The RYA Dinghy Show at Alexandra Palace was once again a hive of activity for sailors and prospective small boat enthusiasts.

Our Association’s stand was full of interest, with a backdrop of photos illustrating the wonderful variety of Wanderer activities both on and off the water. The focal point of the display was Joshua Slocum, Tim Robertson dinghy, displaying a range of cruising ‘extras’ which, like a lucky dip, intrigued many of the visitors with every nook and cranny, comprehensively kitted out for the ‘home afloat’ aspect of this versatile design. Joshua Slocum was probably the only exhibit which offered this perspective and undoubtedly challenged some folk’s perception of sailing, as a ‘round the can’ Sunday morning, adrenalin fix.

The builders and copyright holders stand, Hartley Laminates, was equally active with its display of Ian Proctor’s classic designs. Richard and Mark Hartley have re launched many of these with panache and enthusiasm, achieving great things in a relatively short space of time as their new website reflects (see http://www.hartleylaminates.co.uk). Vicky and Chris King’s new Wanderer MD was on display to illustrate this well loved version which can now be purchased in its basic form at the great price of £3,995. Those of us who have enjoyed many years of sailing in this classic boat were reassured that, for the time being, it is on offer to new buyers. We are grateful to Richard for exhibiting this at the Dinghy Show.

The future is equally exciting as we await the development of a new Wanderer which is likely to be launched at the Southampton Boat Show. We have to recognise as an Association that the marketplace has radically changed since the original design was conceived and for classic designs to remain commercially viable for the builders, production costs have to be reduced. As we await the new version, we can be reassured that Richard and Mark will not change any aspect of the hull design and rig, thus giving the Class a dinghy which will compete on an equal footing with the current fleet.

We look forward to another successful season both on and off the water in this friendly and fun fleet of dinghy sailors.

David Davies
Deputy Chairman.