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It was always Hartley Boats ambition to have a good strong range of boats for single-hander sailors. With the success of the Supernova and then the Byte we had been looking for several years for the right boat to extend our choice to customers.
The day we received the phone call offering the sale of the Blaze Copyright and tooling we jumped at the chance to acquire this boat. We had observed this class grow and watched the boat sail on the water and, we were excited at the prospect of taking this boat into the future. It was an alternative to the Supernova and was a great fit for our range.
With this knowledge and after talking to owners of the boat, we would be able to improve further the boat in the construction and quality. We believed that the already very quick Blaze would be made even quicker, with a stiffer floor and hull and a complete re-faring of the tooling.
We were aware that the boat had high stress areas, these in time caused cracking, the wings also could be improved by a design update, this together with many other improvements and benefits could bring to the boat to make the Blaze more appealing and in-turn become an even more successful class.
Appoint a Naval Architect of the moment, his experience and design knowledge would take this boat to the next level, to spend whatever it takes to produce the best Blaze that money could buy. Peter Hobson was approached and he was very pleased to join the team and believed he could improve the boat and give it a great future. Having examined and tested an existing Blaze and following six months research, the new Hartley Blaze improvements and benefits plan was ready for the final Hartley Boats Board meeting to review. Following a full day of discussion, approval was given for the project to begin.
The improvements and benefits for the new Hartley Boats Blaze were headed by the main objective, to improve the stiffness of the boat and stop the flexing. This would be achieved by removing the heavy frame used to stiffen the boat with a fully moulded bulkhead system, this would not only stiffen the floor but also in-turn make the hull lighter, saving weight that would be used to stiffen and strengthen stress areas. With a complete re-fairing of the hull tooling this would give us an outstanding performing Blaze, that is capable of winning the National Championship with any capable helm.
Re-design the wings to function easily and smoothly. Change the finish from powder coating to anodised to make them hard wearing and longer lasting. Improvement to the slot gasket recess to ensure the new hull does not lose any of its advantages, finally fit continuous control lines with elastic. Soakaways will improve and make the boat more user friendly.
And, changing from a gunnel hung launch trolley to a twin cradle trolley thus making launching and recovery a much simpler task to complete the whole package.
Why buy a Hartley Boats Blaze?
STABILITY
With its length of 4.2m and its very wide beam and recently introduced sealed mast you have a very stable platform which gives every sailor confidence and the desire to sail the boat in even challenging conditions. The boat is not only loved by the mature sailor who gains by the massive benefits of having the racks to balance the boat rather than the hard work of hiking out but, the boat is also loved by the young and experienced sailor for its speed, responsive helm and how easy the boat is to sail especially when you make that daft mistake. The boat design gives you that extra time to correct the mistake without being thrown into the water.
Yes, the boat is a dream to sail, it fly’s and is exciting to sail up-wind, using the wings to keep the boat flat is a comfortable and enjoyable sail. Yes, the Blaze is a high-performance boat but the Blaze is designed with a wide beam to give the boat stability so the boat offers sailors speed and comfortable sailing coupled with a very stable boat. I am pleased that all of the objectives and benefits for the Blaze have been achieved and the Hartley Boats Blaze soon became a winner at the Nationals.
The Blaze has a full class association who are very welcoming and helpful and a great class of sailors, you will be made most welcome by the class. They have a full racing calendar and they have a well-attended National Championship every year. The Blaze sails very well to its handicap and any good Blaze sailor can do well sailing the Blaze at local club handicap racing.
When we sell a new boat Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover to ensure that you fully understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment. We also tune your new Blaze and we go through the boat set up for a beat, reach and run.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee. Should it be needed we are able to deliver.
We were very excited, not only would we have a small single-handed race boat with an established Byte Class Association with a full training and racing calendar but, a boat that was raced throughout the world.
A boat that would fit our requirements with a helm weight range of between 55kgs and 75kgs. Even better, with a simple change of bottom section of the mast and a change to the small sail, you now have the ideal boat for helms with a weight between 35kgs to 65kgs.
We were convinced that with our intended list of improvements and benefits, we could make this single hander a world leader. The list of improvements to be made to the existing boat were, to fair the hull, improve the foils for better performance, fit an adjustable sailing track which would help the helm control the sail and help to de-power in heavy winds. Fit easy to use cleats with keepers, continuous control lines and a larger metal bailer to help drain the boat quicker. Build the boat to last the rigours of time and give real value for money. Offer sailors a choice of colour for the hull, deck and non-slip floor, we will even be happy to put a logo/boat name on your hull.
Why buy a Byte CI or CII?
The boat was designed to look stunning and with the colourful, fully battered main the boat just comes to life and is outstanding.
The boat is comfortable to sail, with its high boom, centre sheeting, no catching on the transom when gybing and with user friendly controls, the boat just handles like a dream in all conditions. Fitted with a carbon mast this makes the boat outstanding to sail, in big winds the boat then becomes very special to sail, the carbon mast not only bends and allows the rig to de-power in order that you don’t fight the boat, but it is comfortable and a joy to sail.
The carbon rig in big gusts just bends and flattens and then powers up giving the helm time to react to the gust and control the boat. With a hull weight of only 45kgs, should you get the gybe wrong the boat is easy to right, just get back in and pop down the bailer and carry on with your racing. The hull weight of only 45kgs also makes it easy to tow and launch and recovery is a doddle.
The Byte Class Association offers a full racing calendar and National Championship with training sessions. The class is very friendly, helpful and a great crowd to be with. Above all, they are very welcoming to any new members, a free full year’s membership is given when you buy a new boat.
When we sell a new boat Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover to ensure that you fully understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment. We also tune your new Byte and go through the boat set up for a beat, reach and run. This helps you achieve the best results when racing.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee. Should it be needed we may be able to deliver.
We were very excited, not only would we have a small single-handed race boat with an established Byte Class Association with a full training and racing calendar but, a boat that was raced throughout the world.
A boat that would fit our requirements with a helm weight range of between 55kgs and 75kgs. Even better, with a simple change of bottom section of the mast and a change to the small sail, you now have the ideal boat for helms with a weight between 35kgs to 65kgs.
We were convinced that with our intended list of improvements and benefits, we could make this single hander a world leader. The list of improvements to be made to the existing boat were, to fair the hull, improve the foils for better performance, fit an adjustable sailing track which would help the helm control the sail and help to de-power in heavy winds. Fit easy to use cleats with keepers, continuous control lines and a larger metal bailer to help drain the boat quicker. Build the boat to last the rigours of time and give real value for money. Offer sailors a choice of colour for the hull, deck and non-slip floor, we will even be happy to put a logo/boat name on your hull.
Why buy a Byte CI or CII?
The boat was designed to look stunning and with the colourful, fully battered main the boat just comes to life and is outstanding.
The boat is comfortable to sail, with its high boom, centre sheeting, no catching on the transom when gybing and with user friendly controls, the boat just handles like a dream in all conditions. Fitted with a carbon mast this makes the boat outstanding to sail, in big winds the boat then becomes very special to sail, the carbon mast not only bends and allows the rig to de-power in order that you don’t fight the boat, but it is comfortable and a joy to sail.
The carbon rig in big gusts just bends and flattens and then powers up giving the helm time to react to the gust and control the boat. With a hull weight of only 45kgs, should you get the gybe wrong the boat is easy to right, just get back in and pop down the bailer and carry on with your racing. The hull weight of only 45kgs also makes it easy to tow and launch and recovery is a doddle.
The Byte Class Association offers a full racing calendar and National Championship with training sessions. The class is very friendly, helpful and a great crowd to be with. Above all, they are very welcoming to any new members, a free full year’s membership is given when you buy a new boat.
When we sell a new boat Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover to ensure that you fully understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment. We also tune your new Byte and go through the boat set up for a beat, reach and run. This helps you achieve the best results when racing.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee. Should it be needed we may be able to deliver.
The desire to have the best range of single-handed boats in the Hartley stable came true when we were offered the build rights, moulds, tooling and patterns for the Contender.
We were disappointed that unlike other classes we could not buy the copyright and be fully in charge over future policy and the destination for the Contender. With other Contender builders throughout the World, would we be able to sell our boats and compete?
We were happy with selling the boat into the UK market but the challenge to allow the Contender sailors to choose the boat of their choice gave us a challenge. In a very short time, we agreed a deal. Just to have an already fantastic range of single-hander boats, the Byte, Supernova, Blaze and now the World’s best single-hander trapeze boat, the Contender, would make the whole team very proud.
We decided not to compete but to design and build the World’s best Contender that sailors would want to buy if they wanted to win championships. To achieve this goal, we would need two important commodities. The first, no budget set for the boat cost and whatever we have to spend, we would spend it. The second, a Naval Architect that is good enough to design, oversee the patterns, moulds and tooling being built, then organise the boat build procedures to ensure the boat reaches its potential, ensuring the quality and durability of the boat is to Hartley Boats standard and reputation.
Fortunately, Peter Hobson one of the best Naval Architects jumped at the opportunity and was 100% convinced he could not only design and build a great Contender but a boat that could win the World Championship, provided he had the budget and the boat was being sailed by a capable experienced helm. Hartley Boats from the start of the campaign believed the only way to achieve our goal was that the Contender we build must have benefits over any other Contender manufacturer. The Hartley Boats team made it clear to Peter that whatever time it took, we would only go ahead when we were convinced we have those benefits
After months of drawings, time and effort Peter presented his list of benefits and improvements to the Hartley Boats Team to get the final approval. At that meeting we were surprised at the extensive list of benefits he could deliver for the Contender, the list is as follows:
Following twelve months of hard work, Peter with the Hartley’s Team had produced the first boat and after trials we were overjoyed with the results. With a strong order book and new customers feed-back and sailing results, we have clearly confirmed that this is a very special Contender and if sailed by the right helm can and will win the Worlds, it is just a matter of time.
For Hartley Boats, when we show our new Contender be it in the UK or at the Dusseldorf Boat Show, we are proud that the boat looks stylish, elegant and a boat you would want to sail, the customers reaction when they see the boat speaks for itself, we are very pleased we are a Contender builder. Every new Contender has a measurement certificate and is complete and ready to sail.
When we sell a new boat Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover to ensure that you fully understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment. We also tune your new Contender and go through the boat set up for a beat, reach and run. This helps you achieve the best results when racing.
For our UK customers, we are able to deliver if required. Overseas customers, we are able to ship anywhere in the World. We not only obtain the best shipping costs, we load your boat in the container, prepare and secure your boat to ensure it arrives at its destination in the very same condition it left the UK.
To say Hartley Boats were pleased to add the Gull to our existing range would be a lie. When we bought the Wayfarer and Wanderer copyrights from the Proctor family, Roger asked me “do you want the Gull?”. The response for this 11ft (3.35m) little boat which I had seen many times in different locations was, “not for us, this was not a boat I have aspirations to build”. Again, Roger insisted it was a great boat, sells well and sails fantastic, you should take it. Reluctantly we did, we bought the tooling and produced and sold Gulls for several months.
Unlike both the Wayfarer and Wanderer, we did not re-design the boat to avoid spending the many thousands of £’s involved in producing patterns, moulds and templates needed when you produce a new boat, no, not for this average boat! All this changed, the day we delivered and completed a handover of a Gull to a new owner at a Sailing Club. "Come and sail with me it’s a great day, good winds and I am a novice sailor, I would enjoy you helming my new boat".
That sail taught me so much, as well as proving I had been a fool and I had got the Gull wrong. I should have known that the man that designed the Wayfarer, Wanderer and over 100 other fantastic boats would also design the Gull to be a special boat. Within a short-time my eyes were opened, the boat felt stable and light on the tiller, it sailed as if it was a much larger boat. I was surprised, amazed and totally sold on this boat. The Gull has the same chined hull as the Wanderer and Wayfarer and is also a very special boat.
Next day, a made a phone call to my Naval Architect, Phil Morrison. “I have an urgent job for you, we are going to make changes and improvements to the Gull. Can you start now? I will send you the list of improvements and benefits and give you the plans for you to get cracking”. I was excited for the boats future and realised with Phil’s help this boat could be a fantastic boat with a great and long-term future. The list of changes required were very difficult for Phil to achieve but Phil’s respect for Ian Proctor made him determined to ensure the new boat would be special.
The list was headed by, no hull change at all. This chined, Proctor designed 11ft (3.35m) hull is so stable, easy to sail and handles big seas and waves as if it was a larger boat, we had the most stable platform of any 11ft (3.35m) sailing dinghy. Not only does it give confidence to the crew but the boat moves well through the water and is a pleasure to sail. The changes would be to the deck layout. Firstly, design a new foredeck to improve the look of the boat, make it look beautiful and sleek. Re-design the rear locker to give style to the boat, make it big enough to carry clothing, outboard and cheese and wine for cruising trips. The seating is very comfortable, lower the cockpit floor to give even more leg room and facilitate for self-bailers to be fitted. These changes with the very special hull design have delivered a very special 11ft (3.35m) sailing boat. Every year the fleet grows with nearly 3,000 sold.
Why is the Gull the best 3.35m cruiser in the world? Firstly, the hull design, this is the most STABLE 3.35m dinghy in its field, tested for two adults and two children or is great as a single-hander, comfortable seating, with plenty of leg room, a high boom makes tacking and gybing a doddle. The boat comes with a main and genoa but you can add a spinnaker for those enthusiastic sailors.
For those long-haul cruising sailors, you can have a slab reefing main with a reefing genoa, this allows you to fully reef down your boat within twenty-five seconds, you can then sail comfortably in big seas and strong winds. This boat although very STABLE in the right wind conditions will get up and go, this is not a boring boat. With the benefit of the integral rear locker you can switch to an engine if required or even row the boat.
As well as choosing the boat specification to suit your needs you can choose the colour of your hull, foredeck, deck and non-slip floor. We can even put a logo of your choice on your boat. This boat is a very special 3.35m sailing dinghy. It is double handed or is great to sail single handed.
The new boat can be built to your specification be it to a limited budget or with all the bells and whistles, you decide your requirements with the knowledge that the Hartley Boats Team will give you sound advice to ensure you get the fit-out right for your needs.
For those racing enthusiasts we are able to offer a racing set up, the boat has a great PY of 1363 and does well in handicap racing.
When we sell a new boat Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover to ensure that you fully understand how to rig your boat and most importantly that you get the best from your new investment. This helps you enjoy sailing your new boat and helps make sure you come off the water with confidence and want to return and sail again. With a hull weight of only 88kgs it makes towing, launching and recovery a doddle, even for a single-handed sailor.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee.
The H10 Racer is an ideal boat for racing, this boat is designed that with the right wind conditions to get up and plain and be an exciting sail. In big winds with all the boats design benefits the boat is an outstanding performer giving any new racing owner the confidence to push the boat to its limits but with the knowledge the boat is easy to handle in these windy conditions
This new generation of rotor moulded boat has been designed by Phil Morrison, not only to last the rigours of time but to be the most outstanding 10ft (3.04 m) dingy ever designed and with unique sailing benefits and qualities to become in time a world leader.
We offer a very simple upgrade kit, which includes kicker, ratchet blocks and racing main to the standard H10 Cruiser, with these changes the boat becomes a great racing boat.
The H10 then performs very well to its PY 1350 handicap and with the full race set-up this boat is guaranteed to keep new racing sailors entertained and rewarded for their efforts.
When we sell a new boat, Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover. Not only to ensure our customer understands how to rig their new boat but most importantly that they get the best from their new investment and enjoy sailing the boat and come of the water wanting to return and sail again.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee. If you need your boat to be delivered, we can accommodate.
The H12 Racer is an ideal boat for racing. This boat is designed that with the right wind conditions the boat will get up and plain and be an exciting sail. In big winds, with all the boats design benefits the boat is an outstanding performer giving any new racing owner the confidence to push the boat to its limits but also with the knowledge the boat is easy to handle in these windy conditions
This new generation of rotor-moulded boat has been designed by Phil Morrison not only to last the rigours of time but to be the most outstanding 12ft (3.65 m) dingy ever designed, with unique sailing benefits and qualities to become in time a world leader.
We offer a very simple upgrade kit, which includes kicker, ratchet blocks and a racing main which when added to the standard H12 Cruiser changes the boat into a great racing boat.
The H12 Racer then performs very well to its PY 1250 handicap and with the full race set up this boat is guaranteed to keep new racing sailors entertained and rewarded for their efforts.
When we sell a new boat, Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover. Not only to ensure that you understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment and enjoy sailing the boat and come of the water wanting to return and sail again.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee. If you need your boat to be delivered, we can accommodate.
The H12.2 Racer is an ideal boat for racing, this boat is designed that with the right wind conditions it will get up and plain and be an exciting sail. In big winds with all the boats design benefits, the boat is an outstanding performer giving any new racing owner the confidence to push the boat to its limits but, with the knowledge that the boat is easy to handle in these windy conditions and has a choice of either asymmetric or symmetric spinnaker.
This new generation of rotor-moulded boat has been designed by Phil Morrison not only to last the rigours of time but to be the most outstanding 12ft (3.65 m) dinghy ever designed, with unique sailing benefits and qualities to become in time a world leader.
We offer a very simple upgrade kit, which includes kicker, ratchet blocks and a racing main that are added to the standard H12.2 Cruiser and with these changes, the boat becomes a great racing boat.
The H12.2 Racer performs very well to its PY 1250 handicap and with the full race set up this boat is guaranteed to keep new racing sailors entertained and rewarded for their efforts.
We are proud to say all the benefits plus more have been achieved, we believe the H12.2 Racer dinghy is the most stable 12ft (3.65m) sailing dinghy in the world. Designed to give confidence and bring a smile to whoever sails the boat. The H12.2 Racer was not designed to be a boring boat, with the right conditions it will get up and plain and be exciting to sail.
When we sell a new boat, Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover. Not only to ensure that you understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment and enjoy sailing the boat and come off the water wanting to return and sail again.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee.
The H15 Racer, as well as being an outstandingly built roto-boat with a 4-year guarantee, has the important features needed to be a good racing boat. With an integrated centreboard with slot gasket and a lifting rudder and an integrated roller jib furler making launch and recover easy.
This 2-person racer has the option of an asymmetric or symmetric spinnaker and comes with a top spec sail to ensure maximum performance. A very stable boat you can sail and push hard with the knowledge you are sailing a very stable boat whilst having fun sailing in mixed fleet racing.
This boat is the very reason Hartley Boats exists today and we have built the whole company around this first boat over the past 20 years. It was actually a mistake that we became the builder.
I bought a second hand Kestrel from Blackwater Sailing Club and dad and his seven-year-old son, both novices, started to sail and capsize nearly every time we sailed the boat at our local club.
We then decided to enter the National Championship to be held at Sunderland Sailing Club on sea water. First race, strong winds and gusting with massive waves that I was not used to. I wanted to stay on shore but my crew convinced me that we could only get wet. Out of control and on the first gybe my crew and I went swimming and had to be rescued and returned to shore.
That night was the Associations Yearly Annual General Meeting where the Chairman presented his dire update, the builder had gone bust and after six months of trying he could not find another builder and the class was doomed. When all the members were asked for their thoughts and suggestions, my crew said “Dad you need to help!”. My hand went up and I said “Mr Chairman, it sounds to me as if you have given up” at this point his response was “what do you know about manufacturing boats?” I advised “nothing”, he then retorted, “was that you upside down that had to be rescued and brought ashore?” I advised “yes it was”. He advised me to shut up and stop bothering him. Thirty minutes later the Chairman asked if there was anybody present that would build and save the boat? My crew again said “Dad we must save the boat you can do this”. My hand went up again, I was told to be quiet and stop bothering him, the meeting was then brought to a close.
Later in the club bar the other five members of the committee came and asked me if I was serious, could I build the boat? My crew replied, “my Dad can build this boat”. They then disappeared and within a short time they returned and informed me that we were the new Kestrel builders!
I knew that we needed to improve the boats look, buy the copyright, design new pattern moulds and make this boat special and give it a future. We would need to employ the best Naval Architect in the UK and get him to start immediately. By reputation I knew that Phil Morrison was that special man we needed, I will ring him and get on. During my first phone call I explained my requirements and asked for the cost and when he could start, his response was, “no thank you, I’m not interested”. I rang him every day for several days with the same request until he said he was going to put the phone down and I was to stop bothering him.
I knew Phil was the best designer to do the work on this boat so I decided to hook the boat up and tow it to him, I knocked on his door and said I wasn’t leaving until he agreed to take the contract. His brief was not to change the hull design as this was a fabulous design, although a rounded bottom the boat was a thoroughbred, a challenge to sail but when you have mastered this it is the best double-hander symmetric boat you can buy. The boat is so comfortable with its rounded side decks and deep floor, it is a joy to sail, it points well and handles big waves and strong winds in its stride.
The spinnaker is not large but the boat because of its hull shape will pop up and plane. You cannot fail to come ashore without a big smile. Should you get the gybe wrong, the boat is so easy to right and the bailers remove the water. The boat fit-out is user friendly with every control to hand.
The class has a full calendar of open meetings, they are very friendly and helpful and encourage every new sailor. With a National Championship every year. The boat performs very well to its PY 1040 and sailed by a confident crew will have a lot of success at club level.
You can choose your deck, non-slip floor and hull colour, even your own boat name to give your boat the personal touch. With a hull weight of only 134kgs it is easy to tow and a doddle to launch and retrieve. We tune the boat ready to race. We like to complete a full boat handover for every new owner to ensure that they know now to rig their boat, how to set his boat for a beat, reach and run for all conditions. This is to ensure that you get the best results from your new investment but also that you enjoy your new boat.
When we sell a new boat, Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover. Not only to ensure that you understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment and enjoy sailing the boat and come off the water wanting to return and sail again.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee. Should it be needed we are able to deliver.
Hartley Boats love with the Osprey started over fifty years ago when I was invited as a youngster to crew for Wally Gardner, an excellent sailor, at his local club. Thrilling, exciting speed and challenging, the beer tasted twice as good. “Crew for me at the Nationals asked Wally?” “No, I am not experienced, I will let you down”. Wally’s response was, “I will look after you, you will be ok”.
My first time at sea was to be in Filey with wind strength of force 6 and above, 85 entered but only 30 launched, within a few minutes around 20 had capsized or had broken equipment. This was the strongest wind a championship race had even been sailed in for an Osprey Nationals. Both of the local life boats were launched to retrieve the sailors from boats. This was going to be a challenge but I was fit and up for the challenge, would my old helm Wally be up to it! He was getting on a bit, after all he was going to turn 40!
The first beat, I could not see a thing for waves, I was hit by nearly every wave but we were passing the other boats, all was well, then I saw that my old helm had just passed the National Champion Ken Robertson, my smile grew broader and broader with every tack. First round the mark and, as I stood ready to launch the spinnaker I turned and when I saw Wally’s face, he was uncertain but that changed when he saw the second, third and fourth boats fly their kites, up went our spinnaker. Coming from Lancashire I was used to a big thrill from the bigger roller coasters in Blackpool but as soon as I pulled in the kite, I will always remember the speed, excitement and the thrill I felt until I die. How that old man held the boat up and kept me safe in those conditions I shall never forget, but on top of that to get the winners badge that day was the icing on the cake.
Thirty-five years later, to be offered the Osprey from the Proctor family was a great honour and we jumped at the chance and would spend every penny needed to make this very special boat an even greater boat to ensure a secure and lasting future for the boat. I fully understand why Ian Proctor was so disappointed, when at the dinghy trials for the Olympics the Osprey came second to the Flying Dutchman. The boat is an amazing boat and is very special to Hartley Boats, can we improve this boat was the decision to be taken by Hartley Boats? Not the hull, that is the reason the boat is so special, so stable in big seas and in big winds the boat just takes it in its stride. If I was going to sail across the channel it would be difficult to choose between the Wayfarer or the Osprey, both would get me across safely.
Ring the best Naval Architect in the business, Phil Morrison, let him work his magic, improve and modernise the deck and floor layout, but no change to that very special chined hull design, the new Mk4 Hartley was born. This was the successful part in moving the class forward and to secure new sailors to the class.
With design techniques and building development improving, Hartley Boats were convinced that it was the time again for a design update, Peter Hobson a young designer with an excellent reputation could take this boat further and combine all Phil’s work together with improving the deck layout with a sleeker deck, improvements to the side decks, remove the transom and produce a boat that would take us into the future.
The new Mk 5 was designed and built and was an instant success bringing to the fleet new sailors that were inspired with the design and looks of the new boat.
In the future Hartley Boats intended to further invest in the Osprey with a new Mk6 Osprey being launched. Modifications and changes to the way the boat is constructed, together with a much more user friendly and simpler boat fit-out. We are happy with all the design aspects and improvements made to the boat and now believe we have a very special Osprey that will be the boat to grow the fleet and make the class stronger. Having completed all the work, the new boat is ready for its rigorous testing programme. Twelve months of sailing the boat in all weather conditions at local club events, open meetings and at the Osprey National Championships to prove the new Mk6 is good enough to secure that bright and long-lasting future for the class. Following a successful testing period, we will release the boat for sale on a first come first served basis.
Why buy an Osprey?
This is a quick and exciting boat to sail, it does everything very easily, it is the Rolls Royce of the Hartley Boats range and can be sailed by two or three sailors. This boat is so stable it breeds confidence to any new helm. It is comfortable to sail, with the boom at the right height to tack and gybe easily. With a hull weight of only 138kgs it’s great to handle on and off the water. It is easy to launch and recover and a doddle to tow. The class is amazing to sail in, very welcoming, helpful and one big family. We already have over 50 entries for the 2020 Nationals with a full calendar of race meetings. The Osprey is also a great boat to sail in handicap fleets and with a good helm you can win in the Osprey. The boat performs well to its handicap and is great to sail in all weather conditions.
When we sell a new boat Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover to ensure that you fully understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment. We also tune your new Osprey and go through the boat set up for a beat, reach and run. This helps you achieve the best results when racing.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee. Should it be needed we are able to deliver.
A twin trapeze lightweight skiff for exceptionally high performance. The rebel skiff has stunning off wind speed thanks to the extra-long bowsprit and generous kite. With a slender easily driven low volume hull the boat performance fantastically upwind too. Want an absolute thrill ride? Sail the Hartley Boats Rebel.
This boat comes with a 4 year Hartley Boats Warranty and with the team always putting themselves in their customer’s shoes, you are guaranteed the quality, service and satisfaction that you deserve. Click here to find out more.
When I received the phone call from Kevin at Beer Boatyard offering the tooling to build the new Streaker I was unsure about this boat and it’s future, coupled with the effect it might have on our very successful Supernova. My response to Kevin was ‘give me a few days to consider the boat and I will be back to you with a (no thank you) or I will make you an offer you cannot refuse’.
Next, a discussion regarding the Streaker was discussed at a board meeting and immediately Mark Hartley rose to convince all board members that we must buy the tooling and take the Streaker. He was so excited and determined to ensure the Streaker became part of the Hartley Boats family. As a result of this the board gave approval. Further to the meeting we made an offer Kevin could not refuse. I spent time talking to streaker sailors asking ‘why not a Supernova, Byte or a Blaze?’ the feedback was essential and made my decision easier now having a better understanding of the Streaker customers and their needs and why they had bought the boat.
Build and Planning
It was essential that we needed to fully understand the build techniques and ascertain if there were any problems with the boat or if any improvements should be made to the build. To achieve this Mark Hartley along with his over his 30 years laminating experience Manager John went off to Kevin’s workshop in Beer to build a new Streaker with Kevin. They took notes and footage of every junction of the build to check against the build plan and boat requirements in order to have a firm grip and good understanding of how the boat was being built in both construction terms and materials used. After working with Kevin, Mark and John were required to present at a later stage 3 important questions to be answered.
As a result of these questions we have made improvements to the construction including, stiffness throughout the hull and deck, improved the fitting of the forestay and shrouds to ensure we get no water ingress into the hull in later years, a new and improved daggerboard tooling introduced to stop water penetration into the hull in later years. As a result of all these changes we are now confident and will offer a 4-year guarantee on every boat sold.
Sails
With the introduction of our new sail loft and the investment in the very best cutting machines on the market along with the introduction of Stephen Graham our new loft manager we now are in a position to offer a full package when selling a new Streaker. Stephen, I am pleased to say, has worked hard and tirelessly to produce a winning championship sail and this has further improved the performance of our new Streaker. We are also delighted that a sail tuning guide will be available and given with very boat sold during the boat handover.
We now have a great package with an excellent down to weight boat which now includes a race winning sail and if required a beautiful new Hartley Boat covers (made in-house) to protect your new boat. With your measured sail, your boat is ready to sail.
Testing the boat and new sail
When I invited my team of sailors to test our new boat I was pleased when our Chandlery Manager, Eden, stepped forward and wanted to do the job. He was the right man not only to test the boat but to put it through its paces and then report on his findings.
Eden’s test report
It is great news to be selected by Hartley’s to do the testing of the new Hartley Boats Streaker and put the boat and sail through its paces through various wind strengths including drifts to survival conditions.
Upwind, it was responsive and moved well through small choppy waves and also through the flat light calm water. The high boom makes tacking comfortable whilst still being able to give the boat a good roll and pump onto the new tack. The boat feels stiff and very responsive in all wind conditions and the sail worked efficiently and it was easy to read when using the mainsail controls.
Downwind it was noticeably effortlessly sailing by the lee with the chimed hull offering a stable ride and almost daring to see how far to push the boat down wind. The most enjoyable angle was on a reach where it accelerated quickly and gave an adrenaline rush watching the bow shoot up and plane away.
The final stages of testing was to take part against other Streakers at the Inland Championships at Grafham which provided spectacular boat on boat racing. The boat felt quick in both light and strong winds with it wining the event after 5 close races.
If anyone is looking to get into a single hander then this is a class to join.
Why buy a Streaker?
Future
All the Hartley Boats team are delighted with our new Streaker, our goal for the future is to see over 100 Streakers sailing at the nationals, this will be achieved by working closely with the class, promoting the boat, sponsoring events and ensuring the boat is displayed at boat shows.
We are very proud of our latest addition to the Hartley Family.
Over 20 years ago Hartley Boats were lucky enough to be offered a single-handed race dinghy. With no other-single hander racing boat in our stable, we jumped at the chance to buy the copyright, moulds and tooling for the Supernova.
As many Supernovas were sold each year the class was well supported and we immediately believed if we were to invest in new designs and tooling, we could make this boat into a very special and successful racing class.
After six months of rigorous testing and sailing the boat, we produced a list of changes and improvements we wanted to make to the original boat. We were by this time lucky enough to have worked with Phil Morrison our Naval Architect on other boats and he confirmed that he would be pleased to work with us on the Supernova.
The team goal was to make this already successful boat into a very special racing dinghy with a great future and take the class racing from thirty boats at the Nationals to over a hundred.
At Phil’s request we cut an existing hull in thin slices and returned it to Phil for him to begin his hard work. As with the Wayfarer, Wanderer and Kestrel we believed the boat sailed and handled like a dream and that we should not change the hull. The design changes would be made to the deck, floor, side tanks and the transom.
The final changes and improvements list were given to Phil and after many meetings we agreed the way forward. The list of requirements was by no means an easy challenge for Phil but he liked the boat and became as determined as we were to make it a success.
Make the boat easier to right after a capsize was the number one requirement, reduce the height of the dagger-board when capsized, reduce the size and buoyancy of the side tanks and get rid of that massive enclosed back tank. Move to an open transom, this would stop the fleet complaining that it takes too long to drain the boat after capsize.
Completely re-design the deck and cockpit, make the sitting position more comfortable but most important, we want the boat to look sleek, stylish and a boat you would want to sail, a boat and class that you would want to be part of.
The new boat at the first boat show looked stunning, it was liked and all the changes were successful. The class grew from strength to strength and we were on our way. But we also noticed that the majority of the boats were sold to clubs with existing Supernova fleets and when a boat was sold to a club with no other Supernova Sailors, within a few months the owner would sell the boat on and buy another boat. When we asked the owners “why did they sell the boat?” the same reply was repeated, “I am fed up of being beaten by a Laser sailor on handicap”. They impressed on me that they were better sailors than many of the Laser helms, but the handicap was too aggressive, this resulted in them selling their boat to be able to buy a boat that would give them a chance to win.
Two years later, having worked with the Supernova Committee to encourage clubs to get the results from all Supernova handicap races we set about getting the handicap changed, but we got nowhere, just frustration. Furthermore, Supernova new sailors that loved the boat were selling their boats due to the handicap. It was time to solve the problem. Hartley Boats presented the plan to solve the problem once and for all, to the full Supernova Committee.
The decision was to either call the boat a Nova because there was nothing Super about its performance or stay with the Supernova name but make the boat a Supernova. Hartley Boats plan was to make the boat lighter, stiffer and change from a GRP constructed boat to an epoxy boat. Set a total hull weight of 50kgs, this would produce the results we needed. Improve the foils, stiffen the dagger board case, fair the hull to ensure the new boat sails well to its PY handicap of 1077 and move the boat forward.
The changes were just what was needed, we now had a sleeker Supernova that could compete well in a handicap fleet and win if you are good enough sailor.
Why choose a Supernova over any other single hander?
The boat looks and is stunning, great to sail in big seas and strong winds the boat just goes faster, the hull shape gives you a stable but exciting ride, the side-decks are comfortable, tacking and gybing is easy, with a boom height that is easy to get under, a self-draining cockpit and a fully adjustable rig that you can adjust within seconds to allow you to sail in any conditions without fighting the boat.
Should you get the gybe wrong, with a sealed mast the reduced buoyancy side tanks allows the boat to float lower in the water. You don’t even have to get on the dagger board, just lean on the dagger board and she will come up, no need to go over the side just slide in through the open transom. The boat will be dry, just sheet-in and off you go.
The Supernova class are very friendly, welcoming and helpful, a great family but a very competitive fleet. With ages ranging from teenagers to grandads sailing, competing and enjoying the Supernova with a well-supported full racing calendar and a National Championship held every year and over a hundred boats competing to win that cherished National Champion badge.
When we sell a new boat Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover to ensure that you fully understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment. We also tune your new Supernova and we go through the boat set-up for a beat, reach and run to ensure you are confident with your new boat.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee. Should it be needed we are able to deliver.
If your requirement for a racing boat is a double-hander that in the right sailing conditions will get up and plain and be a very exciting ride and, if you want a comfortable seating position, a deep floor for your legs, a high boom to make tacking and gybing easy but most importantly a boat that can handle any wind conditions, a boat that is so STABLE you can stand two average adults on the side-deck without the boat capsizing. A boat that you can push, sail hard and even make the odd mistake and the boat will not capsize, it will just look after you.
A boat that if big seas and winds are forecast you can sail with the knowledge the boat is built for and can handle those conditions, you will be safe and you will come off the water with a smile. The improvements made to reduce the buoyancy in the side-tanks on the new Hartley Wanderer was a game changer. Should you get the gybe wrong and the boat capsizes, the boat does not float as high as many other dinghies and this makes the centreboard lower in the water, easier to climb onto and pushing less air in the side-tanks makes the boat come up easier. The difference in the new Wanderer is it is not full of water when righted you just push down the bailers and get on with your racing.
The new boat can be built to your specification be it on a limited budget or with all bells and whistles, you decide your requirements with the knowledge that the Hartley Boats Team will give you sound advice to ensure you get the fit-out right for you.
You can even choose your hull, foredeck, cockpit, non-slip floor colours and have your boat name logo on the side of the hull.
The race boat is stiffer than its cruising sister, its built with foam sandwich and then vacuumed down to give it extra stiffness and rigidity to punch through those big waves and with a hull weight of only 135kgs it is easy to transport, tow, launch and recovery is a doddle.
The Wanderer Class Association is very active with many open race meetings and a National Championship held once a year.
It is a competitive but friendly fleet to sail in, with a good social calendar and at all race events you will have fun and entertainment with a great friendly family atmosphere, you will be made most welcome. When sailed at local club level a Wanderer with a PY of 1193 can do very well and with a good helm can win races.
Buy one boat and get two, the Hartley Wanderer was designed that should the racer want to have a relaxing cruising day with his family, he just pops in the optional back seats, drops in the rear storage locker and the outboard, spare clothing and of course your cheese and wine and you are now ready for a cruising experience.
When we sell a new boat, Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover. Not only to ensure that you understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment. We also tune your new Wanderer and go through the boat set-up for a beat, reach and run. Together with making sure the launch and recovery of your spinnaker is easy to handle. This helps you enjoy sailing your new boat and helps make sure you come off the water with confidence wanting to return and sail again.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement, we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee. Should it be needed we are able to deliver.
Why buy a Wayfarer Racer?
If your requirement for a racing boat is a double hander that in the right sailing conditions will get up and plain and be a very exciting ride, if you want a comfortable seating position, a deep floor for your legs and a high boom to make tacking and gybing easy but, most importantly a boat that can handle any wind conditions, a boat that is so STABLE you can stand two adults on the side-deck without the boat capsizing, a boat that you can push, sail hard and even make the odd mistake and the boat will not capsize, it will just look after you.
A boat that if big seas and big winds are forecast, you can sail with the knowledge the boat is built for and can handle those conditions and you will be safe, you will come off the water with a smile. The improvements made to reduce the buoyancy in the side tanks on the new Hartley Mk4 was a game changer. Should you get the gybe wrong and the boat capsizes, the boat does not float as high as many other dinghies, this makes the centreboard lower in the water, easier to climb on and pushing less air in the side tanks make the boat come up easier. The difference being, the new Mk4 Wayfarer is not full of water when righted, just push down the bailers and get on with your racing.
The new boat can be built to your specification be it to a limited budget or with all the bells and whistles, you decide your requirements with the knowledge that the Hartley Boats Team will give you sound advice to ensure you get the fit-out right for your needs.
Even choose your foredeck, cockpit and non-slip floor colours, together with your choice of hull colours and even have your boat name logoed on the side of the hull.
The race boat is stiffer than its cruising sister, its built with foam sandwich and then vacuumed down to give it extra stiffness and rigidity to punch through those big waves.
All new Racing Wayfarers are built under weight and will carry 6.8kg of lead fitted under the thwart, this gives the owner the option to reduce the lead in the boat later in life in order to keep the boat competitive. The Wayfarer Owner Association is very active with many open race meetings, National Championships held once a year and every four years an International Championship with over 100 boats on the start line a few years ago. When the Wayfarer Racer is used at local club level with the PY handicap of 1102, a good helm can achieve great success and win races.
It is a competitive but friendly fleet to sail in with a good social calendar. You will have fun and entertainment at race events with a great family friendly atmosphere, you will be made most welcome.
Buy one boat and get two, should the racer want to have a relaxing cruising day with his family he just needs to pop in the optional back seats, drop in the rear storage locker with the outboard, spare clothing and of course your cheese and wine and you will be ready for a cruising experience. Should you wish to go single-handed sailing, launch and recovery can be made easy with a simple ball hitch adapter kit fitted to your launching trolley. Just hitch up and reverse your trolley into the water.
When we sell a new boat Hartley Boats likes to complete a full boat handover to ensure that you fully understand how to rig your new boat but most importantly that you get the best from your new investment. We also tune your new Wayfarer and go through the boat set-up for a beat, reach and run. This helps you achieve the best results when racing.
We at Hartley Boats are very proud of our standards and build quality, to demonstrate that statement we are the only manufacturer to offer a 4-year guarantee. Should it be needed we are able to deliver.
