The Uffa Fox designed Flying 30 'Huff of Arklow' is set for restoration

by Duncan Foulkes 20 Dec 2025 15:20 GMT

A world famous racing yacht will be heading to Holyhead in the next few weeks to be restored to her former glory.

Built to a revolutionary design in 1951 and considered to be the grandfather of the modern-day racing yachts, the Huff of Arklow is currently moored at Portishead Marina, Bristol where she will be made seaworthy before sailing to North Wales for full restoration.

The 44 foot sloop was bought in 2019 by Anthony Cooper-Barney, owner of one of Wales' top hotels, Palé Hall at Llandderfel, near Bala and his solicitor Simon Holt, an experienced yachtsman who sadly passed away in 2021.

Now Anthony has decided to donate the yacht to classic boat enthusiast Richard Frick, who lives near Cemaes Bay, Anglesey, so that it can be brought back to life and give people a memorable sailing experience.

In the future, both men would like to be able to take individuals, including children, out on the yacht to support a charity formed in memory of Anthony's late son, James who tragically died in a car accident at the age of 16. The James Barney Foundation is dedicated to helping children and young people pursue life-changing opportunities.

Anthony said he and Simon purchased the Huff of Arklow with the intention of entering it in the Cannes Regatta. Sadly, Simon passed away before this could be achieved.

"I have a huge sentimental attachment to the Huff of Arklow because Simon was a close friend and we shared a passion for sailing," he added. "We spent more than £100,000 preparing the yacht for the Cannes Regatta but sadly Simon had a heart attack before we managed to do it.

"Simon would have loved to have met Richard and would be delighted that he is going to restore this famous yacht. Honestly, I didn't want to let it go, but it would have just stayed in storage. Richard's the right man for the job.

"I'm delighted that she will be coming to North Wales which suits me just fine as I spend a lot of my time at Palé Hall. Sometime in the future, I would love to be able to take disadvantaged children out on the Huff of Arklow in support of the foundation set up in memory of my son."

Richard, who shares his sailing passion with his wife, Tracy, spent 28 years as an RAF pilot and instructor. He estimates that it will take him and a group of sailing friends, including fellow retired pilot Glen Beresford, six to eight months to restore the Huff of Arklow.

"Glen and I got the Huff of Arklow sailing in the Bristol Channel a few days ago and it was a successful trip," he said. "We are just waiting for a suitable weather window to start sailing her along the Welsh coast.

"We are hoping to take her initially to Holyhead in the next few weeks and eventually have her berthed at Port Dinorwic. She needs quite a bit of TLC but it's an exciting project."

Explaining his reason for taking on the restoration challenge, he said: "I can't resist an opportunity to fix up boats but keeping this one alive long term is a real responsibility and I would welcome support.

"It's very much a journey. As Lord Tennyson famously said: 'Tis better to have loved and lost, than not to have loved at all'!

"Sailing for me captures so many important life experiences. It's not all about winning races - there is so much more to the sport.

"It's a great way to view the countryside and appreciate the amazing wildlife of the sea and the environment. It's also a great way to socialise and learn about teamwork, but above all, it's an opportunity to leave behind the mobile phone and all the distractions of modern life!

"It's amazing when one experiences a 10 ton vessel powering effortlessly through the waves in just a light breeze. There are also essential seamanship and practical skills to learn - if something goes wrong at sea you have to fix it!

"I think it's important to teach the next generation the power of nature and traditional values and that's why I really enjoy taking people out and sharing the experience.

"If we can make a difference to someone's life, who is perhaps less fortunate than ourselves or make a few people happy, then our project will be a great success."

The Huff of Arklow is brimming with history. Designed by Uffa Fox, sailing mentor to the Royal family, for RAF pilot Douglas Heard, she was based upon the successful Flying Fifteen dinghy, one of the first masthead rig sloops and the first ocean going yacht design to plane.

Built by Jack Tyrell & Sons of Arklow, she is believed to be the only Flying 30 left and was noted for her speed. On her trip to Iceland in 1960, she recorded a speed of 23 knots and was awarded the Faulkner Cup, which she won again in 1962 for her trip to the Azores.