The class have been informed of the passing of a great Osprey sailor, Tony Blatchford, just before Christmas. The Osprey Class Committee have sent condolences to the family on behalf of the Osprey Class.
Tony, together with crew Brent Strickland (brother-in-law), competed in 6 National Championships, numerous open meetings and other class Championships. His National Championship record of 4 consective National Championships (1974-1977) still stands today.
The following is from Brent Strickland:
It is with much sadness I would like to inform you that Tony Blachford died on 21/12/2023.
He was a great sailor who really enjoyed the friendship and camaraderie of our friends in the Osprey family, we were fortunate to race at a time when the championships and open meeting were vey competitive and had great sailors and characters.
Tony was a tremendous heavy weather sailor and loved strong winds and big waves, but he could also use his skills and tactics to perform well in all conditions.
He will be sadly missed by his family and the sailing community in Lymington.
Thank you for your warm words and condolences. Yes no problem in posting the information about Tony, he is survived by his wife Debbbie and son Christopher, also his sister Carole ( my wife) and younger brother David.
Although Tony hadn’t been well for several years his problems were not considered life threatening so it was a shock when he was receiving ongoing treatment in hospital and had a massive heart attack. His funeral will be a close family affair but there is a possibility of a memorial service later which I will let you know about if it goes ahead.
Carole & I visited Hayling Island for your Nationals and Tony was delighted when I showed him the pictures I took of Infidel still looking pristine after 42 years.
Earlier in the year we looked back at several of the old newsletters and reminisced about the great times we had.
Thank you for taking the time to remember such a great sailor.
Kind regards
Brent Strickland
