Double-handed sailing dinghy Osprey

regatta

Hartley Boats love with the Osprey started over fifty years ago when I was invited as a youngster to crew for Wally Gardner, an excellent sailor, at his local club. Thrilling, exciting speed and challenging, the beer tasted twice as good. “Crew for me at the Nationals asked Wally?” “No, I am not experienced, I will let you down”. Wally’s response was, “I will look after you, you will be ok”. My first time at sea was to be in Filey with wind strength of force 6 and above, 85 entered but only 30 launched, within a few minutes around 20 had capsized or had broken equipment. This was the strongest wind a championship race had even been sailed in for an Osprey Nationals. Both of the local life boats were launched to retrieve the sailors from boats. The first beat, I could not see a thing for waves, I was hit by nearly every wave but we were passing the other boats, all was well, then I saw that my old helm had just passed the National Champion Ken Robertson, my smile grew broader and broader with every tack. First round the mark and, as I stood ready to launch the spinnaker I turned and when I saw Wally’s face, he was uncertain but that changed when he saw the second, third and fourth boats fly their kites, up went our spinnaker. Coming from Lancashire I was used to a big thrill from the bigger roller coasters in Blackpool but as soon as I pulled in the kite, I will always remember the speed, excitement and the thrill I felt until I die. How that old man held the boat up and kept me safe in those conditions I shall never forget, but on top of that to get the winners badge that day was the icing on the cake.