OSPREYS FLYING HIGH WITH 40 BOAT ENTRY
40 Ospreys came to Weymouth for four sun soaked days of championship racing. The Osprey class has driven major growth in its entry, up from 29 last year, in this, the 60th year of the Osprey class. Boats ranged from recent FRP examples to wooden boats of up to 50 years vintage, and all enjoyed equal competition.
Entries included both newcomers trying out the class, and many returnees thinking about returning to the class. One of the returnees enjoyed the Championship so much in his borrowed boat, that he got his cheque book out and bought an Osprey on the spot. There were many lady helms and crews, and many young sailors trying the class. One such was Radial sailor Emma Stevenson, 16, sailing an Osprey for the first time. But top of the young ladies was another 16 year old, Alexandra Willis, who was helming for her Dad Nick. Alexandra was the top under 21 helm and the top lady helm.
There was a great variety of sea conditions, winds and course shapes, to provide new challenges to crews each day. The first day was fresh conditions and big steep waves, winds moderated on the second day, lighter subsequently. The event finished with a single race on the final day, before the sea mist rolled in, preventing further sailing. The sailors enjoyed a mix of trapezoid and sausage triangle courses.
Championship winners Andy Barker and Peter Greig took the lead on the first day, but were hard pressed by Martin Cooney and Peter Greig, who took a pair of wins on the second day. Third overall were Phil Meakins and Richard Anderton, both sailing in their first Osprey Nationals.
The quality of the fleet was shown by a pair of sailmakers taking fourth and fifth, with Tim Rush/ Sam Pascoe in fourth and Dave Wade/ Bernard Gammon in fifth.
Images at fotoboat.com
Submitted on 23rd July 2013