Past Event Reports

REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD– EDWARDS AND BOWERS TAKE OSPREY NATIONALS

Huw Pearce Event Reports 06 March 2024 Hits: 168

Uzi Power reach -photograph copyright Simon Edwards

Video from masthead of Osprey 'Jammy Dodger'!

After three days of hard racing at Mumbles, the wind finally expired on the final day. After holding the fleet ashore, the Race Officer made a prompt decision to cancel sailing, as the breeze failed to arrive.

Victors this year were DJ Edwards and Adam Bowers [see photograph below with Liza Chess presenting], reunited again in an Osprey, 20 years after their last sail together. Just two points behind were Terry Curtis and Peter Greig, with last year’s Champions Martin Cooney and Peter Frith a point adrift.

The 2016 National Champions DJ Edwards [helm on left], Adam Bowers [crew on left] with Lisa Chess who presented prizes - photo copyright Alan Henderson

While all three leading teams had years of Championship sailing behind them, the class’s 2016 Nationals had a real theme of change, of re-invigoration of the class. The first Mark V Ospreys were part of the 36 boat fleet, but more important there was a big influx of new blood coming into the class, and competing very successfully.

Some of the “Nippers” - photograph copyright Alan Henderson

Winning crew Adam Bowers warmly welcomed the “Nippers” as he called them, most of whom had not yet been born when Adam and DJ last sailed an Osprey together! Three under 21 helms were in the top ten, and Adam was sure that it wouldn’t be long before he and his helm would be unable to fend off the youngsters’ challenge. Perhaps even at Poole next year in August at the class’s 60th Nationals?

Final results, eight races, two discards;

1. D J Edwards & Adam Bowers, Tata SC and Castle Cove SC, 11pts

2. Terry Curtis and Peter Greig, Weymouth SC, 13pts

3. Martin Cooney and Peter Frith, Poole YC, 14pts

4. Piers Strong and Phil Angrave, Poole YC, 19pts

5. Richard and Mark Hartley, RYA, 35pts

Full results

The Osprey Class would like to thank their welcoming hosts at Mumbles YC, and the sponsors of a memorable 2016 Osprey National Championships.

For further information about the class, see www.ospreysailing.org , or the Sail Osprey Facebook page.

Full results at http://mumblesyachtclub.co.uk/results.

Osprey class builder is Hartley Boats, who launched the new Mark V Osprey this year. This is the first Nationals at which the new Mark Vs are sailing. www.hartleyboats.com , 01332 369751.

Class Press Officer Alan Henderson on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Pictures by Colin Jenkins, Simon Edwards and Alan Henderson.

PHOTOS & VIDEOS

REPORTS