Hartley Boats: Custodians of Classic Dinghy Racing
In the vibrant landscape of British boat building, Hartley Boats stands as a beacon for the preservation and evolution of classic racing dinghies. Founded by the passionate duo of Richard and Mark Hartley, the company has carved a niche as a high-quality builder, deeply committed to the performance and longevity of some of the most cherished designs in dinghy sailing.
The journey of Hartley Boats began with the shared passion of two Kestrel sailors, Richard and Mark Hartley, whose dedication to their beloved boat class spurred them into action when faced with its potential decline. While the company operating today as Hartley Boats Limited was formally incorporated in 2009, their roots in boat building and laminating, under the name Hartley Laminates Boat Builders, extend back further, with the provided data indicating a start year of 1988. Based in Derby, Derbyshire, this family enterprise has consistently focused on delivering well-built, high-performance dinghies.
Their initial motivation was deeply personal: to ensure the continued vitality of popular racing classes. This commitment laid the groundwork for a company that would not only build new boats but also champion the legacy of iconic designs. Their background as active sailors themselves has ensured that a sailor's perspective remains at the heart of their manufacturing process.
History and Evolution
Hartley Boats has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions of tooling and rights for various established dinghy classes. This approach has allowed them to consistently expand their portfolio while maintaining a strong focus on quality and class integrity. A pivotal aspect of their history is their role in continuing the esteemed legacy of Ian Proctor Designs. By taking on the manufacturing of Proctor's creations, Hartley Boats has ensured that these revered designs remain available to new generations of sailors.
Key milestones include their acquisition of the tooling for the Streaker dinghy, enabling them to improve and continue its production. Similarly, they became a builder for the Blaze, a high-performance lightweight dinghy, which provided an alternative to the Supernova within their range. The company’s name, "Hartley Laminates," inherently speaks to their core construction technique, indicating an early and continued expertise in fiberglass laminating, which is central to modern dinghy production. Hartley Boats proudly maintains its manufacturing base in Derby, UK, demonstrating a commitment to British craftsmanship.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Hartley Boats has earned a strong reputation in the sailing world for producing robust, high-performance racing dinghies and dependable training boats. They are particularly known for their dedication to existing class rules, ensuring the integrity and competitive nature of the fleets they build for. The company's identity is intrinsically linked to the legacy of renowned naval architect Ian Proctor, whose designs they continue to build.
While they primarily act as expert builders for established designs, the Hartley team, including Richard and Mark Hartley, along with in-house designers like Colin Brookes, Jock Read, and John Avent, have also contributed to boat designs, particularly in the realm of boat plans. Mark Hartley's extensive experience, spanning over 30 years in laminating, underscores the hands-on expertise that goes into every boat. Signature features across their range often include modern, high-quality components such as carbon masts and booms, and advanced laminate sails, as seen on models like the Blaze. Their philosophy revolves around continuous improvement in building techniques without infringing on the original design's spirit or copyright.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Hartley Boats has been instrumental in keeping numerous significant dinghy classes alive and thriving. Their catalogue features a range of iconic models, each with a dedicated following:
- Osprey: Often referred to as "the Rolls Royce of racing boats," the Osprey is a legendary trapeze dinghy designed by Ian Proctor, a legacy that Hartley Boats proudly carries forward.
- Supernova: A popular single-handed dinghy, the Supernova holds a special place, given that the founders, Richard and Mark, were Kestrel sailors who initially sought to prevent similar beloved classes from fading.
- Blaze: A modern, high-performance lightweight dinghy that offers an exciting alternative for racers.
- Streaker: Hartley Boats acquired the tooling for the Streaker, continuing its production and ensuring its place in the racing circuit.
- Wayfarer: They actively build both Racer and Cruiser versions of this versatile and popular cruising and training dinghy.
- Contender: As a builder of the high-performance Contender, Hartley Boats contributes to one of the most exciting single-handed trapeze classes.
- Nova: A cutting-edge single-hander designed for lighter racing sailors.
- H10 Trainer: A testament to their commitment to sailing accessibility, the H10 Trainer was meticulously designed as a top-tier 10ft training dinghy after extensive consultation with sailing clubs.
The company's focus on these specific classes means they don't produce a broad range of boat types, but rather specialize in deep expertise within the dinghy sector. Their impact is measured not just in production numbers, but in the vitality of the class associations and racing circuits for which they supply boats.
The Builder Today
Today, Hartley Boats Limited remains a prominent and active boat builder in Derby, UK. Richard and Mark Hartley continue to be at the helm, frequently engaging with customers and attending boat shows. The company's commitment to quality and the dinghy sailing community is unwavering.
Their modern boats appeal to a diverse range of sailors, from competitive racers seeking the latest iterations of high-performance dinghies like the Blaze or Contender, to clubs and individuals looking for durable and forgiving training boats such as the H10 Trainer. The ownership experience is characterized by access to a well-established company known for its expertise in these specific classes, often supported by active class associations that foster strong owner communities. Hartley Boats continues to innovate within its niche, designing new models and refining existing ones, ensuring that the legacy of performance dinghy sailing endures for generations to come.
