The 2023 Osprey Class National Championship finished in glorious sunshine and good breeze. Thank you Hayling Island Sailing Club for arranging the weather for the 4 day Championship, at which 49 boats celebrated the 70th year of Osprey sailing.
We asked the Top Lady crew, Nicola George to sum up:
"Osprey Nationals in 3 words; fun, insane and exciting."
"Everyone is so welcoming and friendly. There's always someone to give a helping hand and provide advice when asked. It's a class where all competitors love the boat and what it can do."
"So much so they will go out in no wind against a tide that means you go back to the same buoy 7 times and have to wait 2 hours for a tow to get to the start! But then the next day you have wind and some amazing 3 sail reaches down the waves barrelling into the reach mark. These are the reasons why we always return to the Osprey Nationals."
Nicola has sailed several Osprey Nationals, so is not lacking in enthusiasm for the class herself! But this year for the first time she teamed up with her brother Simon, one of a number of young teams entering the class this year.
There were many family connections in the entries; father/son, brother/sister, husband/wife teams and other family bragging rights with members in different boats. Additionally the class welcomed those who have been sailing other classes; including 505s, Mirrors, Javelins, Merlin Rockets, Kestrels, and coming in from the RYA junior and youth classes too.
The oldest boat, Osprey 757 'More Panic', sailed 3 up, was helmed by 15-year old ex-Optimist & Topper sailor Chris Hampshire who now sails a 420. His dad's comment:
"Newbie to Osprey but not to racing, as anyone who tried to roll us found out! Definitely in charge of the boat!"
The full program of 8 races was completed over the four days, even though on Sunday the wind did not appear and many found it a challenge getting out to the race area against the strong flood tide!
The new Champions, Matt Rainback & Phil Angrave, set out their stall on the first day with two 1st's and continued for the rest of the races discarding a 3rd & 4th place.
2023 Osprey Class Nationals: 2022 runners up front & centre Ben McGrane & James Ross sailing Osprey 1340 `Beastly Whizzer` - photo © Peter Hickson
In second place were Ben McGrane & James Ross, who got to grips with boat very quickly after buying the boat. Ben & James are newcomers to the class, although Ben excels in many classes from Int14s to Mirrors.
Third place went to Chris Gould & Dan Martin who did just enough in the final race with a 3rd. The Champions of the previous two years, Matt Burge & Vyv Townend, could not quite make the podium this year even though they posted three 2nd places on the final day, finishing 4th overall.
Rounding out the Top 5 was the first Lady helm, Caroline Croft with Mike Greig on the wire.
The class boat, Osprey 1360 was sailed by Adam Southern & Esme Greatorex, who had a try of the boat when it was at Emsworth. Esme (15) has come through the Emsworth Junior & Youth program and has sailed Optimist / Feva / Laser 2000/ RS200. The class boat is available to borrow under a loan agreement, more information on the class website.
2023 Osprey Class Nationals: Terry Curtis & Peter Greig Osprey 1234 `Plan B` - photo © Neil Shawcross
The Osprey Class say a BIG THANK YOU to Hayling Island SC and the companies that provided sponsorship - Hartley Boats, Craftinsure, Allen Brothers, ClamCleat, Fernhurst Books, Rain&Sun, Robline and SeaSure.
The next event in the Osprey Class sailing calendar is the Round the Island Race being held, subject to weather conditions, on either Saturday 23rd or Sunday 24th September 2023. This event is for Osprey Class members only and the entry limit has already been reached. Lymington Town SC is the base for the event. Not only do the Osprey class provide fantastic Nationals every year, but just occasionally, you get the chance to go round the Isle of Wight! Now what other class can offer that?
The Osprey Class Committee are already preparing for the 2024 National Championships to be hosted by Poole Yacht Club, Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th September 2024. Thirteen 'Expressions of Interest' have already been submitted. If you know of an Osprey that is not being used, please get in touch with the class and let the owner know there are people wanting to buy one.
More info about the class at ospreysailing.org
