Margate Osprey Open - A view from Bird of Prey 3

Published 01:00 on 31 Aug 2025

A view from Chris Hatcher, Bird of Prey 3

With a borrowed boat 50 years old, a new team weighing just 135kg and 30mph winds forecast - what could possibly go wrong? Day 1 big winds and many capsizes.

Race 1 - kept it upright placed respectably 2 amongst MYC boats but it was purely survival conditions for us whilst being so light the visitors were lapping up the conditions for ahead.

Race 2 - dropped tiller on spinnaker hoist - big luff went swimming. Too old for this. With a good view of the underside we found a large crack in the hull. No more racing for us. Disappointment wrapped up in relief for me, being in later life!

For Winter, my 14 year old crew it was a tragedy. He was loving every minute - fearless and adventurous. I do remember those days. With the whole fleet going swimming at some stage during the morning session, sense took over and just four brave teams headed out for race 3. I felt vindicated.

Thinking our damage was terminal I was looking forward to a lie in on day 2. No chance - Youthful enthusiasm ensued with a trip home to get his hairdryer!! Patience was rewarded with a dry boat and experienced fixer Robert Shaw, who actually once owned the boat, sprang into action to deny me of my lie in. Epoxy, tape left overnight day 2 was on for us.

Day 2 - The morning delivered moderate winds better for us allowing us to deploy tactics. Managed some good starts only to be once again trounced by the visiting rocket ships. As predicted the wind came in with gusto around lunch time but the race officer had managed to get all three races in. With winds building further we managed one final blast back into the harbour. My crew was in heaven.

With a very respectable showing of 8/6/8 from 12 entries with race 5 being the leading local boat we are proud of our achievement. Overall not so good having to count a DNF we ended up way down the results.

Margate YC put on an amazing event with such energy and commitment from the team of volunteers, enhanced by glowing praise from the visiting Ospreys. The visitors showed themselves to be a very friendly engaging group all pulling together to ensure the class remains strong. 'I'll be back' didn't someone once say?

Margate summary

Margate open winners - Caroll's (1116), 1383 2nd and 1385 3rd by virtue of their last race win.

A huge thank you to Antony Shaw and the whole team at Margate - it was such a fantastic event with a very warm welcome!

https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/289659/Osprey-class-South-East-Tour

Last updated 12:26 on 23 September 2025