few new boats are being produced.
Has anyone looked into the benefits/drawbacks of the clinker design in terms of speed or tacking efficiency and other metrics? In other words, does it feel like the boats are held back by the design, or is the difference so small as to be negligible? I have a 1963 boat which I'm restoring and it is beautiful, although obviously far from competitive today.
Interesting to watch 👍🏼
Thanks Ben. As I inevitably age (don't we all!), I am focussing more on making videos about the beautiful boats that great builders such as Laurie Smart and Simon Hipkin have created from my designs.
What if you put the design on keel .?? A blade keeled mast and headsails what is sailing like???
Sorry Mark, could you explain further, as I don't understand your questions.
😻 ≋p≋r≋o≋m≋o≋s≋m