MK 4 OSPREY

Redback Im based near Bath but tend to travel with the Hornets as my local puddle doesnt suit them (too many big shifts) If Im up your way or your coming this way we can sort something out. The plank has to be experienced.

Redback your welcome to try the Hornet experience any time. Trap or Plank?

Well, we are still drinking the champagne, (decided not to pour it over the boat), does that give you some indication?  We won our first race,  however musn't get too carried away because we sailed well in our Mk 3 also,  the boat tracks well off wind and performs equally well upwind. The boat is finished to a high standard and Hartley Laminates should be proud of their new product. Time will tell when she sails against other Ospreys. Early signs look good. Some very minor adjustments to be made. Approving comments made by other sailors.

The Osprey is not a development class nor is it a one design (although some might claim its a one design).  Its like many boats from that era - a one design with a bit of development - and its my view that this makes some of the best boats.  Have a look around, some of the nicest boats fall into this category, Scorpion, 5o5, Graduate, Enterprise, Contender and there's loads more.  Where are the strict one designs of past eras, Mirror 14, Mirror 16, Toy, only the very popular one designs survive the the advance of technology, and even the Laser had to change its control lines to retain its popularity.

Way back - before my time - even strict one designs had to change with the introduction of polyester sails.  I suspect the same is going to happen with carbon rigs.  Its going to be facinating to watch.

And I'm sorry if the Hornets feel neglected in one of my earlier posts.  They too are a good boat although this is one class I have never sailed so I'd better shut up at this point.