Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta

Lady Belle, Gwenili and Mizpah at the Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta © J Green

Thalia and Sophie at the Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta ©Steve Mitchell

Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta © Steve Mitchell

Step Back in time and Spinaway X at the Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta © Emily Atherton

The storm before the calm

Despite challenging weather before the event, Yarmouth this weekend saw the return of over 90 gaff rigged yachts to the Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta [2nd-5th June], organised by the Solent Old Gaffers Association.

Some boats, including 16ft Margherita with a five hour beat across Poole Bay had a lively time of getting to Yarmouth. Provident, the mighty Brixham Trawler had a great sail from Weymouth. Gwenili, from the East Coast, delayed by weather, arrived at 0500 hrs on Saturday morning yet still turned out to race at 1000.

Members enjoyed music and dancing and barbeques. Fun on the water in the harbour included racing model "log" boats, constructed by participants as well as dinghy jousting! Some walked across the Island to Freshwater Bay. The event raised over £500 for local charity, the Ellen McArthur Cancer Trust.

With racing planned for every day, skippers had plenty of opportunity to show their skills. Unfortunately, the wind was less obliging with boats struggling to complete the courses in light airs.

This was a low key event. In the absence this year of the town side of the festival, the weekend proved an excellent opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet new members and share gaffer tips and tales around the pontoons.

Overall Results:

Passage Race (awarded to fastest average boat speed over the passage to Yarmouth)

Friday 3nd June - Dutch Gaffel Race

This race tests navigational and sailing skills with competitors choosing their own course from selected buoys and timing themselves. There was insufficient wind for any boats to finish in the time allocated but two boats did complete the course and the average speed could be calculated. The third place was awarded for persistence. The prizes were chunks of Old Amsterdam Gouda and savoury biscuits.

Saturday 4th June - Yarmouth Sailing Club – Little Gaffers Racing

Old Gaffers Race

There was insufficient wind for any boat to finish in the allotted time however two boats did pass the second buoy.

Overall Winner on Corrected Time - Long Tackle Trophy
Lionel Hoare, Mizpah

Yarmouth 23 trophy

Awarded this year as a prize for Concourse D'Elegance for Yarmouth 23s in memory of Bernard Turner.

Geoff Lawson, Tarka

Mayor's Cup – Concours d'Elegance

Awarded for the best turned out boat

Hannah and Dan Matthews, Little Kingfisher

Blake Sims HMS Hurricane Trophy

Awarded to an entrant who has overcome some sailing adversity. In this case 17ft (LOD) Margherita undertook a 5 hr beat from Poole to the event in windy conditions.

Jeremy Retford, Margherita

The Petronella Cup

Presented in memory of Dave Keller to the skipper of a boat under 20ft which travelled the longest distance to the event.

Terry Smith, Irene V (Memory 19 from Langstone)

The Vigilance trophy

Awarded at the discretion of the Committee for being very good sports.

Lara Caine, Provident of Brixham

Peter Garlick Trophy

Awarded for participation and panache.

David Aisher, Thalia and crew