Buying new

It all started when as a pair of Kestrel sailors, we; Richard and Mark Hartley, were anxious about the future of our beloved boat. In 1998 the previous builder had ceased production and it looked as though the Kestrel had no future and was destined to fade away. But because we had enjoyed this boat so much we didn't want to see it go, we refused to just sit back and let this happen. We took the decision to invest in the boat, to redesign the interior and to bring the boat up to present day standards and give it a more contemporary appeal. We wanted to give the Kestrel a new look and to produce it using more modern building materials and techniques to give it a new lease of life and a better future.

We set about the task of re-designing the Kestrel with the help of the renowned yacht designers; Roswell and Morrison. The aim was to make a new boat that would be appealing to both existing Kestrel sailors and to new generations of sailors. Modifications were discussed at length with the Kestrel Class Association and with the family of the original designer, Ian Proctor, before eventually being carefully implemented into the new design, the result was a resounding success.

Since our humble beginnings with the Kestrel we have moved on from strength to strength. We now build with pride, a wide range of beautiful dinghies including the; Supernova, Wayfarer, Wanderer, Gull, Osprey, Rebel Skiff, Hartley 10, Hartley 12 and Hartley 12.2. Our boats reflect beautifully the touch of the master Phil Morrison's hand in their design. Phil has skilfully managed to update and re-design the classic dinghies; Kestrel, Wayfarer, Wanderer, & Gull, in such a way as to be much more appealing and modern in their look and performance while holding true to the original class designs.

Following in the successful wake of the re-designs we have continued to work with Phil Morrison and Derek Clarke to design and produce a range of fine craft with the Rebel Skiff high performance sports boat at one end of the scale and a full range of entry level Polyethylene fun boats; Hartley 10, Hartley 12 & Hartley 12.2 at the other.  

We have come along way but we still love to Sail our Kestrel, we actively participate in the racing circuit and enjoy supporting the clubs and class association of this and all of the other boats in the Hartley Boats range.

Looking forward to seeing you on the water, sailing one of our beautiful boats, soon!

Richard & Mark Hartley

At the helm of the Hartley Boats winning team.

Hartley Boats

Parcel Terrace, Derby, DE1 1LY. Tel:+44(0)1332 369751 Fax: +44(0)1332 378099