Just a joy to behold

Fairey Spearfish © Mark Stevens

For most of the summer of 2024, the forecast was rain, strong winds, or rain with strong winds, with much of the UK getting (in places) record rainfall levels. Days when boaters would have been out afloat enjoying the water seemed few and far between, as the gaps between the incoming Atlantic low-pressure systems were never long enough to enjoy a cruise in the sun.

Then we get to late October, the weekend that the clocks go back, it is November next week, but Mark Stevens, a Classic Fairey Spearfish owner, managed to catch this wonderful shot whilst stopped in the upper reaches of Poole Harbour. He and his wife Sarah had been out earlier, when it was still misty and foggy, as they were enjoy listening to the sounds of Greenshanks, Widgeon and Oystercatchers, which togther create one of the natural soundtracks of Poole Harbour. Then the sun broke through and their enjoyment was completed by a Spitfire out from nearby Hurn doing 'loop the loops' over head. For those not that aware of the UK's boat centric south coast, Poole Harbour is second only to Sydney Harbour in terms of size (for Natural Harbours) and although shallow, is fine for most small boats and out of season is quickly reclaimed by the wildlife.

Mark's boat is a Fairey Spearfish, 30ft long and with twin diesels, made in the mid to late 1970s in GRP as Fairey Marine started to move away from the more labour intensive hot-moulded wood that had seem them producing dinghies from the 12ft Firefly to the 20ft Flying Dutchman. After expanding the range to include a number of yachts (the equally iconic Atalanta) Fairey's moved into leisure powerboats right at the start of this genre in the UK with their Ray Hunt designed Huntress and Huntsman. There is increasing interest in all of the boats across Fairey range, with the Fairey Owners Club providing a focal point of interest and information. In 2026 the Owners Club will be celebrating 40 years of keeping the stories of these great ladies alive.

Fairey Spearfish on Poole Harbour - photo © Mark Stevens