Record numbers of Ospreys prepare for Nationals at Porthpean
by Alan Henderson, Osprey Class Association 3 Jul 2014 20:12 BST
19-22 July 2014
2013 Osprey National Champions Andy Barker & Peter Greig © Mike Rice /
www.fotoboat.com
With just over a fortnight to go until the Osprey Nationals at Porthpean, Cornwall on July 19-22, record numbers of entries are coming in. Monday marked the end of the period for discounted entries, and 35 Ospreys took advantage of the bargain early price of £135 for a four day Championship.
Last year, in the Osprey class's 60th anniversary Championship, numbers soared to 40 boats, and this year the class hopes to surpass this total as the class's growth continues. The entries so far include a mix of regular competitors, people returning to the class, and top sailors from other classes who want the challenge of sailing in this demanding boat.
Returners include multi Osprey champion Oscar Chess, 1996 Champion D J Edwards and Mike and Pam Murray, while visitors Matt Burge and Vyv Townend boast a clutch of Fireball titles. Another multi title sailor Tim Rush of North Sails will be on the water recording video, then giving feedback and advice to sailors afterwards.
The Championship will be held over four days, with a mix of triangle sausage and trapezoid courses, and two or three races every day.
Osprey class Chairman Peter Frith said, "This is the third time we have been to this friendly club, and we are very much returning there by popular demand. Camping near to the club house means that the event has a very friendly feel with much socialising after sailing. The club is nestled in the side of the land above the secluded beach. Being in Cornwall, we're looking forward to the club's pasty boat coming out to feed us too. That's just an example of the splendid way the club looks after us. At the end of the discount period we've already exceeded the record entry for a Porthpean Championship, and we hope for plenty more entries to come."
The good news is that there is still time to enter this Championship and join in the fun, with entries remaining open over the next fortnight.
Perhaps you would like to join in? To find out more about the Class and the Championship, go to ospreysailing.org, where a number of second hand boats are advertised.