The Hunter 19 came into existence when the demand for a fully decked version of the popular Squib arose. The Squib was at the time being built by the Essex Boat Company in the UK and had achieved considerable popularity, which it still enjoys to this day.

The inspiration for the Hunter came from a regular Squib sailor, Michael Poland, who wanted a closed cabin version in order that he could take part in some cross channel events. This was in 1972 and from then onwards there was no looking back. The class became so popular that Essex Boats soon changed their name to Hunter boats. Hunter boats continued to build the Hunter 19 until 1982 by which time they had built 982 boats. They also developed several Hunter boats along the way to this day produce a popular range of racing and cruising boats.

While the Hunter does have the same hull and keel as the Squib the sail plans vary considerably as does the deck layout, for obvious reasons, and the performance.

The Hunter class in South Africa also grew as an offshoot of the Squib. Three or four of these boats were imported into South Africa in the late 1960's by the late Dale Wright. The boats did not entirely find favour in the South African market with the consensus being that the cabin version would be more popular.

This led to a Hunter 19 being imported into the country. It seems that the boat found favour with the local sailing community although it is not clear exactly how many of the boats were imported before Henry Vink was approached to build them locally.

The South African Class Association was formed in 1973 with 13 boat owners and later that year the first, albeit unofficial, Transvaal Champs were held with 15 boats on the water.

Over the years the Hunter has been modernised with the 19 being superseded by the Europa and 2000 models, with the latter introduced in 1986. It is estimated that between 170 and 180 Hunters are in existence in South Africa with the class still being very active in Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal. Hunter activity has been on the increase of late with 35 boats competing in the 2002 Nationals which were sailed on the Vaal Dam and won by Herbert Karoulis.

The future of the class looks bright and with increasing interest and activity Fast Yachts (Pty) Ltd of Pinetown have been licensed to build new boats. Initial estimates suggest a selling price of approximately R40 000. This is phenomenal value when one considers that you get a keelboat for less than the cost of many modern dinghies.

There are several interesting asides in the history of the class with some remarkable exploits by some very colourful sounding individuals. Perhaps the most famous exploit was David Blagden's epic success in the 1972 Observer Single-handed Transatlantic Race. His diminutive Hunter 19 "Willing Griffin" survived many Atlantic storms and finished the race; the smallest yacht ever to do the official Single-handed Transatlantic. The story of this epic voyage is recounted in the book "Very Willing Griffin" by David Blagden. Although out of print copies are available on Amazon.com.

Another interesting exploit is detailed on a single web page. It is the story of a fellow who attempted an unsuccessful cruise in his Hunter 19 from the UK to the Azores and back. It also contains an interesting pic of the boat re-rigged with a junk sail. Odd it is but it is certainly worth the time to have a look. You will find the story and pictures at http://www.btinternet.com/~w.serjeant/logs/log/cruisin.htm.

The South African Class Association currently maintains a web site on which more details on the class can be found including a boats for sale page and a regatta calendar. You will find this at http://www.geocities.com/hunterclasssa/.

If you are interested in purchasing a new boat contact either Bill Tyler on 0837784518, or Leo Kroone on 0825551483.