Opportunities to Represent the NSSA at the Merlin Rocket Nationals

 

This year, the NSSA, along with the Merlin Rocket Owners Association, are pleased to be able to offer the opportunity for several young sailors from the NSSA to attend the 2019 Merlin Rocket National Championships. This is a great opportunity for young sailors from the NSSA to get to try out a new boat, compete in a different environment, and expand their sailing experience.

 

The 2019 Merlin Rocket National Championships will be held at Looe Sailing Club between the 17th and 23rd August. The Merlin Rocket Owners Association are offering several NSSA sailors the opportunity to compete at the event at a heavily subsidised rate. For those who are successful in securing these places, the Owners Association will offer free event entry, free use of a boat, and free coaching from an experienced crew under a 'buddy system'. Sailors must arrange their own accommodation for the duration of the event, and may need to be involved in the transport of their boat.

Sailors can apply for this opportunity either as a pair who wish to compete together, or as a single applicant who will then be matched with another young sailor. All applications must be current NSSA members who will have competed at at least one NSSA event in the 2018/2019 season. All applications will need to be signed by an NSSA team manager, who must be willing to vouch for the competence and responsibility of the sailors. When considering these applications, please bear in mind that the absolute minimum crew weight for a Merlin Rocket is 18 stone, and sailors must be confident they can adapt quickly to the technical nature of the boat.

As well as the NSSA scheme, Magic Marine are also running a scheme to provide entry and boat use to a pair of young people. NSSA sailors are welcome to apply for both schemes. The NSSA scheme is decided after the Magic Marine scheme, so if you are successful in the Magic Marine scheme, we will automatically withdraw you from the NSSA applications. You can find out more about the Magic Marine scheme here.

For more information about the boat and the event, have a look at the Merlin Rocket Owners Association website here.

The application form can be downloaded here. Please return completed forms by the 15th May at the latest.

Any questions or queries, please get in touch with Ellie Gaddes, the NSSA Secretary, at

Good luck!