Mount's Bay attracts champions past and present for 2019 Osprey Nationals

2018 Osprey Champions Terry Curtis & Peter Greig © Mike Millard

This event is going to be ultra-competitive. Everyone wants to win, but of course there can be only one winner of the 2019 Osprey National Championship so, with a line-up that includes the who's who of Osprey fame, picking that winner is nearly impossible.

Returning to Mount's Bay from Sunday 4th to Wednesday 7th August following after an absence of 10 years, this venue lives long in the memory of Osprey sailors for its ability to produce decent big sea conditions for a proper sea boat, there is no question that by the end of the event all crews will be eager to get back to the office for a well-earned rest. This year the Ospreys share the venue with our friends from the Enterprise fleet and with both classes offering up good numbers the dinghy park, on water and social events are going to be lively for sure.

To get a taste of the talent on show let's start with Andy Barker and Stuart Maunder, these guys have linked up this year campaigning several Open meetings to get up to speed with the final meeting at Weymouth showing glimpses of what they can do. Andy has forgotten more than most on how to make the boat go quick and Stuart is quietly efficient at the front end so I look forward to seeing this pair in action.

The next duo have combined to become a dominant force, DJ Edwards and local giant of the Mount, Mikey Greig will be using the legendary and rather apt Lethal Weapon as their charge. Mikey came so close last year at Weymouth so will be super keen this time around, there is also brotherly rivalry at stake which for 2 local lads is as important as the trophy itself. DJ of course needs no introduction to most sailing folk, he is generally the guy you never really see until back in the bar afterwards. They can win in the light stuff so when it blows the power on tap is hard to match by anyone else.

The reigning Champions and team looking to do the treble is of course Terry Curtis and Peter Greig. They have the talent, they have the boat, they have it all but will it be enough? There is no doubting the desire and commitment, they have become the benchmark within the fleet and have had good results so far this year so one thing is for certain, they won't give up the cup without a fight. Peter also wants the bragging rights within the Greig household so plenty of motivation there.

Moving onto another great team, Angus Hemmings and Adam Bowers, the usual approach is to 'wing it' a little but rumours suggest that an element of practice and preparation has gone in this year to improve from a largely successful Weymouth. Always quick to the windward mark and a lifetime of knowledge on tap regarding every aspect of sailing including which beer is the best, can they be this year's dark horse?

Matt Burge and Vyv Townend just squeezed the entry in before the cut off. Matt made it clear last year that winning back the trophy was unfinished business and Vyv has found a good Mk IV Osprey to provide the opportunity, let battle commence!

Chris Gould and Nick Broomhall have reappeared after several years away and could be a threat especially if it is on the light side. Chris has mobilised his other half as well to jump into a borrowed boat with a certain Jon Gorringe so this list is getting longer.

Colin Stephens and Steve George must be pleased with the company that has decided to join them at their home club and they are sure to provide stiff opposition to the rest. Steve is usually seen helming so it will be interesting to see him at the busy end whilst Colin is another very accomplished helm, the list goes on and on but to quickly mention a couple of others for fear of being lynched, Piers Strong and Phil Angrave are always in the top bracket so certainly capable of the win, whilst Martin Cooney and Peter Frith despite a forced lack of practice could quite easily disappear over the horizon if they get the chance. My final prediction for an upset is Peter Lloyd and Emma Stevenson who have teamed up for this year and look very quick indeed using a heavily modified Mk V the boat name 'OMG' could be very literal.

It is true to say that there is no easy Osprey race, and there will be battles throughout the field in this super competitive class, my thanks to all of the teams for making the long drive to the Mount. If you are not an Osprey sailor but reading this gets you thinking then get in touch and join us, you won't regret it.

Finally and most importantly the class wishes to thank its generous Sponsors Hartley Boats, Allen Brothers, Rain & Sun, Gul Watersports, SeaSure, Clamcleat, Marlow ropes and Moatt Sails.