A legendary racing yacht, considered the grandfather of modern designs, is set to arrive in Holyhead, Anglesey, for a complete restoration that will see it returned to its former glory.
A Vessel Steeped in History
The Huff of Arklow, a 44-foot sloop built in 1951, is currently being prepared for its journey from Portishead Marina in Bristol. Designed by the renowned Uffa Fox, sailing mentor to the Royal family, the yacht was built for RAF pilot Douglas Heard. It is based on the revolutionary Flying Fifteen dinghy and is believed to be the last of its kind, a Flying 30.
Noted for its impressive speed, the yacht recorded 23 knots on a trip to Iceland in 1960 and twice won the prestigious Faulkner Cup. Its innovative design was one of the first masthead rig sloops capable of planing, making it a direct ancestor of today's racing yachts.
A New Chapter for a Cherished Vessel
The yacht was purchased in 2019 by Anthony Cooper-Barney, owner of Palé Hall hotel in Llandderfel, and his friend and solicitor, Simon Holt. Their dream was to enter it in the Cannes Regatta, investing over £100,000 in preparations. Tragically, Simon Holt passed away in 2021 before this ambition could be realised.
Anthony has now decided to donate the Huff of Arklow to classic boat enthusiast Richard Frick, who lives near Cemaes Bay on Anglesey. "I have a huge sentimental attachment to the Huff of Arklow because Simon was a close friend," Anthony said. "Richard’s the right man for the job. Honestly, I didn’t want to let it go, but it would have just stayed in storage."
Restoration with a Charitable Mission
Richard Frick, a former RAF pilot, will lead the restoration with a group of sailing friends, including fellow retired pilot Glen Beresford. They estimate the work will take six to eight months. The pair have already successfully trialled the yacht in the Bristol Channel and are awaiting a weather window to sail it along the Welsh coast to Holyhead, with a final berth planned at Port Dinorwic.
The long-term vision for the restored yacht is deeply personal. Anthony Cooper-Barney hopes to use it to support The James Barney Foundation, a charity formed in memory of his son, James, who died in a car accident aged 16. The foundation helps children and young people pursue life-changing opportunities.
"Sometime in the future, I would love to be able to take disadvantaged children out on the Huff of Arklow in support of the foundation," Anthony added.
Richard Frick shares this community spirit. "I think it’s important to teach the next generation the power of nature and traditional values," he explained. "If we can make a difference to someone’s life... then our project will be a great success." He describes sailing as an opportunity to learn teamwork, appreciate wildlife, and escape the distractions of modern life.
This ambitious project promises not only to rescue a pivotal piece of British maritime history but also to create a unique resource for charitable and educational sailing experiences on the Welsh coast.
