The Merlin Rocket, a merger between the Merlin and Rocket classes in 1951, belongs to a restricted class of dinghy, which means a considerable degree of latitude is allowed in hull shape, layout and sail plan.
Although not the single most successful builder, Jon Turner is certainly one of the best. For some years he worked building the boats with Rowsell Brothers of Exmouth, who dominated the class in the 1970s. Feeling unable to progress further with Rowsells, Turner decided to go solo and purchased a house close to Exeter, with a shed suitable for building dinghies. The Feet was his first boat as a builder in his own right, built in 1980 for Andy Street, who went on to win the National Championships in the boat in 1981.
As well as building successful boats – Turner boats won four championships in succession in the early 1980s – Jon Turner was a successful helmsman, winning the Nationals in 1983, though he was no stranger to success in the class, having earlier been highly successful as crew to one of the Rowsell brothers.
The Feet is a wooden boat, of mahogany and sycamore glued ply construction. It represents a good example of the craftsmanship for which Turner boats were renowned.
The boat had one owner from 1985 to 2016, when it was donated to the Museum.
Dimensions
Length 4.27m
Beam 2.11m
