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Episode #90: Merf Owen on Famous Naval Architecture

This week’s host, Moe Roddy, is joined by world-renowned naval architect Merf Owen of Owen Clarke Design. Merf is a “hands-on sailor-designer,” with 250,000 miles of offshore sailing experience – including a climbing/sailing expedition above the Arctic Circle – and is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects.

Hear what opened Merf’s eyes to wanderlust, how he got interested in yacht design, his favorite boats he designed, what makes a strong boat and a strong design team, and how the people you meet can propel you forward in your career and in life.

 

This episode covers everything from yacht design to racing. Here’s a small sample of what you will hear in this episode:

  • Where did Merf grow up?
  • What’s the difference between the Merchant Navy and the Royal Navy?
  • Where is Fiery Cross now?
  • How does Merf decide which boats to design?
  • What special design elements did Kingfisher have?
  • How did Merf design Kingfisher?
  • What was he doing during the Falklands War?
  • Short Tacks: Monohull or Multihull?

Learn more about Merf at OwenClarkeDesign.com.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and your other favorite podcast spots – follow and leave a 5-star review if you’re feeling the Good Jibes!

Check out the episode and show notes below for much more detail.

Show Notes

  • Merf Owen on Famous Naval Architecture
    • [0:22] Welcome to Good Jibes with Latitude 38
    • [0:27] Moe Roddy
    • [0:48] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
    • [1:01] Learn more about Merf at OwenClarkeDesign.com
    • [3:09] Where did Merf grow up?
    • [4:01] When was the first time he was on a boat?
    • [7:17] What’s the difference between the Merchant Navy and the Royal Navy?
    • [9:01] What was he doing during the Falklands War?
    • [20:00] Enjoy sailing downwind? Yes, it’s possible with Walder Boom Brake. No more risk of violent jibing and the danger from the boom crossing from one side to the other. With a Walder, my boom is immobilized and stabilized. When jibing occurs, the boom will swing itself over smoothly and controlled. No need to rig a preventer, no need to climb on the deck. All I have to do once the boom is over to port or starboard is to put the Walder’s line on tension – and this from the safety of the cockpit. What a pleasure. I can sail quietly – even if there’s a swell and in light weather, my boom is not flapping. The Walder is easy to rig and even easier to use. You will enjoy sailing downwind with Walder Boom Brake. Just google Walder Boom Brake to learn more
    • Owen Clarke Design
    • [20:48] What’s the story behind Fiery Cross?
    • [24:29] Where is she now?
    • [25:41] Owen Clarke Design
    • [26:01] How does Merf decide which boats to design?
    • [27:58] How did he design Kingfisher?
    • [35:52] What special design elements did Kingfisher have?
    • [40:06] What are high altitude boats?
    • [41:28] Episode #22: “Ashley Perrin on Navigating Icy Waters and Risky Adventures
    • [41:41] COVID-19 
    • [42:00] Enjoy sailing downwind? Yes, it’s possible with Walder Boom Brake. No more risk of violent jibing and the danger from the boom crossing from one side to the other. With a Walder, my boom is immobilized and stabilized. When jibing occurs, the boom will swing itself over smoothly and controlled. No need to rig a preventer, no need to climb on the deck. All I have to do once the boom is over to port or starboard is to put the Walder’s line on tension – and this from the safety of the cockpit. What a pleasure. I can sail quietly – even if there’s a swell and in light weather, my boom is not flapping. The Walder is easy to rig and even easier to use. You will enjoy sailing downwind with Walder Boom Brake. Just google Walder Boom Brake to learn more
    • Short Tacks
    • [43:00] Monohull or Multihull?
    • [44:25] The Eight Sailing/Mountain Exploration Books by H.W. Tilman, Commander: The Life and Exploits of Britain’s Greatest Frigate Captain by Stephen Taylor
    • [45:54] Check out the Latitude 38 Bookstore here for books recommended by Good Jibes guests
    • [46:02] Isambard Kingdom Brunel
    • [46:31] What’s the best lesson Merf’s learned in his professional career?
    • [46:47] What’s the best lesson he’s learned from sailing?
    • [47:23] Bruce Farr
    • [48:02] Where’s Merf’s favorite place to sail?
    • [48:18] What’s a question he wishes Moe asked?
    • [49:56] What final thoughts does Merf have?
    • [50:32] Learn more about Merf at OwenClarkeDesign.com
    • [50:38] Make sure to follow Good Jibes with Latitude 38 on your favorite podcast spot and leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts
    • [50:42] Got a great sailing story to submit? Do so at [email protected]
    • [50:46] Subscribe to Latitude 38 at Latitude38.com
    • [50:53] Email [email protected] to advertise on this podcast or in Latitude 38 sailing magazine
    • [51:08] Check out the May 2023 issue of Latitude 38
    • Theme Song: Pineapple Dream by SOLXIS

Thanks for listening to Merf Owen & Moe Roddy on Good Jibes with Latitude 38. Subscribe here to receive Latitude 38 to your home each month.

Enjoy sailing downwind? Yes, it’s possible with Walder Boom Brake. No more risk of violent jibing and the danger from the boom crossing from one side to the other. With a Walder, my boom is immobilized and stabilized. When jibing occurs, the boom will swing itself over smoothly and controlled. No need to rig a preventer, no need to climb on the deck. All I have to do once the boom is over to port or starboard is to put the Walder’s line on tension – and this from the safety of the cockpit. What a pleasure. I can sail quietly – even if there’s a swell and in light weather, my boom is not flapping. The Walder is easy to rig and even easier to use. You will enjoy sailing downwind with Walder Boom Brake. Just google Walder Boom Brake to learn more