The Class and its members have many heirlooms; one is a brochure that depicts a bikini clad beauty relaxing on the foredeck of a Proctor 18 at a dinghy show. We think it was in the early 1970s. Now times have changed…..
So after 40 years or so absence the N18 is back again this year – and with a big and colourful splash. During the weekend over 9500 people visited Ally Pally to see a vast array of dinghies – and a few sports boats. However there was only one genuine three person dinghy – and that was our handsome new N18. There was lots of interest and admiration and upwards of 50 people left their details requesting a test sail. Great value for money was an oft heard comment.
On Saturday in an Oscar-style ceremony 18/ 401, our first production hull, was christened ‘Hurricane’ just as 18/001 had been 77 years ago in 1938. Introductions were by Class President Dom Long and the naming by designer Phil Morrison and builder Rob White. Bubbles followed and the 40 glasses provided were soon in use, and some twice….a happy occasion.
Planning and manning our stand was a big team effort. Members from the Blackwater, Royal Cork, Tamesis, Bough Beach, Bosham, Findhorn and Lymington Clubs were involved. Special thanks go to Dom Long and Tommy Dwyer who travelled from Cork on Friday to help set up; to the Berneys for the backdrop, the team shirts and bringing the boat; to Jess Berney and Colin Chapman for handling the two press interviews; to Kieran Dwyer for design work and for providing banners and brochures; to Jonathon & Beverley Johns for the Odyssey video, the TV and laptop and to the Vines for overall coordination. There were around 20 helpers in all.
Jeremy & Max Vines
7th March 2015
Checkout the Dinghy Show interview with Colin Chapman and Jess Berney here>>
