GAFFERS LOG ISSUE NO. 95 NOVEMBER 2017 In this Issue: OGA55plans OGAAGM, 2018 OGAdinghy update Souʼ by SouʼWest Cruise

NEWSLETTER OF THE ASSOCIA TION FOR GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 CONTENTS Foreword

The Sou’ by Sou’West Cruise, ably organised by Fromthe Quarterdeck 4 ‘Admiral’Ben Collins, was a resounding success and 5 OGAAGM, 2018 is reported on by severalcontributors (p.27) in this 6 Londoncalling! OGABirthday party andAGMweekend issue as well as on the website. OGA55Anniversary rallies, 2018 8 Looking forward to 2018, the following pages 10 Change of our name? carry details of OGA55 Anniversary celebrations, 12 OGAPhotography Competition, 2017 starting with a birthday party in London on the 13 Nominations for Trophies, 2017 AGM weekend and culminating in an August Rally.Thinking back to the summer, do remember ISSUE 95 NOVEMBER2017 13 Boat Register updateand call forvolunteers to sort out your best photographs and enter the 14 Letters totheEditor: ʻCormorantʼwins herclass OGA competition (p.12). Pleasealso make your Editor: Beverley Daley-Yates ʻRuckorScandalise?ʼ fromJoe Pennington nominations for Association trophies (p.13). +44(0)797 0943135 16 Boatingis thebesttherapy:living withProstate Cancer [email protected] by Chaloner Chute I hope you enjoy the range of articles in this issue. There are some new themes in the contributions and Please submitmaterial forthe 18 Canal andBasin: memoriesofHeybridge25years on I hope we can include more about young gaffers, Spring issue by23 February 2018 OGADinghy: an update GENERAL MANAGEMENTCOMMITTEE(GMC) 20 boats changing hands, family boats and the reasons OG Welcome Aboard! President:Alistair Randall 21 The clocks have gone back, and forward, then back members enjoy being part of the OGA in future [email protected] 22 Newfeature: Younggaffers andfamily boats again severaltimes for me this week, as I returned issues. Do send me your stories to share, and please from a road trip to Portugal. Our outward travel think about getting some good photos as well. L Secretary: SueLewis 24 DunLaoghaire Regatta, 2017 [email protected] 26 BrixhamHeritage Regatta, 2017 to Spain waspostponed when Brittany Ferries Finally, as many of you will know, our boat cancelled the crossing from Plymouth due to storms! Treasurer: TonyKiddle 27 Westwardho!Souʼby SouʼWest CruiseinCompany ‘Cachalot’ waslaunched on 4 August (p.60). Since [email protected] AsI gathered the contributions for this issue, it’s she is still not ready to go cruising, we left her at the 28 Reports fromʻCorncockleʼ,ʻMinxʼ,ʻSwiftʼ, Jan Blankʼ, clear there’sbeen plenty going on around the Areas Membership: Mary Gibbs Tidemill and enjoyed the East Coast Gaffers August ʻSusanJʼ andʻCarlottaʼ though, despite some wild weather this summer! [email protected] Cruise on ‘Kestrel’. 38 OGAAnnualRace reports, 2017 Sailing CommitteeChair: Pete Thomas 40 Changeableweather in Scotland: CampbeltownClassics Beverley Daley-Yates,Editor (Logandonline) [email protected] andalate seasonsail AREASECRETARIES 42 Newtogaffering:ʻSusan Jʼ changeshands Contact details in 2017Yearbook 43 Fulfilling a dream: ʻNomadʼ returns OGABOATREGISTER 44 TwoFrench Festivals: MorbihanwithʻGweniliʼ, Paimpol Boat Register Editor: Pat Dawson withʻArrianaʼ, illustrations byClaudiaMyatt [email protected] 48 Stourportto Gloucester: whyare we doing this? GAFFERS LOGPRODUCTION 50 CockoʼtheBristol Channel race Graphic design: Steve Daley-Yates Print andfulfilment: Northend 51 Bookreview: ʻRestoringa DunkirkLittle Shipʼ 2218nautical miles withʻGweniliʼ MERCHANDISE 52 MarionShirley: [email protected] 53 Book Review:ʻRiversʼ +44(0)2381 787148 or 54 Area reports +44(0)774 821 8444 58 TalesfromtheBoatyards: a restoration andtwolaunches www.oga.org.uk/shop 62 OGAMerchandise Membersʼadverts

AFFERS 64 Coverphoto:ʻElectronʼ, takenfromʻKestrelʼ Photo:Steve Yates 68 Membersʼ discounts

ʻElectronʼ approaches theWalletSpitway Buoy,taken from thecockpit ofʻKestrelʼ Presidentʼs Race, 2017 G Photo: Beverley Yates OGA,TheDolphinHouse7, Church Street, Harwich, CO123DS 3 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Fromthe Quarterdeck OGAAGMSaturday 13January 2018

As the season draws to a close I look back on what feels 2018 AGM Agenda like a bit of mixed bag of a year. The early part when I was Join usat theOGABirthday party! visiting Areaswas beautiful with sunny weather while the Saturday, 13 January, 2018 1. President’sWelcome latter half was back to lows tracking in across the Atlantic. LondonDocklands 2. Apologies This doesn’tprevent us from sailing but it does constrain 3. Approvalof the minutes of the last what you can get up to. forfulldetails, seeoverleaf meeting (published in March2017 Log, p.6) The Sou’ by Sou’westcruise battled on in the teeth of the 4. Matters arising from the minutes of the weather before finally calling it a day in Falmouth without Subscription increase for2019 last meeting getting to the Scillies.Well done to all who took part and There is nochange tothe subscription cost for your 5. Treasurer’sreport and presentation of I sympathise having failed to get there myself on the OGA renewalinJanuary 2018. accounts Round Britain in 2013. TheTreasurer andcommittees have to plan well 6. Review of subscription charges I took my Broads One Design on my visit to the Trailer in advance for any changes. It wouldappearthat 7. Secretary’s report Section in Norfolk and it was most enjoyable to join in inflation is havingan effect onsomeofourcosts. In 8. Membership Secretary's report order tokeep upwith this, andcontinue tomaintain with their very relaxedapproach to the event. The only 9. Report on Boat Register challenge for me wasstaying with the fleet as a 24ft BOD is healthy levels ofcontingency funds,the GMChas recommendedtothe Association Committee(AC) 10. Report on Youth Fund really quite fast. The campsite was welcoming, the BBQ was asmallincrease ofapproximately3% acrossall 11. OGA55 event generous and the singing wasmemorable. subscriptions totake effect fromOctober2018.This adds just £1 to family andindividual membership. 12. Report on OGA class dinghy It may seem a bit soon to be planning your events for next 12. Election of Officers year,but if you are thinking of coming to the OGA 55th Existing memberswouldsee the increase when see nominations below anniversary event, then you need to be firming up your renewingin January 2019. Newmembersjoining plans. Members from further afield who cannot bring their from1 October 2018 onwards (who get the end of 13. Members’questions 2018free andwhosefirst paymentcovers 2019) own boat can come to by road or rail and join in on Thisends theformal business ofthe meeting,tobefollowed by: other boats, chartered if need be. However, charter boats are wouldpay the higher rate onjoining. 1. Results of Photography Competition already finalising their planning for next year, so if your Area If theACagrees tothis increase at its meetingon13 is planning to do something like this you need to commit. January, 2018the proposalwill beputto the voteat 2. Presentation of Association Trophies the AGMon the same day. 3. Slideshow on Sou’by Sou’West cruise We have had an encouraging response to the request for in company viewsfor and against a possible name change and the issue Notice is hereby given tomembersofthis proposal. will be discussedat the annual AssociationCommittee meeting where representatives from the Areasall get Proposedsubscription rates for 2019: together. Thanks to everyonewho has taken the trouble Election ofOfficers Individual member(UK) entitled toonevote to contribute. at theAGMandother general meetings (by Nominations received for Officers of the Association As the evenings draw in we move to the season of Laying Up chequeorPayPal £32,Direct Debit£30). suppers, Area AGMs and winter talks. Do please support Membership Secretary:Mary Gibbs Family member(UK) partner and children any events that your Area committee put on for you. Proposed: Alistair Randall under21, entitled totwo votes (by cheque Seconded: Tony Kiddle Finally, please note that the AGM in January is being held in orPayPal £37,Direct Debit£35). the hotel where many people will be staying and we hope to UKJunior (under25)entitled toonevote(by have a proper Gaffers party afterwards. You can combine all cheque,PayPal orDirect Debit£5.25). this jollity with a visit to the Boat Show, so do put it in your diaries and I look forward to seeing you there. Overseas (membersliving outsidethe UK) (47Euro,byUKchequeor PayPal £43). Alistair Randall, OGAPresident

Broads OneDesign, ʻEiderʼ

4 5 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 London calling! OGA55AGMand party 13 January, 2018 4pm

Notjust anAGMbuta gaffer-style birthday party with music Please notethereis more thanoneIbis hotel Deadlines for bookingdinner & hotel beer andsongtocelebrate 55years ofthe OGA. intheVictoria Dockarea sotakea careful noteof this address tomakesure youcome Book andpay onthe OGAwebsite: As inall thebest AGMswekeepthe Agenda focussedand totheright hotel.Thehotelis immediately www.oga.org.uk/events/agm-london-2018 short,theentertainmentfresh, andthesocialising long. adjacent toCustom Housestation onthe AnnualPrizes andawards forthe goodandthe brave! DockandsLightRailway (DLR). For hotel room bookings: Plenty tocheerfor! Tuesday 12December, 2017 Themeetingstarts at 4pmin the HMS Meeting, mealsandevening partywill all takeplace ina For dinner bookings: President function roomonthe ground floor Wednesday3January, 2018 hotellocation very near theLondonBoat Show.Discounted ofthe hotel. Thefunctionroom will beopen rooms for members booking inadvance via theOGAwebsite to members from3pm-hotand cold drinks anddiscountedtickets fortheBoat Showitself. can bebroughtinfromthebar area. Main Coursebuffet If youhavenʼt beento anOGAAGMbefore,here is a chance Dinnerafterwards andhotel roomswith OGA tomeetmembersfromacross the country andtake a mini discount mustbe pre-bookedand pre-paid! Roastbeef breakinthecapital. Bring alongthefamily,sneakaride on British panroastedsupremeofchicken in thespectacular Thamescable car,visit theCuttySark orthe Thisis achangefromthelast few years so nearbyGreenwich Maritime Museum. makea notetobookinadvance online via redwinesauce ourwebsite. Baked supremeofsalmon Calling all musicians andaspiring OGAdinghybuilders MediterraneanvegetableArrabiata(v) www.oga.org.uk/events/agm-london-2018 Accompaniment:seasonal market Doyou playthefiddle? Squeezebox?Guitar? vegetables, roast potatoes,Yorkshire Bring alongyourinstruments, singingvoice, tambourineor Twocourse hotandcold buffet dinnerat just puddingandgravy spoonstohelpthe party party,conjure upthespirit ofthe £13.50per head. sea andusherinthe comingsailing season. Noneedtochoose yourfoodin advance, just Desserts Therewill also betheopportunitytolookatdrawings and book yourtickets online andchoose fromthe Chefʼsselection ofassorteddesserts discuss the build ofthe new OGAdinghywith other members buffet onthenight. Selection ofice cream:chocolate, andwith TonyKiddle whois already buildingthe first dinghy. We have madea block bookingforhotel strawberryorvanilla Whenand where roomsfor OGAmembersin the same hotel for theFriday and/orSaturday nights. Saturday 13 January, 2018 Ibis Styles LondonExCel Costis £75perdoubleor twin room per night 272Victoria DockRoad includingbreakfast(sameprice forsingle Custom House occupancy). LondonE16 3BY Subject toavailability: first come,first served!

Donʼttry andbook direct with the hotel -get this special deal forOGAmembers only bybookingvia the AGMevent page onour website by12 Decemberat thevery latest:

www.oga.org.uk/events/agm-london-2018

Whycelebrate 55 years?

Wehadsucha successful 50th So youwill read all aboutplans for OGA55onandaround anniversary we thoughtwe should try theIsle ofWightnextAugustbutas youʼll readhere we are anothernationalgathering,andafive year going tostart as we meantogo oninJanuary at our AGM interval seemsabout right. with a birthdayparty.

6 7 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 OGA55Anniversary Rallies: 11 -19 August, 2018

OGA55Anniversary Rally: Programme: 16-19August Thursday 16-Sunday 19August, 2018 Basedaround the Folly Inn on the River Medina Thursday 16August Folly Inn, Folly Lane, Whippingham, Arrivals: informalwelcomepartyattheFolly Inn Isleof Wight PO32 6NB with barbecue running. ʻWhyarewe celebrating55yearsanyway?ʼ The answer is that a survey of members who Friday 17 August participated in the OGA50 Jubilee Festivalat Cowes Daytimewateractivities based attheFolly: river was hugely positive about the event and indicated sailing forjuniorsandadultsin smaller boats. that we should do it again! Not everyyear, and not Sculling, rubber flubbersailing andother river even every couple of years but it was such a success it regattaevents. was thought that after a fiveyear interval we should Excursions available: bustrips toOsborneHouse have another big gathering of the Association, again ortheNeedles, bikestohire andachance to trying to make sure that all Areas were welcome and explore. could see how they might take part. Race briefingforSaturday. This time we have made it deliberately more informal with no big marina booking, with Saturday 18 August participating boats on jetty moorings with a taxi Race Dayforlarger boats. service, meals together but not every night, space for Crewplaces offeredtothedinghy,TrailerSection camper vans and camping, cheap accommodation, andsmall gaffer members. events for small boats and large boats - and lots of Tripboatplaces forspectators. opportunity for independent exploration of the Isle Dinnertogether at theSugar Store, Shepards of Wight. Wharfwith prizegivingandmusical entertainment. OGA55Dinghyandsmall boat rally: There is no doubt that a good time will be had by all Saturday 11-Wednesday 15August2018 who participate and that new friends willbe made and adventures will be had - but what will be a true Sunday 19 August Therally will bea feeder event totheOGA55 mark of its successwill be if those participants come Departureday celebration andwill cater fordinghiesand small from all our Areasnot just the nearest ones. trailerable gaffers.Wewill meet attheFollyInn Full details andregistrationon thewebsite: andmoorings,ontheRiver Medina,Saturday 11 HowcanI join in with OGA55celebrations? www.oga.org.uk/events/oga55-2018 August.Wecan accommodatecampervans and Hire a bus? Charter a vesselin ? Book tents inthe pub field forthosewith dinghies,ora cheap accommodation on the ? Bring Premier Innis onlyashortwalk away inNewport. campervans? Bring trailable boats? Bring families for a summer holiday? It’s all possible but only if TheRiver Medinaitself is goodforpottering the motivation is there and the planning starts now. ina dinghy,butwewill plana cruise each day Speak to your Area Secretary and ask to be put in forthosemoreadventurous.Places we may touch with others in your Area wishing to come. visit include: Gurnard,River Hamble andother I donʼtlive nearby. Will theOGAhelpwith thecost? destinationsin theSolent. Wehavearrangedfor The answer is YES!There is a pot of OGA money a supportboat toaccompanytheʻfleetʼ should which has been set aside to help make this happen. anyoneneed help. We can and want to subsidise participation from members living further awayfrom the Solent where Detailswill befinalised inthespring. it’s taking place - but can only be more specificonce Please ʻregister interestʼ on theOGAwebsiteif we know what funding is required. Your way to this youwouldlike tobeinvolved. pot is via your Area committee. If you don’t know how to contact them please email: www.oga.org.uk/events/oga55-2018 [email protected]

8 9 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Change of our name? Summinguparguments for and against

Many of the arguments for a name change are Thecase fora changeof thenameofthe Argumentsfor a namechange Arguments against a namechange effectivelydealt with by using ‘OGA – the association Association(perhaps to “The GaffRigSailing Our nameis inappropriate Whatʼs wrongwithʻOldGaffersʼ? for gaff rig sailing’as agreed in January 2014. Association”) wasputinthe July issueofGaffers The name is outdated and not relevantto the Current name is well-loved and has served us well Log(p.16) in the formofan openletter fromGary majority of members. for over 50 years. Effect onmembership Lyons(President, NIOGA)andfeedback from Risk of losing existing members if we change. memberswas invited.All feedbackreceived was In 1960s when the name was chosen gaffers were old There is affection for the quirky nature of our name. passed ontotheAssociation Committee (AC). boats – now they are not necessarily. No evidence that a name change will attract more Somerespondentswere undertheimpression The humorous element of being ‘old gaffers’is a new members than currently. thatthe name hasalready beenchanged.Infact First impressionscount. Our ‘jokey’name counts positive. it hasnotand we are still called theOldGaffers against us. Ourobjective is topromotegaff rig Association. Achangewouldhave tobeproposed People outside the Association realise the tongue-in- It doesn’tmatter if our ‘ageprofile’is on the high side. tothe AGMandvoted there. The name ‘The Old Gaffers Association’does not cheek ‘jokey’ aspect of the name. take us forward. Changing would distract us from our current In January 2014theACagreed NOTtopropose a A name change was rejected in 1985/6. objectivesto promote the rig and attract youngsters. namechange tothe AGM.TheACagreed then that The name conflicts with our aim to bring in new blood, fresh ideas and new younger members. OGA is a snappier title than GRSA. Wrong to think a name change will have any effect we wouldcontinuetobecalled theOldGaffers on numbers buying or sailing gaffers. Association butthatwe would ʻbrandʼourselves Our nameis misleading The word ‘old’refersto the rig, not the boats, and as as OGA-theassociation forgaff rig sailing. People think they can’t join because ‘mine’snot an such still applies. Cost old boat’. Cost of redesigning logo/Gaffers Log/website/ Therehas beena mixed take-up ofthis re- We must champion the ‘old’aspect not turn our domain names and email addresses/letterheads. branding overthe last fouryears with someAreas People think it’snot for them becausethey are not old. back on it. droppingthewordʻOldʼ(South West Gaffers, Cost of replacingitems with the current name on Solent Gaffers,East CoastGaffers)andothers Members or potential members fear ridicule for The name does NOT deflectfrom our ambitions to (eg promotional banners). continuingto useʻOldGaffersʼ (including NIOGA). being seen as an ‘old gaffer’. attract youth. Memberscould beforgiven for notbeingquite Cost in volunteer time and energy to make the We have international sister organisations using sure onthematter! Benefits ofre-branding change. Wecan still be known as the Gaffers, but we won't be ‘old’ in their titles and risk distancing ourselves from Yourfeedback is tooextensive tobereproduced saddled with ‘old’. them. Cost would be justified if change were necessary, but herein full: some ofyouwerepositively poetic, not if it is not necessary. Dangers of re-branding particularly thosearguingtosave theoldname Wehave issueswith a slightly aging demographic and It would be a mistake to change something so long- whilst thoseinfavour ofmodernisation were weneed to counter this trend. established and recognisable. rather shorter andtothe point.Togive you Wewill attract more younger members. anidea ofthe volumeofresponse:in total 17 Wehave recently had a change in branding (2014). It’s memberswrote approx 5,000wordsagainst a Weshould portray ourselvesas a modern organization too soon to change again. change andsix memberssubmitted approx600 by dropping the ‘old’. words in favour. Changing the name is unnecessary and will be Weshould move with the times. confusing. Inthelists on this spreadwehave triedtopick outtheargumentsfromeach side andrepresent Members might generallybe happy with the name but Established brand names have been changed them as clearly, simplyandneutrally as possible. as an Association we want to grow and so need to do unsuccessfully (eg Royal Mail /Consignia). Perhaps youwill beinspiredtohaveyoursay more to recruit new members. whenyou readthis. Write toyourAreaSecretary Conflict between celebrating (and publicising) 55 years [email protected] Existingmembersshouldn't beaffectedbyachangebut of OGA then changingit. potential newmemberswillseeusin amorepositivelight. The Association Committeewill bediscussing the There are other waysto tackle the issue of people Cost matteranddeciding theway forwardwhen it next thinking they or their boats have to be old to join. meetsin January, 2018. Weshould not allowshort-term costs to overly influence a decision for the long term to improve our There are other wayswe can work on our public image. future.

10 11 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Weneedyourphotos, yournominations ...... and you!

represents. There are new designs, large and small, production craft and older traditionally built vessels.

All this shows the OGA and gaff rig are in good health. Gone are the days when we needed to explain ourselves with phrases such as, ‘For the preservation of gaff rig’or ‘Promoting gaff rig’.

Pleaseremember that when we print the 2018 Yearbook your boat will not be included if she is not on the Register. Our Boat Registeralso includes examples of classicBermudan rigged and motor craft. If you are not sure we have details of your OGATrophies: boat, do contact me. Alternatively,use the forms in the centre pages to add and/or amend your details. time for nominations! Who will you nominate? Our AssociationTrophies each Volunteers neededurgently! have a prestigious list of previous winners. Why not I do not intend to stand again as Boat Register nominate a fellowgaffer to be added to the list. Full It’s time to sort out your photos and enter the OGA competition this details are on the website: Editor when I come to the end of my term in year. Use those dark evenings to look back on a summer sailing season! www.oga.org.uk/trophies January, 2019. A few of you have expressed interest in finding out about what the job involves.I am Alan HiddenTrophy: preparing a paper to explain the basics and shall outstanding performance bya memberunder25 be attending the AGM in London, January 2018, Twocompetition categories CapeHornTrophy:outstanding seamanship in where I could show those interested what I do. Do Anewway to enter singleoccurrence contact me if you would like to find out more. Membersmay submittwo photosfor each category. David CadeMemorial Trophy: Following feedback frommembersweʼre Sailing Gaffers outstandingcontribution tothe OGAinthe past year Pat Dawson,BoatRegister Archivist offeringan alternative methodtoenter this year. Photographsofgaffers in anysituation; undersail, at rest or Gaffers Globe:majorvoyagerelative toboatandexperience [email protected] in repair. The photocan be of one boat or manyand can be www.oga.org.uk/register-home Thereare two red buttonsto choose fromonthe GrumpyII Cups: of the whole boat or of any detail. Thephotoshould convey outstandingsailing achievement by ʻSea Pigʼ, rescuedfrom certain destruction,p.62 somethingofthe special quality that goeswith gaffer sailing. OGAwebsite competition page: OGAskipper andyoung crew OGAboat no. 64:www.oga.org.uk/boat/sea-pig LifeatSea www.oga.org.uk/trophies/photo- Here the emphasis is onthe humanstory, the situation or competition-2017 Please sendnominationswith brief accountofthe atmosphere.Thebest orthe worst; peace, excitementor Select theone thatsuits you best. reasons by 30November,2017to: misery. Dave Percival: [email protected] Using a computer Rules andsubmission Login anduse the online formfromprevious OGAonline Boat Register report Photosmusthavebeentakenbetween 1January and31 years. December 2017. I am pleasedto report that the vast majority of new Theymustnothave beenentered forany otherphotographic Usinganydevice includinga phoneortablet members have sent details of their boats. Some craft competition. Thenew formdoes notrequire youto login but turn out to be boats added to the Registerin the All entries mustbesubmittedvia theOGAwebsite beforethe closing date, midnight31December,2017. youwill needto knowyour membershipno. early days of the Association. It is good to be able Entries limitedtotwophotosineach categoryfor every which youcan find in the OGAYearbook. to give present and new ownersinformation and entrant. sometimes old photographs from the OGA archive. Prizes will befromaselection ofsuperbnauticalbooks, announcedandpresentedat theAGM,January 2018. Rules, further informationandsubmissionmethodsare Looking at boats new to the Register, the range available ontheOGAwebsite. of types is huge. AsI write the last boat added is OGA boat no. 3350. Take a moment to look at nos. www.oga.org.uk/trophies/photo-competition-2017 3340 - 3350 to see the range of craft our Association www.oga.org.uk/trophies/photo-competition-2017 12 13 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor

Awin forʻCormorantʼat HambleClassics: 16-17September CORRECTION Ruckor Scandalise? He also told me to keep the boat sailing, never ease the throat to scandalise the sail and make it useless. The team from sail loft Ratsey& Lapthorn in Cowes did Eagle-eyed member,Mike Turnerhas Your Editor has received a letter by post from Joe well at the Royal Southern Hamble Classicsregatta, winning spottedanerrorintheJuly issue ofGaffers Pennington, ‘Master Frank’,RY95 (our coverimage in This advice came in useful years later with my 28’ both Saturday and Sunday, and so the Gaffer 1 classin Steve Log.Asnoted, the image onp.9is not the July 2017 issue). He is keen to hear fellow gaffers’ Morecambe Bay prawner ‘Comrades’. I used to go Meakin’s1911 gaff ‘Cormorant’. Returning to within ʻCapriceʼ, butanotherphoto ofʻMalukaʼ views, so pleaseput pen to paper (or finger to keypad)! beam and longlining with her under sail a stone’sthrow of the yard where she wasbuilt, this was a racing inthe Sydney toHobartRace, If there’ssufficient interest, we can contiue the discussion and found out how to control the speed by rucking. welcome homecoming for the yacht, now based in Cowes. 2016(p.24). Hereis thecorrect imagefor in the next issueof Gaffers Logand online. I’vesailed with Jimmy Lawrence on his ʻCapriceʼ as shereturns toracing in2016. Saturday started with a very light breeze. Getting to the mid- I have been sailing gaff rigged boats for 60 years and ‘Saxonia’onto his mooring at Brightlingsea with Solent start line wasa challengein a boat with no engine. imagebyJohnJeremy, SASC at 14 years of age I first heard the term ‘Ruck’.I was headsails off and main rucked. He also said never Helmed by the redoubtable Andy Cassellof Paralympic sailing on the late Geoff Medley’s24’ gaffer ‘White ease the throat. Scandalising makes the sail useless. Atlanta Gold Medal winning fame, the result they wanted Heather’ on the River Wyre at Skippool Creek near was never a foregone conclusion. With his trademark focus In his book ‘Half a Gale’ the late Michael Frost of Fleetwood. She was moored on the river bank and ‘Boadicea’saysthe same, it leaves the boat out of on ‘fastest possible boat speed’ the man who has been we were coming in one day going full bore with described as suffering from ‘race winning myopia’ crossed control. Claud Worth also refersto easing the peak a followingwind, jib and main both drawing in a in strong winds as a means of keeping control. the finish line with little knowledge, on handicap, whether force5. We hit the mud at some speed. they’ddone enough. Fortunately, it was a win. The first time I heard the word ‘Scandalise’,to lower An ex Fleetwood fisherman named Fred the peak, was 20 or so years ago, by a convert to gaff Sunday sawstart time confusion with ‘Cormorant’ well Price witnessed this manoeuvre, As soon as the down the fleet. Have the clocks gone back yet? Eventually from Bermudan rig. I told him the correct term was tide permitted Fred came alongside to give Geoff a ‘Ruck’ or ‘easethe peak’. He wouldn’t have anything the start line was crossed with a battle on for the overall dressing down, telling him he should have rucked result. Not blessed with stiffer winds they would have of it. Recently in a quiz the answer to the same his peak and let the sheets fly.The boat would have subject was ‘Scandalise’ie ‘letting the peak ease’. preferred, the team chose to raise their lightweight headsail come in more sedately,had there been something halfwaythrough the race which involved end of the bowsprit hard in the mud, she could have come to harm. I look forward to replies on this subject from fellow unhanking of the heavier sail. Paying the price by losing over gaffers, and hope it doesn’t cause a ruckus. ten boatlengths, it gavethe extra pace to get to the line. Some years later I was sailing into Jubilee Quay, Fleetwood. Engine out of order, I managed to Joe Pennington,ʻMaster Frankʼ, RY95,NIrelandArea Steve Meakin,SolentArea sail alongside a vessel.Edwin Rigby the PS I rucked my peak sailing into Glasson Dock, sailmaker, saw me coming in and told me I should Lancashire in a 4-5 NWesterly on 1 September, it have eased my peak and rounded to come alongside. worked a treat.

Scandalise Ruck Toʻscandaliseʼ is todrop thethroatleaving the Toʻruckʼ is tolower thepeakandleave theluff maina baggymessmakingit impossible tohoist standing.Thisenablesyoutokeepa sail that again withoutlowering thepeak. Hencetheword allows you tosail again.Just haulup thepeak. ʻscandalisedʼ.

14 15 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Boating is the best therapy!

To take up Classic Sailor editor Dan Houston’s diagnosis is made, nil desparandum,it is time to gain play their part too, for example they may help you timely piece about wellbeing, and how important knowledge and take ownership. Early diagnosis is deal with some of the side effects of treatment such sailing is for general health, I’m moved to contribute everything and one can lead a reasonably healthy, as fatigue or pain. to Gaffers Log on this topic. What if ill health does active life while undergoing treatment, spread the strike, and seriously affects your boating? word to men, and of course their partners. I would Spreadingtheword, can you help? argue that partners/carers need as much support I find myself in the final stagesof producing a short I have prostate cancer, and yes, I am confident this as the patients. It often signals a new kind of film/documentary to raise awarenessand highlight is just the right forum to share these issues.We are relationship, a new chapter, and this takes time and the issues of prostate cancer, to help spread the living in a kinder community. I am on a journey and understanding. So, let’snot forget partners. Perhaps word to men. I have pulled a great team together, perhaps I can share parts of this journey with you. there’sa gentler boating, and it is the time to sit including national charities, the Royal Marsden, About Prostate Cancer UK down and share stuff. Prostate Cancer UK, Macmillan, GP surgeries, Prostate CancerUK hasa simpleambition – to When men of a certain age are diagnosed with hospitals, nurses, therapists and men’sgroups. It is stopmendyingfromprostate cancer. Asthe prostate cancer, one might think one’sworld My lady and I are on a voyagein every sense. From lighthearted, informative with lots of humour! There numberofmendiagnosedwith prostate cancer falls apart and life will change for the worst. Will time to time we join our beautiful Dutch sailing is also a distinctly nautical feel to it. Although a low continuesto rise (with thedisease predicted pleasures like sailing, gardening, hiking stop barge, ‘De Sperwer’on our journey along the budget film, there are alwayscosts. We are applying tobecomethe mostcommonofall cancers by abruptly? Well, it doesn’tneed to. beautiful waterwaysof Britain, west to east. We for grants, and if you feel you would like to support 2030),nowis thetime totake control. Ignoring prostatecancer wonʼtbeatit, sojointhefight. One tries to understand it, the diagnosis,the have travelled down the Severn, to the fine cities of the film production, help in other ways,or find out process, different treatments and what will it mean Gloucester, Bristol and Bath, re-discovering their more, do get in touch. KeyHeadlineStatistics rich maritime histories.We slip through stunning Morethan 11,000mendie fromprostate cancer for me? Partners, family and friends of men with For a report on the first leg of our voyage,Stourport prostate cancer find that learning more about it can countryside, passing sleepyvillagesunchanged in intheUKeachyear – thatʼsonemanevery 45 to Gloucester, see p.48. minutes. Itʼs the mostcommoncancer in men, be helpful. Taking ownership is the best strategy. 300 years. We have been hugely enjoying cruising the Kennet & Avon Canal. It’s rather like being with over330,000living with andafter the Ask, and ask again, take notes. Over the many disease inthe UK. discussions I have had, I know that we men are not on a moving floating stage where characters, good at dealing with hospital and medical stuff. It’s a anglers, joggers, families and other boaters join Anyonewith concerns aboutprostatecancer may cultural thing. Many of us haveretired, or thinking you, share their life and tales, and exit right! It is a contactProstate CancerUKʼsSpecialist Nurses ChalonerChute,Solent Area of doing so in their 50s and 60s. Being diagnosed different kind of boating and the voyagehas already in confidence on08000748383oronline via the renewed our delight in the waterways. We ‘sailed’ +44 (0)1243 785254 | +44(0)777 1887197 Live Chat instantmessaging service: with something like prostate cancer can seem like [email protected] the last straw. But keeping on the water can, and through Storm Angus without a quiver!The cheery www.prostatecanceruk.org does, help in many ways. woodburner glow kept us warm and cosy.

I have been lucky in life to have sailed for some We delight in a small Breton , a sail and oar 55 years, beginning on the farm pond, then rivers boat designed by Francois Vivier. This gives us much in Suffolk, the Norfolk Broads and timeless East pleasure. It is my outdoor gym!With grown-ups, or Coast. From canoes, Folkboat and Itchen Ferry to grandchildren on board, we cast off with a picnic schooners and brigantines, the call of the sea has to explore stretches of water that larger yachts will been a massivepart of my life. Boating is absolutely rarely see. Rivers, creeks and estuaries, the sail up my number one therapy! I can still do simple stuff, or just quietly pulling on oars, creatures like seals, take part and feel useful, steer and handle lines. otters and wading birds are happy to share the quiet moments. For me it is the elixir of being outdoors, My experience of the NHS has been excellent. on water, gentle exerciseand fine company. Wonderful care, attention and kindness. Friends and family have shown support. We do need to talk I head for the real gym too. The benefits of exercise and share, not bottle it all up. However, each man are wellknown for cancer patients. It is a powerful will choose his own way of coping. Encouragingly, tool in the fight against such disease.It helps to if caught early enough, it can be treated successfully. reduce stress and keeps you fit. A healthy diet and My main message is: If you have concerns, don’t going easy on the drink can also help. Lesssugar, less be embarrassed, talk to your GP. If, after tests, a processed meats, buckets of fresh veg., especiallythe bright colours. Some complementary therapies can ProfessorRosEeles, InstituteofCancerResearch

16 17 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 CanalandBasin: memoriesof Heybridge, 25years on

Choosing where to moor a boat, I generally prefer the seawalloutside the lock. George picked and ducklings paddling fast behind their mothers. Long a creek or harbour. Yet for ten happy years I kept up any apparently waste material left around. stretches of the canal’ssurface were constricted with my craft in what’sbest described as an impromptu, His vessels’decks lay under heaps of scrap chickweed. Our springer Daisy thought she could walk linear marina, the canal at Heybridge, Essex.This lumber, awaiting the restoration that might on it, and found herselfswimming. Straddling the narrow is part of a two-century old waterway, the Chelmer enable at least one of them to reach the Costa side deck of our then flagship, a 1930s motor cruiser, I met & BlackwaterNavigation, running 14 miles from del Sol.Pub rumour had it that George, a similar fate. Maureen, on the next door Crabber, called inland Chelmsford to a basin with a lock at the river during the week, looked less like a scrap to me, ‘Lookat that water-rat!’ I turned suddenly, varnish below Maldon. merchant. He wore a suit and worked in the brush in hand, missed my footing and fell in. The vole Post Office near Trafalgar Square. disappeared amid a few ripples. My shoulder landed on the There I not only kept severalboats but owned a blunt end of a scaffoldpole, part of an old jetty. After a trip hut, an 8’ x 12’ black-tarred wooden shed. This was The canal had practical uses. Locking in for to A&E I spent the rest of the summer having physio. and meant for storing boat gear, its declared purpose for a week or so was as good as a scrub; fouling trying to write, and varnish, with my left hand. rates, but also contained a bogie stove, galleycounter fell off. If spending the winter, however, you and a steel bunk, undeclared, since living in a hut needed to beware of ice, which could cause 25 years on there is still a canal, a lock, the pubs and the was frowned upon. My hut’s back window gave a centreboard casesto expand and skin fittings boats at Heybridge. Some of the boats are different. I recall fine view across a flooded gravel pit to the river wall to pop. Your craft would then be found with the designs of Harrison Butler, Maurice Griffiths, and the and beyond to the Maldon skyline. mast, boom and cabin top visible.The gravel Gileses,both Morgan and Laurent. pit became an ice-rink and skatesrather than My first Heybridge experience, in the 1980s, a dinghy the best wayof getting to the pubs. I remember our time at the basin as a golden age. involved the rite of locking in. Thereafter, going out, a short voyagetook one from the hut down to Summer on the canal meant many boats AnthonyBailey, writer &art historian,East Coast Area the basin, where coasters still unloaded occasional away, mostly on trips to other Essexrivers. Den Phillips, Maritime Photographer: cargoes of timber. Locking out and in was like More birdlife to hand, with baby moorhens www.denphillipsphotos.com shifting from one plane of existence to another. You were never quite sure what you would find when doing so. Once in a while I had the lock to myself, and the lockkeeper, George Clark or his successor, Colin Edmond, not only took my lines but accepted my help with the lock gates.

Once my boat was in, the shutters were opened and the levelof the river at high tide was allowed to match the levelin the lock. Then be prepared for a sudden surge and sharp tug on the lines. Coming in This might involvesitting outside the Old pub meant a reverseprocedure, generally with plenty of watching boats lockin and out. Or drinking inside the company: a Thames barge, say, a flotilla of visiting Jolly Sailor, a few yards awayin the dip. yachts, or on a Sunday evening floodtide seemingly The Ship had a sign saying ‘No Dogs’.The Sailor half the boat-owning population of the canal.The accommodated its drinkers’ dogs in rounds of not lockkeeper then did a cleverjob of squeezing in the just beer (for the dog owners) but (for the canines) fleet, bowsprits over stern rails. Mind your flagstaff! digestivesfrom a tall jar behind the bar. The JS in Fenders in place! my time was run by Eric and Connie Priestly. Eric, Some canal folk departed on distant voyages.We heard ex-Marconi, was a veteran of Antarctic . (by postcard) of one Basin ferro-cement yacht that His bar clientele included Bob Donaldson, radio came to grief on an uncharted Indian Ocean atoll, but technician, Tom Polden, engineer and fisherman, not everyonefrom the canal made frequent use of the and sundry local boat people and dog lovers.Now lock. Many canal habitués succumbed to the condition and then on hand was Belgian George, owner of one of Basin-itis. No need to go anywhere. Carpe Diem. and a half former MTBs that were kept alongside

18 19 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 OGADinghy: an update Welcome aboard!

AREANO. BOAT MEMBERSʼ NAMES POSTALADDRESS Since the last update in the Summer Gaffers Log, p.21 we Now that the build has actually started some have taken the design to build stage. members may wish to be kept up to date at DB 6181 MrChrisTrevithick 17Rye River GroveDun Carraig Leixlip Co. more regular intervals. If you would like to Kildare W23D2E0 The hull panels need to be accuratelycut to make the join an email group for this purpose please EC 6170 MissPetra Potasse 48,Clays RoadWalton onthe Naze,Essex CO148SD construction both easyfor the amateur boatbuilder and email me to be added to the list: ensure consistency with each build. [email protected] EC 6176 MrKeithBand &MsJanet Band 5Kings CourtKings Road Burnham onCrouch CM0 8PP We have worked with Demon Yachtsin Harkstead to TonyKiddle,Association Treasurer,East CoastArea produce the panel kits. The first kit is illustrated being EC 6180 MrAndrew Cocker Pipin CottageTheStreet Thorndon,SuffolkIP23 7JR produced on the CNC table. This is a router cutter and gives Live DinghyForum! EC 6189 Mr TimGoodingham 1Carleton Gardens Brecknock RoadLondon,N195AQ a very clean, accurate edge. The whole kit of ply parts has EC 6192 MrSandyMiller HayfieldLittle Baddow,EssexCM34SG been made from four large sheets of 6mm ply and looks like Membersinterested in thenew dinghy being £620 excluding shipping. might like togettogether inpersonwith NI 6186 Dr Jane Holmes 17Cherryvalley GardensBelfast Co.AntrimBT56PQ Additional to the ply parts will be solid timber parts such TonyKiddle whois buildingthe first one NWA6178Mr Robert Bennett &Ms Kayleigh Jones Ffynnony Berth, Llanarmon RoadMoldCH75TA as the thwart and rubbing beads. Demon Yachtswill be andother interested membersatthe AGM NWA 6185 MrMartin Hansen 54Underdale RoadShrewsbury, SY2 5DT producing a kit of solid parts once the prototype has been in London, 13January, 2018tolook at the built. The boat will be built over a jig. This jig will be loaned plans andpictures oftheprogress ofthe NWA 6191 MrAlexanderRobertson TyNewyddMoelfre, LL22 9RL to builders as part of the royalty payment. The royalty first build.See p.6fordetails ofhowtobook payment for each boat will be £240 and coversthe designer’s dinnerandhotelfor theAGM.If weʼre lucky OS 6187 Mr Kurt Voss 118ValentineCircle, Warwick, Rhode Island USA 02886 royalty, a build manual, builder’sbronze plaque with class AndrewWolstenholme, the designer, might OS 6193 MrBart Bousfield 5Kerino 22460Merleac FRANCE sail number and loan of a build mould. betheretooffer advice. SCO6182 Ferryman, Mr Douglas Cook Lochranza Centre, Lochranza, Isle ofArranKA278HL The sail plan has been handed over to Michael McNamara Saorsa who is making sailsfor the prototype. Look out for more details of the rig in the next update. SOL6168 Mrs Joanna Tall& Georgina Tall 5Melrose Avenue,WimbledonPark, LondonSW19 8BU SOL 6169 MrNicholas Ward 3Birchmore CottagesBlackwater Hollow, IoW PO303BW SOL 6171 Mr Chris O'Connor 6OakWalk,Fair Oak, Eastleigh SO507JS SOL6179 MrNeil Rowson&Mrs Meriel Rowson Burwash Place East SpringLane EtchinghamTN19 7HX SOL6184 Flycatcher MrJames Stock TheWhite HouseNorthStreet Rogate Petersfield GU315HG SOL6190 MrJono Bradfield &MrsLisa Bradfield Fairview RutlandGardens Bursledon HampshireSO31 8FZ SW 6172 Ms Karen Toms DaneHouseRestormel RoadLostwithiel Cornwall,PL22 0EE SW 6173 MrBobFisher RedDeer SimonsbathSomerset TA247JY SW 6174Mr RogerTeague& Ms Rosemary Hugall No.9, Parc-an-Dillon RoadPortscatho TruroTR25DU SW 6175 Sea Pig MrThomasMorley Pippin CottageBroadwoodkellyWinkleigh DevonEX19 8ED SW 6177 Sir DavidBurdett YanstonFarm, Loddiswel Kingsbridge DevonTQ74EJ SW 6183 Mr Roger Edmonds 18Bradley Croft,Balsall Common,CoventryCV77PZ SW 6188 MrJonathan March HorsnaParc, St TudyBodmin,Cornwall PL30 3NG SW 6194 MrKeith Yeandle&Ms HanaSkuckova 36Barcombe Heights Paignton Devon,TQ31PT

20 21 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Younggaffers and family boats Go out and try new things!

In putting together this issue of Gaffers Log, I became aware of HenryandEdith During the ECOGA August Cruise, I met things and don’t be afraid to do the things you want to do. severalyoung (and not so young) gaffers who sail aboard their We’rerubbish at taking photos because we’re Phoebe, aged 13, who was crewing with her Yes,it’s hard and maybe a little complicated, but as long ‘family’boat. With this in mind, I’vestarted to collectpictures too busy having fun! Henry and his sister, friend Matilda on ‘Cygnetof London’.Two as you are prepared for any eventuality and equipped with and storiesto introduce a new regular section for the Log. The Edith joined the crew of ‘Windotter’ for the young gaffershaving a great time, and hoping everything you need then anything is possible. first four storiesare all East Coast gaffers,but I know there are East Coast August Cruise, 2017. ‘Edith May’ to join the cruiseagain in future. But for Phoebe Chaplin,aged 13 many more in other Areas, especially the Solent. Leo has been is a Thames barge we stole the name from! Phoebe, the cruise was more than going sailing ʻCygnetofLondonʼandskipper,SimonHarding(Matildaʼs Dad),sail reported as being perhaps the youngest ‘younggaffer’joining the for the first time, she’slearning to live with type withthe East CoastGaffers Solent Annual Race in September this year at just a week old! Elly Howlett,East CoastArea 1 diabetes. Phoebe setsa great example with her Pleasesend photos and short stories for this section in time for ‘cando’ attitude. Her advice is ‘goout and try Whywe fighttype 1diabetes the next issuein March 2018. Enjoy the first instalments . . . new things’. Type1diabetes (T1D)is anautoimmune disease that strikes both children andadults suddenly.Ithas nothing ʻBonitaʼ: oneoftheoldest boatsin theOGAfleet I was extremelyfortunate to be a part of the todowithdiet orlifestyle. Thereis nothing youcandoto Toby must be one of the youngest ‘Young Gaffers’ and crew on ‘Cygnet of London’ in August this prevent it and,at present, there is nocure. InT1D,your made his first visit to ‘Bonita’ on 6 August, 2017, the fifth year for the OGA. I was offered this fantastic pancreas stops producinginsulin, a hormonethe body generation of the Beckett familyto have sat in her cockpit. opportunity by my friend Matilda. Initially needs toget energy fromfood. Thismeans a process He seemed to quite enjoy the experience, or perhaps he was my parents and I were a little worried about yourbody doesnaturally andautomatically becomes just relieved to get out of the dinghy. It’s possible he might the whole idea, mainly because I have not something that nowrequires yourdaily attention and turn out to be an old boat enthusiast, but as he’sonly five really sailed before, but also because I have manualintervention. If youhaveT1D,youmustconstantly months old it’s probably a bit early to say.Toby’sdad, Allan, the added complication of being a type 1 monitoryourblood-sugarlevel, inject orinfuse insulin first went sailing on ‘Bonita’ when he was just six weeksold. diabetic. I was diagnosed at the age of 11 in througha pump,andcarefully balance these insulin His great grandfather is pictured here in 1938. ‘Bonita’was June 2016 and so I am still in the relatively doseswith youreating andactivity throughouttheday built in 1888 and has been in the Beckett family since about early stages of learning and living with this andnight. 1935. Visit her blog to find out more: life changing condition. www.bonitayawl.blogspot.co.uk However,insulin is notacure fordiabetes. Even with the I have been on ferries and canoes but most vigilant disease management,a significant portion MikeBeckett, East CoastArea nothing like a sailing boat before and so I ofyourdaywill bespentwith either highorlowblood- was apprehensive about the sailing lifestyle sugarlevels. Thesefluctuationsplace peoplewithT1D and how I would manage with potential at risk forpotentially life-threateninghypoglycemicand ʻJuanitaʼ sails again seasicknessand also living in a confined space hyperglycemicepisodesas well as devastatinglong-term Brother and sister skipper and crew, Will and for a whole week!My parents and I agreed complicationssuchas kidneyfailure, heartattack, stroke, Josie, joined the East Coast August Cruise that it wassuch a fantastic opportunity that blindness andamputation. Learn moreaboutT1Dat the this year on the recently restored ‘Juanita’ I would be silly to say no. We were also very Juvenile DiabetesResearch Foundation:www.jdrf.org.uk (Gaffers Log, July2017, p.61). They have reassuredto find out that Sharon would also been sailing with the ECOGA for many years be sailing on ‘Cygnet’ and has worked as a as crew on the family smack ‘Transcur’. diabetes nurse for many years.This clinched the deal.

I found the whole experience amazing and I was in awe of the scenery, the boats and loved the social aspect of meeting so many different people who all share a passion for sailing. It is a completely different lifestyle to the one that I am used to, but one that I would love to be a part of again if I am given the chance. My confidence grew during the week and I came away with a basic knowledge of sailing.

My advice to anyone living with type 1 Photo:Beverley Yates diabetes would be to go out and try new

22 23 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Dun Laoghaire Regatta, 2017

Dublin Bay OGA joined with other yacht clubs for a bumper Witnessing aclose shave from behindthelens! No.1 To celebrate the 200th anniversaryof the The sailing masters at the starting lines must be celebration this year.Dave Owens has supplied a great set of foundation, the four waterfront yacht clubs commended for the way they conducted the starts photos to support Dennis Aylmer’sreport. combined their strengths to organise a bumper for wave after wave of every conceivable type of Regatta taking place from 6 - 9 July, 2017. In boat, leaving the Gaffers to the last where we could Back in the 18th century, when Dublin wasconsidered addition to races for everyclassof boat in Dublin do the least damage! Becausethe ‘Skippers briefings’ the second city of the British Empire (in caseanyone has Bay,the organising committee wanted a particular never happened, we did not know our course until forgotten!), the approaches to Dublin Port were extremely focus on classicboats,and approached Dublin minutes before the gun. Nevertheless, the courses dangerous. Many grounded as there was only a narrow BayOGA for their participation. To provide the were skilfully planned in order to give maximum path through the sandbanks at the mouth of the RiverLiffey. best spectacle for the public a special pontoon was sailing satisfaction. Former OGA President Sean It needed skilled captains and pilots to negotiate the dangers. provided for the classics,and the assembled craft Walsh had generously provided a very weighty 100 This resulted in ships having to anchor out in the bay for were ‘dressedoverall’ for maximum impact and guinea purse for the second day’sracing, won by days, waiting to get in, sometimes with dire consequences finished their races in the Harbour. ‘Myfanwy’and she also won the ‘Kingstown 200 during bad weather. So it was decided to build a man-made Trophy’ for the fastest classicboat over the four days. harbour-of-refuge in Dublin Bayto address this problem. No.2 By a miracle, superb weather was enjoyed As was to be expected, there were a few dramas. Dun Laoghaire was selected as the site for it. The foundation throughout the four days, with sunny skiesand ‘Master Frank’ got a rope around her propeller, stone was laid on 31 May, 1817. Taking 26 yearsto build, gentle breezes. Not only did gaffers appear from all not sustained during the races, and it was left to the harbour wasconstructed of granite from nearby Dalkey over Ireland, but some came from far afield. Robert DBOGA member, diver, and maritime historian Quarry and involvedthe labour of thousands of men. The Mason sailed his lovely gaff cutter ‘Myfanwy’ across Cormac Lowth to dive down and do result is one of the finest man-made harbours in the world, the Irish Sea from Neyland YC, Milford Haven, a the necessary. Getting the rope off enclosing 215 acres. Dun Laoghaire is now the largest centre great achievement in view of the sparse conditions was no problem, but lifting a very for recreational sailing in Ireland. on board. Joe Pennington sailed his Manx longliner substantial Cormac back on board ‘Master Frank’ single-handed from the Isle of Man. was a different matter! Poetry inmotionas a Howth17 Amongst the superbly restored ‘old timers” were the takes advantageoftheweather No.3 gaff ‘Colleen Deas’and ‘Colleen Bawn’ as well This Regatta wasa unique as the 123-year-old Watson gaff cutter ‘PeggyBawn’ event, on a scale never before which the writer sailed in 50 years ago. attempted, at which we saw so many superbly restored Over 475 boats, crewed by over 2500 sailors, spread classicboats, both gaff out all over Dublin Bay was a sight to behold. and Bermudan gathered together and performing at their best in Dublin Bay.

DennisAylmer,President, DublinBay OGA No4.Phew!

ʻTir naNogofHowthʼpowers upwith theNewLibrary buildingbehind 24 25 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 SW Gaffers: a busy summer season Westward Ho!

Apart from the usual SW Gaffers programme of events, the 19-footers ‘Mayblossom’ and ‘Amnesia’.The River DartRally: 4-6August Westwardho! The South West Cruise they hostedvisiting boats taking part in the Sou’by blue Cornish lugger ‘Our Daddy’ that has recently Although cruising boats attend the Rally including Sou’ West Cruise in Company. Full reports for SW completed three yearsrestoration alongside the Fleet sailinghasits special challengesIdiscover. the recently restored 6-metre ‘Muriel’ (p.59) it is Gaffers events may be found on their website and in Old Fish Market deservedlywon the Concours Everyone nudgeseach otheron.Whenthe going particularly attractive to trailer sailors who come DogWatch. The SW seasonstarted in Brixham and this prize but also proved beauty is more than skin deep gets toughandyouwouldnormally stay put,you from far and wide to join SW Gaffers. Most arrived report just missed the deadline for the July Gaffers Log. by winning the best lugger in her classfor skill in find yourself outthere,andin waves youmightnot on Friday to set up camp on The Ham, a grassy sailing. The famous Brixham trawler ‘Ibex’,designed wantto meetandsome challenging seas! Thiskind space overlooking the river. This is usually forbidden Brixham Heritage Regatta: 27-29May and built by Uphams locally, wasso successful ofbravadoall starts whenawine fuelledfellow but the OGA has a specialdispensation. We were in the late 1800’s regattas that she wasawarded a skipperbrashlydeclares thatthereis adestination There were 34 entries of classicand historic sailing pleased that some participants in the Sou’ by Sou’ permanent silvertrophy. This has been ‘lost’for toreachandheatleast, will beʻup beforefirst vesselsof all shapes and sizes, berthed free thanks West Cruise stopped by to join us. Saturday was the over 60 years, but recently found and returned to lightʼ togetsteaming! Other skippersʼ thoughts to Torbay Harbour Authority. Boats and crews day of the race preceded by a parade of sail to show the family.The Heritage Committee were pleased ofclaiming oldageandinfirmity seemonlytoo gathered from Thursday evening in glorious weather. those enjoying Ditsum Regatta what a fine spectacle to award it to the yacht ‘Stardust’ visiting from cowardly, andsowe all moveon! The Heritage pontoon looked like a snapshot from gaff-riggedcraft make. Organisers, Dittisham SC the past on Saturday with over two dozen local and Exmouth for the best sailing performance of the set a triangular course of four laps in a good breeze. TheOGASouʼ bySouʼwest cruise hadthatʻAll for visiting boats attracting much interest. Following day. The King George V perpetual challenge cup Most of the 16 starters completed the course. oneandonefor allʼ spirit. DayOneoutofYarmouth registration on board Brixham trawler ‘Pilgrim’we for the winning trawler was awarded to ‘Vigilance’; gaveusanearly taste ofwhatwas tocomewith all headed to Brixham YC who kindly hosted the the King was a competitive sailor and amongst Peter Crook,AreaPresident, SW Gaffers headwinds andbreakingwaves forcing some weekend. Sea shanties and seafood pie were followed others, engaged Brixham fishermen as his crews as totake early refugein Poole Harbour.St Albanʼs by an amazing firework display over the harbour, the best boathandlers in the country. SW Gaffers Pointʼs overfalls, biggerandmore menacingthan courtesy of Brixfest. were well represented with ‘Little Tern’taking on the President, Peter Crook, and Treasurer, Elspeth ever,werethreateningthesmaller boatswith The main sailing event took place on Sunday MacFarlane as crew and winning the Alfred Wallace journeyʼs endby DayTwo! afternoon with a spectacular parade of sail as 30 Memorial Trophy; closely followed by ‘Theta’ But PortlandBill andLymeBay were madetoseem boats left Brixham Harbour. Torbay was filled and ‘Syrinx’in 2nd and 3rd places respectively. easy as thewindseased. Afterabigwelcomefrom with the sight of traditional sail shapes and colours ‘Timbobbin’ came 2nd in classwhilst ‘Minx’ won the local OGAin Brixham morestronghead winds including the famous ochre red sails of the trawlers her class as first working boat. It’s encouraging that andcrashing waves offBerry Head,broughta and smaller gaffers.For the first time this year, all five SW Gaffers boats were placed. broken tiller andshattered mastcollar. Determined there were the red sails of three Chinese junk rigged tocontinuewestwards we sheltered up theRiver boats as well. Vesselsranged from the largest 80ft Crews wereable to obtain decorated shirts for Dartandhadanother party. Re-energisedas the traditional Brixham sailing trawlers ‘Vigilance’and the event remembering our late chairman, Peter weather camegood,we sallied forth!Abigwarm ‘Pilgrim’ to the smallest sailing workboats such as Blanchard, who did so much to re-invigorate this event in recent years. The prizegiving party was a welcometoagatheringandrace with theSW livelyaffair finished off with an excellent auction in Gaffers in Plymouth,a pontoonparty in Fowey aid of the RNLI. Over £800 wasraised due to the andtendaysintothemissionwe arrived tired tireless efforts of auctioneer Alistair Moorhouse and butelated in Falmouth. Ofthe30orsoboats that the generosity of the bidders. joinedus, fourcrews found that extraenergy togo on tothe Scillies. Skippersandcrewssharetheir Now it’s onward and upward to even greater success stories inthefollowingpages,withreflections on next year.The small organising committee of Chris ʻsailing incompanyʼwithfellow gaffers. Coote, Richard Spreckley and Penny Jolley were thrilled with the take up and enthusiasm of all Abig thanksgotoPaul Jolley, John Gallagherand participants and are already planning the late May DonGarmen ofSW Gaffers fororganising the great Bank Holiday in 2018! For full report, complete list welcomes enrouteandmakingthetrip sospecial of entrants, results and photographs please visit: forusall. www.brixhamheritagesailing.org.uk Ben Collins,The ʻAdmiralʼ,Solent Area PaulJolley, South WestArea ʻMurielʼ, see p.59formoreabout her

26 27 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Cruise in Company,2017 Souʼ by Souʼ West

ʻCorncockleʼ sails west with the fleet and breaching all about us and the sun was OurʻMinxʼ adventure Heading further west to Helford, again f4/5 on shining in a sky with fleecywhite clouds. the nose with slight to moderate sea, we decided to With Cornwall and the Scilliesalready in our sights for this What a homecoming!I had no stomach for This extract is taken from the full account published in proceed no further as we did not want a ‘run and year’scruise in ‘Corncockle’, our Heard 28, it turned out to lowering the topsail with its long yard in SW GaffersNewsletter, DogWatch. back’ visit to the Scillies.The Helford was beautiful, be a fortunate coincidence that we could join forces with the those conditions, so we doused both headsails as always.It was then time to head back and we Sou’ by Sou’westCruise. That the cyclonic weather pattern instead and between the two of us managed The first of the fleet arrived somewhat wet and decided to try a new port, Mevagisseywith two waswelland truly set against us throughout our outbound the weather-helm until we got into the calmer exhausted in Brixham on Monday 25 July, having other boats from the Cruise. We set sail for Fowey leg actually made the bonding stronger within our flotilla waters of the Solent. With tide now setting crossed Lyme Bay in one hit in fairly high winds and in fair conditions, staying there for two nights on of gafferslarge and small, young and old, all determined against us and feeling exhausted, we gladly lumpy seas.Then the wind went to the west and the Polruan side. After leaving Foweywe headed to keep heading west. Had we been a lone boat, our plans picked up a mooring in Newtown. Brixham was bathed in sunshine with the sailing for the Yealmin ideal conditions, N/NW 4/5 and would undoubtedly have changed. The reallynice thing trawler ‘Vigilance’hosting an early evening reception then onto Salcombe. We had a fantastic day sailing about Sou’ by Sou’ West was its casual unpressured nature. Reflecting onthe myriadof events of our for visiting crews, welcomed by SW President, on the last day of the Sou’ by Sou’Westadventure There was alwaysa plan for the next day or two, together participationin Souʼ bySouʼ West, shoreside Peter Crook. Heading into a constant force 4 with highlighted by Penny achievinga SOG of 7.6 knots with the overall goal of the Scillies,but absolutely no highlightsinclude aperpetualsocial hubgaffer a lumpy sea ‘Minx’ and the rest of the fleet sought over the Skerries Bank. Early evening saw us moored compulsion to adhere to this. style, dancingat Plymouth(thanks tofolk band shelterin Dartmouth and at Dittisham, a party back in Brixham after 16 days away. andPenny ofʻMinxʼ for hornpipefun), sea broke out on ‘Hester’.0330 on Saturday found Ben Collins, ‘the Admiral’, aboard ‘Betty II’, elected to use shanties at Brixhamand Falmouth, welcome good ‘Minx’ off to catch a favourable tide round Start It was aterrific experiencewith muchtobe learnt from ‘What’s App’ as the principle media tool which captured grublaid onfor hungrygaffers at BrixhamSC Point heading for Plymouth followed by a steady sailing in companywith likemindedcrews talking boats photos and comments from individuals and enabled andPlymouth. Great thanks tothe organisers, procession of lights from the fleet. There was good andsharing experiences, giving help whenneeded. For those using it to maintain an overviewof the group when SW GaffersJohn GallagherandPaul Jolley. And wind for racing on Sunday but ‘Minx’ was scuppered thepassages westwardcrews at timesdealt withfairly dispersed. Looking back at the Sou ’bySou’westWhatsApp at sea, so manyimages, mixingwith an offshore by the Pilot Boat chasing us off the route to let a strongwindsandseas. I thinkall thosetaking part learnt trail now, it is a massiveresource and record of events. race atAnvil Point androundingarather lively St ferry pass!On 2 August our log records a shipping avariety ofthingsduringthecruise. Thesocial side Albans Head, racing in PlymouthSound where forecast of S/SW 5-7 occasionally gale 8, moderate was excellent varying fromorganisedmainevents to From that and our ships log I seethat in 27 days on this youʻstarted whenyoufelt like itʼ, musclingin on to rough seaswith some rain showers. ‘Minx’ headed chatty informalevenings with twoorthree crews getting voyagewe only hoisted our topsail on three occasions, but the merriness at HelfordSC prizegivingfor the for Falmouth with a challenging passagemooring up together. were sailing frequently with no. 2 jib, reefed staysailand Passage Race fromFalmouth,dolphinsandgaff at 1400 with a welcomefrom SW Gaffers Cornwall double reefed main. Heading home flying the topsail with rigs aplenty towonderat. representativeDon Garman. PaulJolley, SWArea a welcome free wind at last, we came close to a spot of bother. It wasduring the final hour of our non-stop return So what aboutshorts, swims, bike-rides, Pimms, The fleet arrives in Falmouth from the Helford that we found ourselvestired and over- mealsin thecockpitandlazyplain sailing? Well, canvassedas we approached Hurst Narrows, with rapidly theyʼll feature onnextyearʼs cruise, wonʼtthey? Eleven gaffers arrived in Falmouth during Tuesday rising wind and sea. Meanwhile, dolphins were leaping 1 August following a reasonably pleasant sail Peppy andGrahamDadd, Solent Area from Fowey in comparison to their previous day’s experience. 32 skippers and crew plus a few local gaff enthusiasts gathered for a convivial meal in the Five Degrees West. Having studied the weather forecast for the next few days, ‘Admiral’Ben Collins sadly announced the formal end of the Sou’ by Sou’West Cruise.

Wednesday was wet and windy with poor visibility, not conducive to sailing!Skippers were ferried to Sail Tech, A2 Rigging and Sea-ware for repairs and replacement parts where required. The local businessescame up trumps and provided an excellent service; rigging done whilst skipper waited and sail returned the following morning. Some ʻMinxʼraces at PlymouthPhoto: DavidPatuck visited the National Maritime Museum. A minibus

28 ʻCorncockleʼ Plymouthbound 29 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 ʻSwiftʼ cruises with the OGA Souʼ by Souʼ West

and cars arrived on North Quay in the afternoon Gaffers are really a lot faster than I thought. A day’s morale went sky high! The tide turned a force 6, would drop at 1410 to a good old 5. After a full to transport folk to Penpol Boatyard, where Holly rest in Weymouth then to Brixham.The fleet left the two hours out from Brixham and I didn’t English in Brixham, we were off, reefed, for Dartmouth, and Ashleyof Butler and Co provided a guided day before, but on advice from Ben, and the force 5 make the harbour until 2245. My engine, only a few miles south. tour around the collection of Dalymore, Butler and still blowing, an evening with engineless ‘Harbinger’ a 5hp outboard, is lashed to one side of the Fairlie boats in for repair and storage. An evening and skipper Mike Sullivan and crew seemed good. transom with baling twine. It only works in I thought I would leaveearly before anyone else, just of fishand chips at Harbour Lights and beer in the calm conditions, or sailing on starboard tack, grasping how fast these Gaffers are. We started to beat into ‘The Front’ were much enjoyed. Weymouth to Brixham wasdiscussed at length but in the dark I made it! what one fellow sailor described as a force 7. We, that is over pints, wine and more pints. The tides and my little boat and I, were doing well, tacking along the On Thursday evening ‘Gwenili’ and ‘SusanJ’ Coastguard were consulted. Both boats left I must explain that my nav. lights are a coast ready to pop through the cliffsinto Dartmouth. I had departed for the Scillies.The remainder of the fleet Weymouth 0930, with no wind. We bounced rather agricultural affair. The ensign comes sailed here a long time ago, so had some knowledge of the explored the Fal and Helford before returning east. around ShamblesBank until noon, taking the safe out of its hole and the stern light goesin. coastline. One more tack out into Lyme Bay,and I could route south of the Portland Race finally picking Port and starboard lights are mounted make the entrance to windward with plenty of searoom to DonGarman,SW Gaffers in Cornwall up a breeze, which gave a steady fetch straight to on a contraption more befitting a Massey get myselfshipshape and ready to find a berth. The others Brixham. Navigation on a small boat, single handed Ferguson tractor of the same vintage as the were catching me with remarkable ease, but I was learning to Swift and out of practice by 30 years, focused the mind. boat. It’s a 3’ stainless steel tube which bolts accept this, humbling as it was. I still couldn’t understand why my little Folkboat onto the Samson post with the other end I put the tiller over, and it came off in my hand! I had made New member, Nick Ward, tells his tale of sailingwith wasn’tgoing to windward like my gaffer friends. lighting up. This lighting comes complete it from short grain on a nice bit of ash. Idiot! I should had Gaffers for the first time in his Folkboat ‘Swift’. with the added adventure of crawlingup the By 4ish land was out of sight. ‘Harbinger’ had taken foredeck in a harness, the strop of which is seen that coming! This is why Folkboats are so great. I I met up with my old friend Tony Kiddle at a the coastal route, we wereback to a steady force alwaystoo short. But what a fantastic warm backed the jib, she hove to, looking after me in lumpy seas, wedding, and wastaken with the notion to join the 5. I was thinking about the rebuild, having taken welcome from my gaffer friends in Brixham: while I lashed what remained of the tiller to the rudder stock OGA and sail in company to the ScillyIslands. It off and re-bedded the keel, new transom and new a hug from Ben’screw Paul, wine and food, and went on my wayinto Dartmouth. What a relief. was my second season of sailing a Folkboat I rebuilt, decks. How good is epoxy?Will it actually do what brilliant! We didn’t make the Isles of Scilly, we got as far as Plymouth. it was time to test her a bit more. No, I do not have it said on the tin?The mast, now taking a bit of The weather wasnot in our favour and I do this for pleasure. a gaffer, but Tony gave full assurance the Gaffers are a battering, had been condemned. Replacingthe My new found gaffer friends had the bit It’snot an endurance test. We had a good time, met some a friendly bunch and I was a ‘sort of classic’,being rotted section with a 2’ piece of ash seemed a good between their teeth and with great promises, great people with whom we were able to share boating wood and built in 1957. So I set off single-handed idea at the time, but wasit a going to work? and total faith in their phones (I was talk and have a pleasant holiday. I did get to the bottom of in hot pursuit of Tony’svery pretty gaffer late in July. beginning to realise people navigate using Then, the best thing ever,a pod of maybe 15 phones these days) assured me the wind, now why Gaffers are so fast during a session of Morris dancing I never sawTony after he picked up a favourable dolphin spent half an hour or so with me. My current west of Cowes. I had a great sail to the Needles, where I put in a reef among the entire Cowes-Deauville fleet. Cracking on to St Albans Head, the wind had headed me slightlyand up to a good force 5. At 1600 I decided on plan B, head for Studland Bay,not Weymouth.

So my first night away cruising in company was on my own at anchor. Then the phone rang. Tony told Ben ‘the Admiral’ I was in Studland, he invited me to South Deep. My cruise kicked off with alcohol and good yarns shared with three gaff rigged boats.

We left for Weymouth in a force fiveon the nose. Having caught the south end of St Alban’sRace, I had a long sailand reached Weymouth around 1800. My new found friends had settled in for the night and offered a welcomecup of tea. These

30 HeadingforPlymouthPhoto: DavidPatuck 31 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 AimingtoreachtheScilly Isles Souʼ by Souʼ West

in a veryold pub in Dartmouth. To my surprise no shelter there. Further round the Lizard, much island! We walked around, enjoyed a meal in the Thursday with even more wind we had a look in I learned that they pull their sailsup and set the too close and encountering big waves,but dolphin Turks Head with the other crew and had a musical Polperro, but sailed on to the beautiful river Yealm, engine revsaround 1500 rpm and put the kettle on! enlighted the scenery. evening with Edith playing accordion. We sailed where we stayed another day. Would I do it again . . . in a heartbeat. I loved it. out to the other side of Trescoon Sunday, Old Tuesday August 1 we sailed to St Michael’s Mount Grimsby. Against advice we chose to sail around on Friday wesailed back to Plymouth, visited the town ‘Swift’ is now looking for a new owner. I’vedecided and moored in the small harbour. There was a lot the Atlantic side. It was indeed very rough, waves and on Saturdaymorning we put the boat on the I need a bigger boat to cruise in company with the of swelldue to countless launches bringing tourists splashing on the rocks on both sides!Very uncanny! trailer. Sunday we were in Ipswich where we found OGA next season. Visit My ClassicBoat: to and fro. So we sailed to Penzance, found the lock our OGA East Coast friends starting their August www.myclassicboat.com/My-Classic-Boat-2/Folkboat- already closed and back to Newlyn. We went fishing, After we gybed we sailed into the sound, took a Cruise and had dinner on the Thames barge ‘Victor’. 1960s-Swifttoseethe story of how I restored her four mackerelson one line, we smoked them. mooring and walked around on Tresco.What a Monday we sailed home on the Stena ferry. from a written off wreckto the beautiful little boat special vegetation at the Abbey garden! To avoid she is today. The film has had over 100,000 views! Rain again on Wednesday, so we took the bus to anchoring in the swellwe chose to dry out just What a fantastic voyageit was, we enjoyed the Scilly Mousehole. On Thursday it was SW 6-8 so we before the expensive restaurant where we only had a Islands so much that we are sure come back another NickWard,Solent Area walked to Penzance and visited our neighbour Roger glassof wine and prepared our pollock caught that time. ‘Jan Blank’ had proven to be a good seaboat who just sailed from the Scilly Islands and gave us morning. and very easyto handle with the electric rollers on very good nautical advice. He gave us Googlearth jib and staysail, made from a car window wiper ʻJan Blankʼ: bytrailer fromtheNetherlands photos where the water is so clear you can see the At dawn, Monday morning we sailed back on a motor. Alsothe reefing worm gear on the mainsail rocks or the weed where you better not anchor. good weather forecast, alas the weak wind came dead works well. Nearly all can be controlled from the Rik and Edith join the South West Cruisefrom the Friday the wind abated, still SW 4-5, significant from astern, did not help the engine at all and we cockpit. On light winds we can set a bigger jib or Netherlands, trailing their boat ‘JanBlank’and driving waveheight2.5m, a bit lessthan the 4.5m the days arrived in Helford around 1800. LeavingHelford even an asymetric spinnaker, but this holiday there to Plymouth - thus avoiding the strong headwinds, but before. Coming so far we decided to try to reach the on Tuesday, we used the gaff topsail, but that was to was so much wind, we did not use it at all. missing most of the rest of the fleet. Meeting ‘Gwenili’ ScillyIslands and it helped that it was sunny! be taken down becauseof increasingNW 5-6 wind, on the Scillies, ‘Jan Blank’ was one of four boats to which was good to bring us to Mevagissy.We had an We apologisethe South by Southwest group for not reach the final port of call. Starting at 0900, as we were advised to have 7 hours uncomfortable night between buoys in the harbour. waiting for them, but I hope they will understand. stream with us, we motor sailed with a reef against, We set all sailsincluding gaff topsail and arrive in in our opinion, very high waves(4-5m), especially Rik andEdith Homan,Netherlands OGA Fowey.The forecasts were bad and we realised the after Lands End. But somehow you get accustomed S’bSW group would arrive much and we did not to the wild movements and with gannets diving and want to sail back. We reefed and motor-sailed out of dolphins playing with ‘Jan Blank’, we reached St the rough entrance with strong wind against the ebb Mary around 1900 and anchored in Porth Cressa. and on to Falmouth. With an even worse forecast We had a drink from the bottle of wine which we went to the museum and to Penryn where we was given to us by Roger for this purpose: to have dried out in the mud. Saturday we sailed up the Fal reached the Scilly Islands. We sailed to St Agnes, and anchored in the rain. Sunday to Helford, what a anchored in the Cove closeto the beach. lovely place! East Coast OGA ‘Gwenili’arrived after 18 hours Monday we motor sailed against a strong wind, motor sailing so they needed sleep. What a beautiful thinking we could stop at Cadgewickbut found

32 ʻJan BlankʼatTresco 33 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 ʻSusanJʼ Souʼ by Souʼ West

In this extract from a longer article, David Patuck reports on make Newlyn a sensible plan B. We were Cove between St Agnes and Ghu, where it the late hour. A very convivial meal wasenjoyed but with his passageto the Scillies and back where he met up with East surprised to see searchlights and boat engines transpired ‘Gwenlli’already was. However, Fiona catching an early flight to Exeter in the morning, we Coast Gaffer Martin on ‘Gwenili’. Find more about David and starting at 5am. The local fishermen were up the crew’sperceived need for a shower meant adjourned to ‘Susan J’ where we were serenaded by ‘Gwenili’ ‘Susan J’on p.42 and in the SW Gaffers newsletter, ‘DogWatch’. before us. Bydaylight, despite F3-4 winds Hugh Town or bust. We spent about an into, what seemed like, the small hours! Read more about ‘Gwenili’on p.44 and p.52. forecast, we were motor-sailing towards Black hour and a half motoring through the sound Head.The wind rose and a very pleasant against the tide and nursing the alternator Next morning, we walkedpast Old Harbour and Don Garman welcomed us to Falmouth and with gales two tacks around the Lizard had us walking belt. We moored up to a visitors buoy, safe Porthcressa, where we thought we would be less rolly and on Thursday, some of us enjoyed a trip to Butler’sYard at 1.5 ‘Cornish miles’ to Mousehole for a pint but rolling, blewup the dinghy and went well placed for an early start. Porhtcressa was just as rolly, Penpol, near Devoran. With severaldaunting projects on before a very pleasant supper of really fresh ashore for showers but, apparently, we were but we set off at dawn with showersand a rising WNW the go this was a fascinating and sobering experience for hake and chips aboard in Newlyn. too tired for the pub! wind. We arrived about two hours early for our tidal gate those of us with plastic gaffers.An impromptu gathering at the Lizard and had been pushed north so had to tack at the ‘The Front’ on Custom House Quay, wasnot only Another dawn start to catch the tidal push On Sunday we went ashore and played at downwind before running around the Lizard into heavyrain dry, but stocked, in addition to all of Skinners, a selection from 08:30 at the Runnel Stone was achieved being tourists. We took the first ferry to squalls off Black Head. A double tack took us east of the of unusual ales, including Scillonian, which some of us felt in a glorious sunrise and showers with Trescoeand had a delightful day, walking Manaclesand back to the Helford, a run of 13 hours! obliged to sample as it looked increasingly likely that we rainbow overTater Du, on Saturday. Fine around the whole island and we might have might not get there. reaching, we arrived exactlyon time and by seen ‘JanBlank’ on legs in Old Grimsby, That was the end of our cruise and we never met Rik on ‘Jan mid morning had tacked past Wolf Rock which, despite it’s NW aspect, looked a Blank’ who had come all the way from Holland. However On Thursday, by 1700, having tidied the boat, done the and eagerly anticipated our first ‘overseas’ lot more comfortable than Hugh Town! A we did catch up briefly with ‘Corncockle’ again and a week laundry, worked out, at last, how to make the shore power landfall. By mid afternoon, having been late tour of the gardens and we met some later were found by Patrick and Rose on ‘Capraia’. She was work, visited the Bosun’sLocker and re victualed, there were surrounded for about 20 minutes by several of Gwenili’s crew. She had anchored off one of two Heard 28s who set off from Milford Haven some gleamsof sunshine and a promise that the westerly gale schools of dolphin we were in sight of the the south tip of Trescoeto facilitate their to join the Sou’ by South West cruise at the Scillies.They would ease. Lessbattered than most of the fleet, like Martin low lying islands. We spent about three hours visit and returned to Hugh Town later that had both been storm bound on the N. Cornish coastbut Goodrich on ‘Gwenilli’,we decided to try for the Scillies, tacking to and fro off St Mary’s, which gave evening, where they found us polishing off ‘Capraia’ reached Newlyn and crossed to the Scillieson the leaving our Solent friends to explore the Fal and Helford us plenty of time to identify Crow Sound a late carvery at the Wolf and Bishop. They day we ran all the way home. She had spent a week in the at their leisure. An early start on Friday would mean a late and St Mary’sSound. With the forecast still joined us and we persuaded the ladies to islands, rather more than the rest of us. arrival at St Mary’sbut a long tack into Mounts Bay would in the west we were tempted to head for the accommodate another five gaffers despite DavidPatuck,SW Gaffers

34 PlymouthtoFowey Photo:DavidPatuck ʻSusan Jʼ races inPlymouthSound Photo:Steve Lorraine 35 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 ʻCarlottaʼ Souʼ by Souʼ West

Our final report from the South West cruise fleet is an extract 4August metal ring on the port side. I hove to and 9August:FalmouthtoSalcombe from a longer article by Piers Rowlandson, who sailed ‘Carlotta’ Sallyleft to join her father at a ballooning wrestled the dinghy on board and deflated it, We left Falmouth about 1100hrs. It wasraining and started from Yarmouth, Isleof Wight, departing 22 July.We join festival. Ed and Kathy in ‘Hester’ and Ben then motored back onto starboard tack. After gusting over 25kts so we put in two reefs. Up at the mast I ‘Carlotta’ with her crew in Falmouth on 2 August as they hear and Jeremy in ‘Betty II’ came to the rescue about an hour I tacked for the mouth of the was knee deep in water as a waveswept over the bow. I got from ‘Admiral’ Ben Collins that it seemsto be ‘Journey’send’. and we sailedin company to Restronguet. Helford River and caught up with Ed, now the reefsin and retreated to the cockpit as a nut hit the deck It was Ben’sbirthday, celebrated on ‘Hester’ on his own in ‘Hester’.We took up a green and went overboard. I could not see anything amiss in the 2August with bubbles. Six of us piled onto ‘Betty buoy opposite Helford River SC. A solo artist rigging and so ignored it. It later turned out to come from Another damp and dreary morning, spent shopping. I like to II’ and Ben veryskilfully guided us to the was singing the Blues. Excellent hamburgers a bolt holding the saddle to the gaff and was easilyreplaced keep three days’victuals on board. We visited the Maritime pontoon at the PandoraInn. and beer went down well, followed by with a locking nut. Half way to Salcombe, as we passed Museum, taking in the Captain Bligh exhibition and a “Help the old man ashore!”said a young showers. There followed a long discussion Eddystone Light, the wind moderated and the sun came display of tattoos and tattooing. Ben sent a messageround mother to her husband. with Dave and Kay about motorbikes over out. The sun set in glorious technicolour as we motored into the fleet to say the voyagewas over. The forecast was not coffee in the bar. the river. The Harbour Master’sdeputy sent us up river to I laughed so much I nearly fell back into the at all encouraging and the crew of a boat coming back told a mooring buoy. It was so dark by the time we got to where river. There followed an excellent meal, and stories of being rolled out of their bunks. It was clear the 7August the buoy was supposed to be it was difficult to know if we lively conversation. weather was not favourable for a trip to the Scilly Isles. ‘Hester’sailed off towards Mevagissey,where had moored to the right one. It did not seemto matter and “You need a week of settled weather,” said one old hand. she joined other gaffersheading home. I spaghetti carbonara wassoon on the table. “Do not go to the Scilly Isles if you have to reef,” said 5August:toMalpas motored up to Frenchman’sCreek where I another. It was a brilliant sunny morning. ‘Betty II’ found Graham and Peppy in ‘Corncockle’. 10August:Salcombe toSt Peterʼs Port “We could beat our brains out motor-sailing 75 miles to returned to Falmouth to begin the voyage Frenchman’s Creek was too shallow to enter The sun came peeking out from behind a hill and we were windward, have a day’srest and then come back,” said Sally. home. Ed, Kathy and myselfwent ashore in at low tide even in the tender, so after coffee up and off. The wind was still from the north. It was a dead “It is just not worth it.” the tender and walked past some fabulous on board ‘Corncockle’ I weighed anchor and run to St Peter’sPort, but we elected to reach with the tide houses to AshleyButler’sboat yard further headed downriver. I had crew joining so went sailingwith the wind on the quarter, and when the tide It was very disappointing to have to give up the voyageto up the creek where we met his partner Holly back to Falmouth Haven. It was flat calm. turned we gybed and continued to reach towards the south the Scilly Isles, especially as Sally had told me so much about who served up tea and cheese cake. Lin A racing fleet was hanging about hoping for west end of Guernsey. It was growing dark and the Peinmont her friends there, and my brother was waiting for us in a Pardey appeared and there followed a wide- wind and it began to rain. The Falmouth Point light was flashing its warning every 13 seconds, when B&B booked before Christmas. I had warned him we might ranging conversation that included life in workboats were going out to race. Falmouth we started to motor the last stretch along the south coast not make it though, the trip is veryweather dependant and New Zealand, Starship Children’s Hospital, Haven advised me to raft up alongside of the island. It was too rough to cook supper, even an there is no good anchorage free of the Atlantic swell. boatbuilding in NZ and the Royal NZYC. a Jeanneau40 DS. It continued to rain: omelette, and it seemed an age before we were able to turn Ashleyshowed us over the two 50’ Mermaid another fry up and so to bed. into the Little Russeland head for the port. 3August Yachtsthat he had designed and built. After The pontoons were jam packed with boats rafted three I visited the Winifred Nicholson exhibition and walked up a cold meat and salad lunch aboard ‘Hester’, 8August out. There was no harbour launch to be seen as it was past the hill out to the Point. Walking boots can veryuseful on a we moved up river to Malpas, and moored My new crew,Graeme, arrived just in time to midnight, so we went alongsidethe waiting pontoon. A trip like this. After a meal of ratatouille and eggson board, up on a pontoon just belowthe Heron be introduced to the boat, before taking the woman on an American flaggedboat told us we would be I took the rubber dub out to ‘Greyhound’, a Cornish Lugger pub. Spaghetti carbonara on ‘Carlotta’ was skipper out to the Hut for a fabulous seafood aground at low water, but we did our calculations and in had anchored off TrefusisPoint. We all went off to The Shed followed by drinks in the pub as the sun went platter. We finished up in the Shed and time we were proved right: there was plenty of water for us. to meet up with the Martin and the crew of ‘Gwenili’. down. met Martin, his son Luke and Jean-Lou on ‘Gwenili’.They were heading off to Paimpol. Piers Rowlandson,SolentArea 6August:Malpas toHelfordRiver SC Martin reckoned it would take about a day ‘Carlotta’ cast off and followed ‘Hester’ and a half. The forecast of strong northerly downriver, out to sea. Sailswere hoisted winds and poor visibility meant that for us it as the river widens out at Weir Point. Just made sense to head for Salcombe. as ‘Carlotta’got out into the Channel the tender broke its towing ring and was being dragged along sidewaysby the one remaining

36 BrixhamsunsetPhoto:Piers Rowlandson ʻCarlottaʼ sails from PlymouthtoFoweyPhoto:DavidPatuck 37 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 OGAAnnual Races, 2017

BCACardiffBay Race: 10 August Solent Area: 2September SW Gaffers AnnualRace: 1July This year, we enjoyed sunshine and a brisk breeze. We had a great turnout for our Annual Raceand Our Annual Race had been held for many years After close quarters racing on the first lap, the 2016 Rally.The berthing master at Shepard’sWharf in Start Bay and we had discussed it at our last winner, ‘Daydream’,Keith McIlwain’sGolant , had concluded that a boat requiring 19 metres of AGM. The consensus wasto retain its traditional took a decisivelead to retain her trophy. Second was mooring length must be of the large motor variety so format and we werehoping for a good turnout. the Sou’wester18 ‘Chloe’, helmed by Charlie Harris, we were glad to educate him in the way of bowsprits. Unfortunately, attendance was, again, rather and third, ‘Piglet’,a Skipper 17 recently converted Once again, the actual race, being almost windless, disappointing, though all those who attended to a gaff rig by helm Roger Flambert. Following produced only one finisher, Liz and Nick Harvey’s seemed to have a good time. The event started on an entertaining race, during which Keith clearly ‘Sophie’,whose crew therefore won both first prize Friday evening at Dartmouth YC with supper and demonstrated his racing pedigree, we retired to the and the LaggardsLadle. An ingenious idea of using added interest in the form of the local sea shanty EastCoast Race: 15July Cardiff Bay YC bar for a meal, and discussion. handicap to award prizes in each class led to an band, The Naughty Buoys. Race day dawned with entertaining evening and some unusual winners. We a wind that was rather different to the forecast.The A full report with results is on the East Coast CharlieHarris, BCAPresident welcomed some very longstanding members and fleet experienced a variety of conditions in the Bay website, along with a gallery of photographs. possibly our youngest ever gaffer (unless of course but, by the end, I think everyonefelt they had had you know better) eight day old Leo. a good sail. After racing, crews assembled for supper Saturday 15 July, 2017 sawthe 54th running of and prizegiving in the Royal Dart YC. A full report the East Coast OGA Race, at Brightlingsea, with is availablein DogWatch. an excellent small boat event at the same venue on Notice ofSolent AnnualRace, 2018 Sunday. 31 boats entered of whom 28 started the Next year will marktheSolent Areaʼs 60thAnnual DavidBewick, SWAreaSecretary race on a day which at the 8am Race Briefing looked Race. Mindfulofthesectionin Rule8which says as if it might add to the ulcers the Race Officer we“shall endeavourto select dates… whichwill acquired during last year’sevent. The fleet surged give membersfromother Areas a chance toenter” off to Colne Bar, with some requiring tacks to stay we cannotdootherthanrunthe race onSaturday, the correct side of marks in the Colne channel. Very 18August,2018during the OGA55celebrations on soon they were lost to sight from the Bateman’s theMedinaRiver at Cowes. Tower Race Office, but progress was reported by ‘Tempus’ and ‘Tornado Rib’ from the course. Light winds soon picked up to provide a thrilling race out to the Wallet no3 buoy, especiallywith the fastest boats being sent off last, and sailing through the fleet. Dinner at Colne YC was followed by presentation of prizesand much discussion about how the race might change in future.

Report:KeithWatson,East CoastArea Photos:SandyMiller, East Coast Area ʻDaydreamʼPhoto:RogerWallington

38 Racing abandonedin theSolent Photo:MManning 39 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Changeableweather in Scotland

CampbeltownClassics: 19- 21May,2017 Association President, who had flown from London Enjoyingalate seasonsail onʻNaiadʼ evening. The fair wind the next day allowed a visit Friday 19 May saw a fleet of traditional boats arrive to join the fun. After a pleasant sail around in At the beginning of September, we sailed on ‘Naiad’ to the Treshnish Isles, a line of interesting and in Campbeltown for a weekend of fun, friendship the loch on Saturday afternoon that gavegood from her mooring in Loch Feochan just south of peculiarly shaped islands, all different with the and excellent hospitality at the sailing club. This opportunity for enthusiastsand photographers to Oban with a light south westerly breezeto take most obvious Dutchman’s Cap at the southern year’sevent was a revival of scenes from a few years capture the scenes, the assembled company met at is in fine styleup the Sound of Mull and into the end. Then past Staffaand on to Iona where at the ago with boats arriving from other parts of the Campbeltown SC where an excellent meal courtesy anchoragein Loch Drumbuie for the night. The south end of the Sound of Iona we sailed through Clyde including Bute and Tarbert plus three from of Argyll Bakery was the start of a fun filled evening evening forecast was for a strong NW the following the ‘Steamer Passage’,a navigational challenge Northern Ireland and a couple from Wales.The with music provided by Paula and Bryan. Needless day with the sea state for west of Ardnamurchean avoiding underwater rocks, now thanks to ‘Antaries Welsh boats included ‘Molly Cobbler’, the smallest to say, the club provided hospitality of the first order, as ‘high’.It was an easy decision to head into Charts’ accuratelycharted, and into the wonderful boat in the fleet and well sailed single handed by much appreciated by all who attended. the shelter of Loch Sunart and the fivemiles of anchorage of Tinker’s Hole. Mary Gibbs, her owner. interesting pilotage as far as Salen Bay.There is a Although the weather was very cooperative for the pontoon and very good facilitiesand a short walk to The weather wasto return to normal later the next ‘Swny Mor’, a converted RNLI lifeboat from the first part of the weekend, departure day on Sunday the hotel for beer and a meal. Two nights in Salen day but before the gale and rain we motored in calm 1930s was a stunning sight both under sail and saw three boats deciding to extend their stay, while and a forecast for easier condition off we headed for conditions alongthe south of Mull to Oban and the when alongsidein the marina. Having circled the the Irish boats had a rather boisterous trip home the open sea. As we approached the Sound of Mull newly opened ‘Oban Transit Marina’. It has taken world there wereplenty of stories narrated to the before spreading word of their enjoyment of the it was obvious it hadn’t eased yet so into Tobermory many yearsto get this marina but it will be a great assembled company about her adventures. whole weekend on social media. for the night. asset allowing berthing in the centre of Oban with all its facilities but with a maximum stay of three A drinks reception on board the Scottish OGA Find more reports and photos of this event in the The forecast was for lighter wind for the next nights. It is very convenient for the old but recently President’sboat started the festivities, quickly July issue of Gaffers Log, p.26. few days so with an early start we motored to the re-opened Oban Inn, good beer, food and chat. followed by a meal at the Argyll Arms. The weekend GordonGarman,President, OGAScotland north of Mull and picked up a northerly breeze was attended by Alistair Randall, recently elected for a glorious sail to Arinagour Bay on Coll. The SW gale and heavy rain arrived in time for the A walk ashore allowed us to meet many of the final motor south in the Sound of Kerrerato the inhabitants, sheep, and visit Coll Hotel for the shelter of the mooring in Loch Feochan. Time to prepare for winter lay-up.

NealHill, Secretary, OGAScotland

Swn-y-Mor40 at CampbeltownPhoto:Neal Hill ʻBirthe Marieʼ anexBaltic fishingboatwith IonaAbbeyinthe backgroundPhoto:NealHill 41 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Reflections on becomingaʻgafferʼ Fulfilling adream:ʻNomadʼreturns

Extracts from David Patuck’sarticle on his first seasonwith Ourfirst five monthshave beenexciting, stressful Last June, Dan and I went overto Holland headed for Dunkirk where wewaited for the tide. Actually,it ‘Susan J’are published in the SW Gaffers newsletter, DogWatch. butimmenselyrewarding.ʻSusan Jʼ has proved to sail ‘Nomad’back to her new home port has to be admitted, to have a gigantic seafoodlunch, so chuffed In this extract, we find how he came to find ‘Susan J’, as Dan to be the sea kindly, comfortable, handyboat of Poole from Breskens. It was the fulfilment were we. That helped us catch some sleep and slog overnight and Mike Shaw fulfil their dream in purchasing‘Nomad’. Find wewere lookingfor.Aswe anticipated, it is of a dream. Some 20 yearsago, both of us to Dover. The wind died and we had to resort to the engine, a report on ‘Susan J’reaching the Scilly Isleson p.34. the boatwhois lookingafter us rather than remember reading the ClassicBoat article about blessingBB for installing such a big and quiet-running Volvo. the light-displacement gaff cutter designed by the other way around.Yesthere have been a It alwaysseemsto rain in Dover but the next morning was Nigel Irens and Ed Burnett. Wefell in love bright with a gentle breezeand a tide that took us swiftlypast I learnt to sail during holidays in Gillan Creek, in clinker few problemswith the boat butthese are to be built dinghies, gunter and Bermudan. Later there were with her lines. She is, in some sense perhaps, Dungeness. These seemed perfect conditions to flythe topsail expectedafter 25 years and,as wesort each one the forerunner of such beautiful, fast boats as Fireflies,Enterprises and the occasional Wayfarer. We and, seeingthat ‘Nomad’enjoyed the conditions, we explored out,ourconfidenceandsatisfaction increases. ‘Zinnia’, ‘Foxhound’ and later, ‘IvyGreen’.We the mysterious sail in the forepeak. This is a light assymetric of pottered with the family in a Mirror dinghy, and a lug sailed We have really appreciated the opportunity,to had not heard much about her since the original generous proportions set from the end of the bowsprit, poled Anarth rowing boat. We also had a modern 20’ Jeanneau meetother gaffers andtheir boats, afforded by owner, who commissioned her to be built by out and controlled by a sheet from the cockpit. We raced along Sun 2000. I’vebeen privileged to crew on ‘Bonita’ with East Ben Collins, John Gallagher andDonGarman Fairlie,sold her to the Dutch Olympic sailor, for a while but sadly the wind dropped. Now we could seehow Coast OGA Mike Beckett crossing the North Sea, English in ourfirst season andhave enjoyedmeeting Boudewijin Binkhorst, who for 19 yearshas ‘Nomad’sailsin light airs. We couldn’t hold our ideal course Channel and Falmouth to Waterford leg of the OGA50 lots ofotherʻgaffersʼ, nowinthe contextoftheir cared for her impeccably,making many of his becauseof a peskywind farm being built off Brighton. The Round Britain. All this had enthused us to become ‘Old boats. Without exception,they have beenfriendly, own modifications in consultation with Nigel guard ships had an irritating wayof asking us whether we could Gaffers’but nothing could fully prepare us for ownership. helpful andtolerant of ourshortcomings.I am Irens and Ed Burnett. He increased the sail area seethe turbines. Asnight felland almost at the bottom of the and, like all good Dutchmen, installed a larger sure weare notthe onlyboatthat has achieved tide we ghosted over Chichester Bar, escorted by two paddle We spent two years looking for a suitable, sea kindly, engine. She was cherished and was joyously boarders who appeared from nowhere. Weanchored off Hayling morethis season than we wouldhave doneon comfortable coastal cruising boat and enjoyed meeting SW cruised by BB& Marion. Island, listened to the sounds of the night and poured ourselves gaffersat Plymouth and Falmouth winter social gatherings. our own. a wee dram. About four years ago, we noticed she was It was becoming clear a gaff rigged workboat could provide Recently, Matt, withour daughterRosie, returned on the market. We lusted after her, despite Next morning it was back overthe bar and a brisk sail up the a comfortable, spacioushull of modest length but a sailplan aboardʻSusan Jʼ. Theyenjoyedarelatively simultaneous lovefor our Heard 28, ‘Susan Solent to Yarmouth in a strengthening easterly.What luck! more suited to a longer hull, to provide some meaningful stress free shortcruise toFoweyandback, J’. Weare ashamed to say that, disgracefully, What fun to seejust how short the Solent can be!In Yarmouth, passagemaking. Looking at severaltired working boats we where everything workedand we hadtwo rapid we stalked off to Holland to meet BB and sail other gafferswelcomed us back. Adrian Turner took our lines realisedwe might need to adjust our budget. passages. Perhaps weʼre beginningtoget the ‘Nomad’.We returned to look at her in the and pressed beer into our hands. Dick and Pat Dawson came hangofʻgafferingʼ! shed. Wewere smitten, no longer our own aboard, accoutred with a bottle of fizzto christen ‘Nomad’. They We saw ‘Susan J’ was for sale and she looked just the part. masters, but utterly in thrall to ‘Nomad’. We pronounced her, ‘Aconsiderable boat that I know will giveyou We knew some of her provenance. Mike and Dan Shaw DavidPatuck, SouthWestGaffers had to sell ‘SusanJ’.As if by magic, David and yearsof pleasure and excitement.’ So far they are correct. kindly offered us a sail back to Poole from Cowes at the Julie Patuck sailed back with us after the Annual end of the August 2016 OGA Rally. ‘SusanJ’ could cope Race, loved ‘Susan J’as much as we did, despite Wehad a brisk sail to Poole and anchored in SwanageBayso the with wavesand wind better than myself. Everything seemed the soaking they endured from the foul weather, family could join us. Wehad already been spotted by a yachting to work, although the hot pizzasprepared aboard were and bought her. We now had no defencesand journalist and member of SwanageSC. He asked Hatty and appreciated more by the fish in my case. We were both no reason not to buy ‘Nomad’. David, our family there, about ‘that boat in the bay’.This was a hopeful sign because my wife, Marian, wasalso in the water taxi smitten and agreed to have another look in November. We Wehad a farewellmeal with BB and Marion travelling out to ‘Nomad’. She wasnone too sure about this new took the plunge and agreed the Shaws would continue her before leavingBreskenson the tide. ‘Nomad’ boat in our lives.She had not seen ‘Nomad’before. The sun was winter maintenance and storage ashore. Like, as far as we can handled the strong wind easily,her motion out, the water wasblue, we had white wine cooling and some sea see, all ‘gaffers’,they have been a mine of information, help similar to a gentle canter, shouldering the waves food on the barbecue. Something told us, ‘allshall be welland all and encouragement. We watched some of her maintenance, elegantly and her decks weredry as a bone. We manner of thing shall be well.’ helping them re-rig her for launch. After completing the Bill put into Zeebrugge for essentialsupplies and MikeShaw,SolentArea,Past President of Salethey took us on a day sail in early April 2017 before going to the Netherlands to secure ‘Nomad’.

While weknew,all along,we were ona very steep learning curve, all this, althoughimmenselyhelpful, can never fully prepare one for ownershipofa large, 25year old,traditional, gaff riggedyacht. We have spent this summertaking on,delivering, cruising and participatinginevents withʻSusan Jʼ, as herthirdcustodians. Photo: Miranda Delmar-Morgan

42 43 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 TwoFrench Festivals

La Semaine du Golfewith ʻGweniliʼ came and went, at times 3/4, and torrential rain. PaimpolMusic Festival, 2017 Berthing became a real challenge for the bigger My deck repairs held up, the crew were dry and vessels,but the most impressive entrance had to Heading W/SW along the Channel is alwaysa comfortable. The long approach to the port wasa The Paimpol Music Festivalis considered to be the be the Charleston based brig ‘Phoenix’,deftly challenge, particularly if you have a fixeddate of welcome sight, but it seemed to take forever. best of the Breton gatherings of traditional vessels negotiating scores of vesselsbefore reaching the arrival. Past experience has taught me that nights in and culture. Held every two yearsbut unlike the southernmost end of the dock and turning ninety port waiting for the weather to abate means you will Leavingthe next afternoon, and anticipating the next Morbihan, Brest and Dourananez events there is no degreesto slip into a spacewith no more than three be late. Forecasts are invariably W/SW, force 4, 5 or 6 challenge as we pass byAlderney, is it to be Channel racing or parades of sail. The boats are corralled so feet either end. Undoubtedly the most opulent vessel for long periods so the sea is up and squalls come in du Four or outside Ouessant?We plot the inner tightly it can be possibleto cross the dock without was the Dutch Hydrographic vessel‘Hydrograf’, touching 30mph, with rain. Not comfortable. route and make good progress. Is it to be Roscoff, touching water. Up to 200 vesselsand 200,000 retired from active serviceafter World War I and l’Aberwachor Cameret? visitors attend, taking over the town. The Bretons lavishlyfitted out for functions in the Edwardian These conditions were predicted for over a weekas style. The crew are all volunteers from the Dutch Two birds, swallowswe thought, landed on the boom love their boats and they come in all shapes, sizes we left Greenwich on 13 May, 2017. Great sailing to Merchant Service. tucking themselves in the folds of the reef and seemed and rigs, rowed or sculled with crews in traditional North Foreland, but how the winds seemto increase garb. They go out of the way to welcome any as you turn the corner going SW! Ramsgate becomes to make love.They came and went for over an hour The Brixham and Lowestoft trawlers are alwaysa hit then disappeared at sunset. Great sailingthrough the British boat, original or replica, as long as it is a heavenly port of rescue. Sailing to Dover was a traditional rigged. at Paimpol. What a great sight ‘Leader’,‘Provident’, challenge, winds on the nose, gusting force 6. Four, our planning wasspot on, so on to Cameret. ‘Excelsior’,‘Vigilance’ and ‘Keewaydin’ made and 179 nm in 28 hours. The festivalstarted on Friday 11 August, 2017 what a combined history they have between them. Entering Dover Eastern ‘Gwenili’wasbeing tossed Nearly all were sold to the Scandinavians as cargo We left at 1000 and made good progress wind SW and invited boats arrived on Thursday for the crew violentlystem to stern, port to starboard, at 45 ships in the 1920s only to return 60 yearslater. If on beam force 4/5, perfect, passing ‘Our Boys’ supper. It was some party. About 1,000 sailors degrees.With crew hanging on, losing their grip you want a free lesson in maintaining your own topsail and mizzen staysail up, great sailing at last. gathered in the Town Hall to enjoy a fine meal in the jolting, it was almost impossibleto maintain boat, look no further than ‘Keewaydin’where Through the Raz de Sein on past Pte de Penmarc’h accompanied by the local Oompah band. So who control of the helm. ‘Gwenili’groaned and vibrated skipper/owner Paul Welch spent most of his time but as we turned SE the wind came from behind, were all these boats and crews? for what seemed an age, but most likely for only at his mobile workshop. At his sewing machine or so we ran before the wind and into the night. There about 10 minutes. Star of the fleet wasprobably French barquetine with palm in hand he repairs all his sailsand leathers was a significant Atlantic swell as we slid and rolled ‘Marite’followed by the ‘Earl of Pembroke’set up vulnerable parts of his rigging. The only cure was to accelerate, at very high revs., and up and over the wavesinto gybe conditions, which as one of the stages. The Spanish replica ‘Vittoria’, hang on tight. This was at HW after prolonged Force we did several times. As the wind fell away the sails first vesselto sail around the world, was very popular Smaller boats had made passagefrom England too. 6 westerlies. Leavinglater that evening, two hours came down and we motored on, soon to be through with visitors along with the Portuguese ‘Sagres’,both ‘Our Boys’and ‘Our Daddy’, the Looe before LW,we were forced back after only a mile. The La Teignouse passage, past Belle Isle and turning east steered by whipstaff. resplendent in dark blue and vivid yellowboth waveswere too rough, with wind against, to make any into the approach to the Gulf du Mo, maybe smaller kind of progress SW. rbihan with the excitement of the currents at the entrance. On through the islands wepassedIle aux “Dear crew and friends, I love you, you’regreat, Moines and our designated mooring for the Festival. thanks for putting up with me, but we have to get We had arrived in time, a day early in fact. Total trip, going”, seemed to be my cry. “Fair weather sailing 569 nm. in Morbihan is the reward”. Stayingin Dover has its limitations, despite the new Banksymural. “Lets try The Festivalwasfantastic. Weather brilliant, activity for Newhaven with the current tomorrow”. and celebrations each day, lots of Gaffer friends from UK. We entered a navigation challenge course but We left in the evening and motor sailed SW, the went aground on rocks, the current and engine soon winds abated and we made fair progress sailing as took us off, ‘Phew!’There were three races against close to the wind as possible. Dungeness and Beachy classic60’s Bermudians and we came 8th and 11th Head fly by as we sail through the night. Let’smiss against the spinnakers and 3rd where spinnakers out Newhaven and see how far we can get until couldn’t fly but our mizzen staysailcame into its own the current turns in our favour. The crew discuss as we overtook ‘Pen Duick 2’. destinations. Isle of Wight, Alderney (my choice ), Cherbourg . . . ?The current around Alderney was Gulf du Morbihan is a very big, exciting event with not in our favour, so Cherbourg it was.The wind spectacular parades of sail through fierce 9k currents. Hundreds of boats, thousands of people. I’ll go again!

Martin Goodrich,East CoastArea 44 Aprettyfull harbour!Photo:John Gallagher45 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Paimpol Music Festival, 2017(cont.)

looked immaculate. The doyen of the dogs had to be Poppy, Finally I came upon the most interesting of a light chocolate labradoddle aboard ‘Our Boys’,who all the original boats. On Saturday morning delighted all with her antics. a boat gently bumped alongside my own and two Frenchmen were busy making fast. It One of the best parts of a Festivalis visiting other boats. I was ‘Girl Joyce’an 1855 gaffer restored by caught up with Luke Powell, skippering is own boat ‘Agnes’. her owner Monsieur Corre. Over a coffee Luke is the renowned builder of seven Scillonian pilot he informed me it was a Plymouth Hooker. cutters. I asked him ‘Enjoying sailing your own boat, Luke?’ It certainly had the beautiful lines of a knowing that he was taking a year off boatbuilding. thoroughbred and carved into the main beam wasits provenance and tonnage. He told me ‘Yes’,he replied, ‘but I actually prefer building them.’ his previous boat was an East Coast smack ‘What are you building now?’ I asked. without an engine he’dused for trading wine to Ireland 40 years ago, before losing her on ‘Asixty eight footer’, he answered, ‘on the Fal just south of a lee shore. Should you ever visit his studio in Truro.’ Treguier, you will not be disappointed with his art and printing in the traditional way. Uhm, hope you’vegot a buyer lined up, I thought to myself. But then Luke never has a problem selling his boats. Close Paimpol is a delight to attend. Music on by was the immaculate ‘PollyAgatha’,a pilot cutter built by the water, on the boats, on the quay and Cockwells, who have now taken over Martin Heard’s site at it’sdefinitely in the blood of the Bretons. Mylor. Next year there will be a quieter gathering of traditional boats at about the same time, SeveralHeard boats were at Paimpol. M’Yvonne, a 35 organised by the owners of the French footer from Plymouth, based in Roscoff because of the very gaffer ‘Pen Azen’.Do attend if you can, but favourable berthing rates in France, and two 28s, ‘Witch definitely don’t miss the next Paimpol Music Hazel’ based in Emsworth and ‘Marie Louise’ of Granville. Festivalin 2019. My lone replica Falmouth Quay punt ‘Arriana’,aTamarisk 29 built by North Cornwall Marine and based in Calstock MikeForwood,SW Gaffers was alongside a French lifeboat and ‘The City of Bradford’ from Salcombe. Musicaboardatrawler: toPaimpolwithʻMarieʼ

But what of the original boats? There were a score or more of East Coast member, Claudia Myatt, travelled little French luggersand PL92 paraded the harbour with two to Paimpol from the River Deben with the trapeze artists demonstrating their skill. I was particularly electro folk/Celtic fusion band ‘Aartwork’ taken by the Bordeaux built yawl ‘Gwenili’. Skipper Martin aboard their boat ‘Marie’ BA211. A Scottish Goodrich takes her anywhere that offers a festival,picking herring trawler, she waslaunched in 1963, up crew as he goesin the best tradition of an Old Gaffer. See fishing mostly out of southwest Scotland. p.52 for Martin’s impressive log for summer 2017. In 2005 she retired from fishing,due to the demise of the industry, and is now based in Woodbridge, Suffolk.

Photoandillustrations: ClaudiaMyatt East CoastArea www.claudiamyatt.co.uk 46 47 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Stourport to Gloucester: west toeastacrossBritain, part1

Asthe sound of wood splintering on bone givesway different directions. With signs like Stafford & The Cathedral spire of Worcester beckons around Beyond the outlying industrial works and old quays to peals of laughter from best mate, I ask, “Remind Worcester Canal and Stratford-upon-Avon, it the bend. Having successfullynegotiated the three we enter Gloucester Lock with some trepidation, a me why are we doing this?” Our aim is to travel is easyto stray off. Before leaving Stourport, we locks, one is reminded that canals took you and your massivechamber with tall sides. Wondering how the from West to East acrossBritain, to explore its take the mast down with help from the previous cargo into the heart of cities and towns. Not always Dickens we throw a line up, a helpful Canal & River unfolding scenery and landscapes, going ashore as owners. After encouraging words and farewells, a pretty sight these days. Canal restoration revives Trust member lowers a long pole and invites us to often as possible. No tides, cross currents or weather we set off and rather proudly enter our first lock. cities and towns, neglect saddens them. We moor up turn a bight or two around the hook. How simple. to worry about!The other aim is to meet up with ‘De Sperwer’ magnificently takes up the whole a stones throw away from the Cathedral and step off as many friends and family as possible!This takes chamber. We manage our first lock without incident, the boat to explore the fine old city, and meet Elgar Emerging into the Historic Docks and Gloucester some planning. A chance to reminisce about the old and then another. Minnie is adept at locks, and with a parking cone on his head. We pass several Quays, we are taken aback by the superb renovation working sail days, re-visit historic quays, sad almost stronger than me. ‘De Sperwer’ is a Zeeschouw, a working bargesstill plying their trade. The warmth undertaken. An excellent example of what water can forgotten commercial ports. traditional design from the Friesland Islands. She and friendliness of boaters constantly infuses us with do for a Victorian port once derelict and littered has working boat history, gaff rig, shallow draft, the desire to stop and natter. with wrecks and untidy boats. It is very popular, The River Severn is Britain’slongest river and while roomy, robust and proven sailing ability. Bristling and boasts a museum, visitor attractions, inns and delightful on its upper reachesrising in the wild with nav. equipment this barge has been to sea. She We treat ourselvesto an excellent supper right restaurants, a reputable boatyard, officesand flats. moorlands of mid Wales, it flowsinto the wider has the comforts one needs, including the smallest on the waterfront. The early Autumnal sun sets We moored up opposite a fine restaurant. waters of the Bristol Channel. The Upper Severnis a across the river. Next morning we cast off in warm woodburner. In short, she is the perfect base for Strolling around the Docks we come across T wild place to be, as it tumbles along through valleys, exploring our beautiful rivers, canals and waterways. sunshine and soon the distinctive landscape of the gushing waterfalls and gorges. Bythe time we pick it Malvern Hills beckons in the distance. We pass Nielson & Co., their skilled craftsmen working on up near Stourport, it rolls through hills and woods, Armed with our Nicholson’swe head south in early through medieval villagesbuilt at the time of King large vessels.Good to see several youngsters learning quiet and undisturbed. We know the SevernEstuary Autumn. We chug through the unfolding landscape, John, half-timbered and brick cottages abound, their trade. can be a dangerous place, with shifting sands, a rapid remind ourselvesabout its history, great Civil War forgotten churches, almshouses, old village schools, We chugged to our winter mooring along the rise of tide and strong tidal currents. Upriver, it is a battles, passing under bridges built by Thomas dilapidated jetties, all a reminder of a villagelife Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and were greeted navigation (canalised river), enabling craft to navigate Telford no less.On through wooded hills and fertile from long ago. And not a soul to be seen! by severalwintering boaters, some live-aboards and safelyover the past 150 years to small towns and green pastures, we moor up, enjoy the still warm others with local jobs. They couldn’t have been more deliver their cargoesto the Midlands and beyond. sunshine and lunch near Holt Castle. Besideit is The delightful town of Upton upon Severnhoves into viewwith its remarkable 13th century tower helpful. We left ‘De Sperwer’in safe hands and a the discreet tower of a small church. There are few sheltered spot, all battened down and covered up for We resolve to do some proper passageplanning. landing places. right by the water’sedge, topped with a copper- At Stourport we see four locks leading in four covered cupola. The river winds its waythrough the winter. peaceful countryside, narrowing as we approach “Thank you for choosing to support Prostate Cancer Gloucester. The bank and bushes draw ever closer UK. The boat is beautiful, what an adventure!” and we anxiouslyturn on the depth sounder. See p.16 for the reasonsbehind this voyage.

ChalonerChute,Solent Area +44 (0)1243 785254 | +44 (0)777 1887197 [email protected]

48 WoottonRivers Relections andtheMalvernHills 49 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 Cock oʼ the Bristol ChannelRace

28 September, 2017 saw the 81st year of the Cock O’ The months since winning this event in April last even the ice veteran ‘Dolphin’ had to Bristol Channel passage race organised by Barry YC, as it year. She called at Cardiff to offload some of abandon hopes of rounding Lundy due to the BOOKREVIEW has been since its inception. Bristol Channel pilot cutters are her excessgear and then straight to Barry for weather, combined with a wind shift to the ʻRestoringa DunkirkLittle Shipʼ prominent in the race with other similar vesselsalso able to the race. No wonder perhaps that her navy south and adversetide. She continued sailing byPeter Draper take part. ‘Dolphin’ was at the start line as was‘Mascotte’ blue hull was looking a bit weatherbeaten. howeverand rounded the West Helwick September 2017 but two other pilot cutters due to enter were forced to drop buoy early on Saturday morning. She had 96pages out at the last minute. Alsothere was the beautifully crafted Charlie Harris and I watched these favourable tide as far as Nash Point but then Colour photos throughout wooden-hulled Bristol vessel‘Jan Roelan’ based on a Brittany magnificent vesselsslide off down channel made only slow progress up channel and AmberleyPublishing £14.99 pilot cutter. OGA wanderer John Laband in his ferro-ketch heading for Lundy Island under grey skies resorted to using her engine. She eventually ‘Working Yacht 1’ wasawarded the Tern cup for first non- carrying the threat of imminent rain; they reached Barry late on Saturday. pilot cutter finisher in last year’srace. She is currently away were well heeled over in the lively conditions. in Portugal though and unable to defend the cup. The 125 nautical mile course, with much Prizegivingfor the race waspostponed to of it to windward, required leaving Lundy allow the pilot cutter crewsto get their boats Not for the first time, severalsmall gaffersfrom Cardiff Island and the West Helwick buoy, on the up to Gloucester via the Sharpness Canal to were planning to sail down to join the cutters before the Welsh side of the channel, to starboard. repair any wear and tear, and get their vessels start, but were once again thwarted by some wet and windy We meanwhile, werequite content to be ready for the winter. conditions. We had to be satisfiedwith driving down and a watching from solid ground, with our collars ʻCaroniaʼwasoriginally builtin1927as aSt Ives fishing grandstand view from the end of the breakwater. ‘Mascotte’ turned up, rather than mixing it with the big The Bristol Channel can be an unrelenting vessel, converted toa motoryacht in the 1930s,andin 1940 was first out of the harbour followed quickly by ‘Jan Roelan’. boys in our respective 19 footers! piece of water sometimes. joinedthefleet ofrequisitionedboatssailing toDunkirk. Peter But ‘Dolphin’ remained tied up on the pilot buoy, with time DraperacquiredʻCaroniaʼ in2002,bywhich timeshe was in Photosandreport:Viv Head,Bristol Channel Area running out for the 1130 start. In the nick of time she let go Asthings turned out, the weather got needofsomeserious restoration. rather nasty and only ‘Mascotte’ completed under sail and manoeuvred out of the inner harbour to draw Inthis readable andwell-illustrated book,full ofphotographs alongside ‘Mascotte’to immediately begin the race bang the course, finishing just after 1500 hours on Saturday, taking just over 27½ hours. tohelpexplain theintricate details ofthetask,Peter recounts on time. We could only see two figures on deck and later his story. learned that a third crew member was forced to withdraw ‘Jan Roelan’encountered extreme weather only hours before the race. conditions some 15 miles from Lundy and Theintroductionstarts with a questionaskedof (or by)many retired on Friday evening. ‘Dolphin’, built in anOGAmember.ʻRestore,rebuildorrepairʼ? Peter suggests ‘Dolphin’spreparations must have been all together a bit 1909, is one of the smaller pilot cutters but heʼs doingmostlyʻrepairʼ andmovesquickly ontosummarise breathless; she had arrived in the Bristol Channel direct at 39’, still a handful for two men in those thechequered90-yearhistory ofthis Dunkirk Little Ship. from Greenland and Iceland where she had spent the last 18 conditions. They battled on but eventually Havingset thescene, therest ofthe bookprovides a step-by- stepaccount ofthesometimespainstaking andchallenging workinvolvedin theseries ofprojects toreturnʻCaroniaʼ from houseboattoNationalHistoric Ships Flagship, Solent in 2017.Thechapters are punctuatedbygetting ready forthree passages ofthe ʻReturn toDunkirkʼ in 2005,2010and2015.

The narrative is well structuredandPeterʼs enthusiasm and passion forhis project shine through the textandphotos. Decidingtoundertakemost oftheworkhimself, it is clear that this greatundertakinghasbeenverymuch aʻfamily affairʼ with son,Lewis anddaughter,Natalie actively involved.

Thebookwill beofinterest notonlytotheenthusiastic amateurboatbuilderbutalsotoanyonewith aninterest in maintainingourhistoric fleet ofwoodenboatsina seaworthy conditionfor future generations toenjoy.

50 51 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 2218nautical miles withʻGweniliʼ

In the summer 2017, skipper Martin Goodrichleft Greenwich 13 July Race to Lezardrieux followed by to sail 2218 nautical miles with ‘Gwenilli’, joining festivals Dense des Classiques. BOOKREVIEW and OGA events in Franceand SW England. The following 14 July return to Paimpol: 28nm. ʻRiversʼ summary of her log includes: Greenwich to Golfe du Morbihan, byPiers Rowlandson 15July 2025depart Paimpol forLymington, return for Falmouth Classicsand Helford River Festivals. November 2017 UK, sailing via AlderneyRace. Depart Dartmouth with ClassicChannel Raceto Paimpol. Join Kindle orpaperback 17 July 0057 arrive Lymington 141 nm in OGA Sou’by Sou’ West Cruise from Yarmouth to the Scilly Isles. versionsavailable 27.32hrs av 5.16k. Sailed Solent waters for Return to Falmouth for second crossingto Paimpol Festival du from Amazon several days with Lou as crew 65nm. Chant de Marin en Bretagne. Return to Greenwich. Joined OGACruise in CompanySouʼ bySouʼ 13May,20170900depart Greenwich: destination Golfe du West atYarmouth,Isle ofWight Morbihan forLa Semaine duGolfe Festival 23 July depart Yarmouth IoW for Crew: Rod Fysh, David Styan & Kevin Whelan, Greenwich Weymouth 39nm. We sailedin company YC. 1940 arrive Ramsgate: 67nm in 10hrs 40 mins. from Weymouth to Lyme Regis, Brixham, 14 May arriveDover 22nm in 4 hrs. Held up by tide and Dartmouth, Plymouth, Foweyand Falmouth strong wind. covering some178nm. 15 May 1700 depart Dover bound for Cherbourg wind SW/ 4 August 1645 depart Falmouth for Islesof SSW rain. Thisself publishedstoryis looselybasedonthelogsofPiersʼ Scilly with fresh crew, Liam Newnham, Luke 16 May 1130 arrive Cherbourg 176nm in 30.50hrs av. ownboatsalthoughthecharacters are wholly imaginary. Goodrich, Matthew O’Shea & Jean Lou. 5.77k 17 May 1450 depart Cherbourg. Weembarkupontales set intraditional boatsvoyaging 5 August 1050 arrive St Agnes Cove 72 nm 18 May 17.45 arrive Camaret 179nm in 28hrs av. 6.4k. theSolent, theSouthWestandBrittany. Weevenattendan in 16hrs av. 4.5k head to wind all the way. unusuallyviolent Gafferevent. Manymealsandbottles of motor sailing. Moved on to Hugh Town. wine are consumed.Thereare someobservantanddelicate 19 May 1000 depart Camaret good sailingat last. 7 August 2137 depart Hugh Town for descriptions ofnatural soundsintheharbourandatsea. 20 May 0800 arrive Morbihan 125nm in 22 hrs av. 5.6k. Falmouth arrived 1330 66nm av. 4.9k. Enjoyed seven days sailing in Golfe du Morbihan races and Thepicaresque action spansthe genresfromadventureand events covering 115 nm. 9August0200depart Falmouth for Paimpol romancetothriller and,finally,detection. It is punctuated 28May 0915depart Morbihan: heading for Falmouth Festival duChantdeMarinenBretagne with momentsofpathos andhigh drama,one example ofwhich showsexactly whyyoushouldnever,ever sail Crew Kevin Whelan 10 August 0626 arrive Paimpoln145 nm in wearing flip flops.Thereis astrongthreadofcomic irony. 30 May 0300 arrive Falmouth 251nm in 41 hrs 45mins. 26.5 hrs av. 4.91k. Motor sailing in light and variable winds av. 6k. Onelaughoutloudepisodeinvolves theheroRickʼs escape 23 Sept. 1130 depart Paimpol for return trip fromhospital. Participated in the Falmouth Classics,3rd in classafter three to Greenwich with new crew, Kevin Whelan races, followed by Helford OGA Rally 3rd again then sailed & son William. ArriveSt Peter Port in 8hrs Rick is surroundedbystrongfemales. Thefirst segment in Falmouth waters, distance sailed45nm. distance 50nm av. 6.25k. concernsscantily clad Lucy, afantasy ofsexandsteering 6June departFalmouth:Classic Channel Regatta 24 Sept. 0622 bound for Newhaven arriving maybebutwith amindofherown. Lucyʼs alter-ego,Rickʼs Crew Tim Goodingham, GYC, Matt & Henry, to compete 25 Sept. 0600 134 nm in 24.22hrs motor daughter Tori,comesto theforeinthesecondpart.The third in Classic Channel Regatta from Dartmouth. Passageto sailing av. 5.5k. episode,featuringtheenigmatic Lottie,assumes adarker tone.Thegrippingfinale comeswitha twist. Salcombe53 nm in 11.5 hrs. 26 Sept. depart Newhaven 0830 arriving 7 June arriveDartmouth: 16 nm. Participated in two daysof Greenwich YC27 Sept. 0845 137nm in Anovicesailor mightexperiencea gentleeducationin racing in Start Bay waters. 24.15hrs, av. speed 5.67k navigation, pilotage andmanoeuvringalongkeeled boat.Old Cross Channel Race to St Peters Port, Guernsey. Left port salts canargue with descriptions ofhandlingaspinnaker, 1308 Race started at 1400. We were10 minutes late at the Martin Goodrich,East CoastArea use ofan autopilot andcomingalongside. start. Made good progress, finished 3rd in class. 96 miles in 14 hrs. 56 mins. av. 6.59k. Left St Peter Port for second leg Thenarrative contains somescenes ofa mildsexualnature. to Paimpol. Departed 0800. Retired, out of time, 1616. MarionShirley, SolentArea Arrived Paimpol waters in parade of 70 boats to be applauded entering the locks. 57 nm. Jean Lou Delair joined ʻGweniliʼ Photo: AnthonyClayFRPS the crew. Fellow oftheRoyalPhotographic Society

52 53 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017

AREA REPORTS AREA REPORTS

Bristol ChannelArea[Race reportp.38] introduced self-timed racesaround a fixedcourse Solent Area[Race reportp.39] East Coast Area[Race reportp.38] adding a competitive edge to the sailing. Boats not Following an early season when our programme was only cope with the usual water buses, speedboats After YOGAFF, a posse of Solent boats began On 16 July, followingthe East Coast Annual Race hampered by the weather, the hoped for period of and yachts within the restricted waters of Cardiff to make its way west. We were represented at at Brightlingsea, the small boat race saw11 open benign summer weather largely failed to materialise, Bay,but on one evening were forced to retreat to the Falmouth Classics,on the Helford and in the boats sent on an upriver course.The variety of boats at least on the days when we wanted it! Planned sidelines in mid-circuit to allow a seaplane to land! A ClassicChannel Regatta. In July, in the teeth present on both days showed just how wide the cruises from Cardiff were severelydisrupted, WhatsApp group allowedcompetitors to report their of strong south westerlies, our Sou’ by Sou’ OGA’s remit can be, from large smacks to modern including the two-day cruise to Portishead Marina best lap times each week. After 18 weeks the overall West fleet rallied at Weymouth, then headed for kites, and smack’sboats to a gaff rigged Wayfarer. in June, abandoned in the face of forecastwinds of parties in Brixham, Plymouth and Falmouth. winner was ‘Daydream’, with Roger Wallington’s A very windy Friday sawfewer boats turn up for the Force 6 for our return journey. Instead we day-sailed Memory ‘Arwen’second and ‘Piglet’third. We were introduced to a more sedate and old- on day one, returning to Cardiff in the evening, and fashioned wayof boating. One anchors in rivers Swalematch on 29 July, but a great race was held then two boats ventured into the Channel on day Our final scheduled event wasthe OGA small boat and bays, hangs off buoys or moors on heritage nonetheless, with much enjoyment being had in the two, only to be driven back by high winds and high fleet in Cardiff sailing to Barry Harbour to join pontoons much more frequently than crowding evening despite torrential rain. This year’sAugust seas.Our two down-channel cruises in August and the pilot cutters arriving for their annual Cock of into marinas. We were most appreciative of Cruise started with its normal fun regatta in Ipswich September were similarly waylaid.The first, after the Bristol Channel race. With westerlywinds F5 the work by members of SW Gaffers. We have dock, and a delicious meal on the barge ‘Victor’, boats had sailed down to between the Islands of gusting 6 forecast on race day and the usual swell forged new friendships and hope to return. For catered by AliceHill, daughter of the Area President Flatholm and Steepholmand forced to turn and run off Barry Harbour, the small boats wiselydecided reports and photos see p.27 of this issue. and Secretary. The assembled boats then headed for home in big seasand a gusty Force 5, and the to stay at home. Indeed, as reported on p.50 only south down the Wallet to the River Blackwaterfor second in September when, with similar conditions one cutter, ‘Mascotte’,actually completed the race. An informal rally at Bembridge in August a few days cruising and racing in a different area. we elected to sail up channel against the tide but Bristol Channel OGA members thoroughly enjoyed attracted a range of boats to this top holiday Smaller numbers joined in than in previous years, under the shelter of the coast. their AGM at the Underfall Yard in Bristol, a chance spot. Gaffers raced at Burseldon Regatta in but this made it easier to squeeze everyone in to to start planning for a busy year in 2018 and have a August and Hamble Classicsin September. Heybridge Basin, a new venue for the cruise, and Thursday evening Gaffers Nights in Cardiff Bay tour of the boats at the Yard. remembered from 25 years ago by Tony Bailey p.18. have continued into October, with our newly Our final organised event, the Royal Solent Thanks to the organisers for all their hard work! CharlieHarris, BCAPresident Yacht Club Centenary Chase pursuit race was held on a blustery day. Nevertheless, there was The Southwold Rally was for small open boats a good turnout of biggerboats with the Shaw this year and a good sailing breezeenabled the family in new boat, ‘Nomad’, taking wind from participating contingent to enjoy a good sailup the John Chilvers’ ‘Charlotte Elizabeth’ just off the River Blyth followed by beers at Southwold YC and pier and coming in first. supper at the Harbour Inn.

Our AGM at which we will re-live good Our final sailing event of the year, as usual, was at moments from this season is to be held at Maldon Regatta. Better weather sawmore boats Marchwood YC on 25 November. Our than last year. Dinner was organised by Maldon programme of winter events will include a Little Ship Club. March visit to the RNLI in Poole. AlisonCable,Eastcoaster &ECwebsite Editor Marion Shirley,SolentAreaSecretary www.oga.org.uk/eastcoast www.oga.org.uk/solent

CardiffBay Race supper Photo:RogerWallington

ʻRelyʼ is thewinner! 54 East CoastAugustCruise 55 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017

AREA REPORTS AREA REPORTS

NorthWales Area battle led by the Holyhead Lifeboat. Cannon and Scotland where, stormbound, they enjoyed severalevents musket fire were heard booming from the tops’l organised by Don Garman. The cruise was Our 11th Traditional Sail Festivalheld in Holyhead After a good start to the sailing season the weather schooner ‘Vilma’.The Liverpool Brethren, dressed formally terminated at Falmouth but a few Harbour 25 - 28 August was once again a huge in their pirate costumes fired cannon from the shore. following Campbeltown (p.40) can only be intrepid crews did make it to the Isles of Scilly. success.We had 33 participating boats with small The Mayor of Holyhead was on board ‘Vilma’ with described as changeable; it has been described as the Feedback received from participants suggests boats trailed from all parts of the UK. Larger boats Keith Thomas, Holyhead’s deputy Mayor, Kathleen worst summer since last year.There were good days sailed across the Irish Sea from Ireland, the Isle of Kelleher and Stephen Stokes. On the shore music between the spells of strong wind and heavy rain, that they were very appreciative of the welcome Man, Pembrokeshire, Liverpool and North Wales. was played by the Beaumaris BrassBand. Mandy but it was the rain which is memorable. See p.41 for received in the SW. Fairey displayed her willow work and encouraged a report of our September sail on ‘Naiad’. The weekend started with a Civic Reception young children to make their own dragonfly or fish. The River Dart Rally runs concurrently with attended by the Mayor of Holyhead Ann Kennedy NealHill,Area Secretary, Scotland We even had a miniature battleship manoeuvering the Dittisham Regatta and took place in early who gave a few words of welcome on behalf of around the harbour and a visit from the new air sea August attracting nearly 20 competitors, mostly the Town Council. Paying us an unofficial visit rescue helicopter based in Caernarfon. What for 2018? trailer sailors, but including some bigger boats on were Kathleen Kelleher and Stephen Stokes, both passage home after the Sou’ by Sou’westCruise. ex-mayors of Greystones in Wicklow. Holyhead is Prizegivingtook place at the Holyhead Sea Cadet CampbeltownClassic is notanIrish Sea group The prizegiving and very convivial pizza supper twinned with Greystones. unit on Sunday with a final farewelltaking place on event nextyear butthoughtsare tocontinue ‘Vilma’.Sue Williams, Sea Cadet Unit Commander theassociation with thetownandhavea were held on Saturday evening in Dittisham SC. The Holyhead Lifeboat opened their doors for two played sunset on the bugle at 6pm as we lowered the Campbeltown Muster. It wouldbe aninformal On Sunday, after breakfast in The Red Lion, days providing entertainment and activities within flags. Next year’stides mean that the festival will be event butdependingonnumbers, berthing anda crews set off up river in company, stopping off the station. Although this year we had light winds, over the August Bank holiday weekend. gettogethercouldbearranged.Late Mayis the for a cream tea in Stoke Gabriel. the racing on Saturday went ahead, with 17 boats besttimewithboatsbackintheafter winter refit completing the large boat course and seven small We wish all members a very happy festive season and andtomake thebest ofearly seasonfair weather. There are several events on the sailing calendar boats completing two races in the harbour. Over look forward to seeing some of you during 2018. Anythoughtsorsuggestions please to: supported by SW Gaffers but not organised by 2000 people watched Sunday’sparade of sail and [email protected] Sue Farrer,NorthWalesAreaSecretary us. Severalof our members enjoyed good sailing at the Brixham Heritage regattas and various SouthWestArea[Race reportp.39] Classics events in the Area. Unfortunately, due I am presenting an overview of what has been to problems with the berthing arrangements, going on in the Area since June as several of our Plymouth Classicsdid not take place this year. events are reported more fully elsewhere. Dartmouth Royal Regatta has included gaffer races in recent years but only a few boats took One of the highlights of the sailing year for part. Just five turned up on Saturday, when many people in the SW Area was the OGA Sou’ racing was eventually cancelled through lack by Sou’westCruisepassing through these parts of wind and only two joined the first start on during July and August on passageto the Isles Sunday. of Scilly. Unfortunately, this coincided with a spell of rather unpleasant weather, resulting in a As the season comes to an end, we are looking several very wet legs to windward. The first port forward to our Laying-up Lunch and AGM on 11 of arrival in the SW was Brixham, where the November. We have several interesting topics on fleet was made very welcome by Paul Jolley and the agenda. We also know there will be changes his team. Picking up local boats as they went, to the Area Committee next year and we are the fleet moved on to Plymouth where they looking for some ‘newblood’ to help us organise were well looked after by John Gallagher with things. evening events and a day of racing in the Sound. DavidBewick, SWAreaSecretary From Plymouth, the fleet moved to Falmouth www.oga.org.uk/south-west

Start ofthebigboatrace atHolyhead 56 57 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017

TALES FROM THE BOATYARDS TALES FROM THE BOATYARDS

A major part of what the OGA stands for is restoration can begin. She has been stripped out and ʻMurielʼ OGABoat no.2226 mast was a job Paul had alwayspromised himself he maintaining the heritage of our ‘old gaffers’,the boats carefully surveyed. Although relatively solid she is in would make when he retired! that is! This issue runs three ‘Tales from the boatyards’ no condition to patch up and mend. Allher floorsare ‘Muriel’ wasbuilt in 1905 of pitch pine and oak by each having long-standing OGA connections. ‘Muriel’ split and need replacing, her sternpost is split in half AE Stowe of Shoreham, a very early example of a 6 To refletct the next stage of her life, ‘Muriel’ has and ‘Cachalot’were launched this summer following and her forefoot is so dried out, with so many splits it metre class. 33’ overall, she has a beam of 6’6” and been painted white and once again looked stunning restoration and refit, whilst ‘SeaPig’ is starting out will be replaced. Some of the planking will be saved draws 4’6”. at her launch at the end of July, 2017. ‘Muriel’ will on a restoration project after being rescued from continue to sail with the SW Gaffers. abovethe waterline but after dropping out the ballast Paul Heighway, an active OGA member for many certain destruction. Thesethree boats alsoillustrate keel it became apparent that at no point wasthe boat years, rebuilt her twice, firstly at Wicor Marine, Jonathan Heighway,SW Area the ‘connections’between OGA Areas: ‘Sea Pig’links built with a rabbit anywherefrom bow to stern. Aslight Fareham when living in London. Originally white, ‘Muriel’in the South West with ‘Cachalot’on the East re-engineering to the length of her will be needed and there was alwaysa thick film of oil and grease in the Coast as she’san East Coast Deben Cherub taken by her so I have decided to replace all the planking below the water at Portsmouth and Paul hated dirty topsides. new owner, Thomas Morley, to his home in Devon. waterline and all the ribs making them slightly larger. He managed to liberate some red paint from Chay Anew rudder and assemblyas wellas a much stronger ʻSea Pigʼ OGABoat no.64 Blyth and ‘Muriel’ became the dark red of the mast step are needed, a refit of the interior and the Parachute Regiment. It is both a new beginning and journey for both myself removal/replacement of many steel bolts and screws and ‘SeaPig’. For her, a new home and eventually which havethankfully not harmed her too much. So, Her second rebuild wasin 1993 by Nash & Holden new life in her sails. For myself, after recovering from there’smuch to do but her deck is good and her rigging, of Dartmouth when she wasrefastened, modified surgery to remove a brain tumour, a new challenge mast, boom and gaff are in fine condition, as is her and re-rigged. After the passing of his parents in that in many waysis a nostalgic one, keeping me close Farymann engine. 2016, Jonathan and Penny Heighway took on ‘Muriel’ and she underwent a thorough refit by to my grandfather’s memory, and my love for the East My intention is to make her much stronger than before, Coast and its maritime history.My grandfather lived Simon Beer and Blackness Marine. Lee Rogers I will have a new set of maroon sailsmade including a fitted a new hollow mast and running rigging.The at Woolverstone and sailed out of Pin Mill. I also love topsail. She will eventually lay at Topsham on the Exe in learning something new.I have never restored a wooden a muddy berth and an estuary with shifting sands.With boat and my intention is to learn in a traditional her shallowdraft of 2.8’ she should be quite at home. manner. In doing so I will reallyknow her inside out. I have many goals with ‘SeaPig’but one is to sail her back I am verythankful to have been gifted this boat by to the RiverOrwell to join in with an OGA event there, the former owner’sson, Colin Edmond, and so I hope but mainly to enjoy her and maybe race occasionally. when she is finished he will see her again sailing in the River Blackwater. Now in her new home, she ispropped up and waiting for a makeshift barn to be built around her so the Thomas Morley,SW Area

58 59 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017

TALES FROM THE BOATYARDS TALES FROM THE BOATYARDS

ʻCachalotʼ OGABoat no.222 planks. It wasclear that she needed more than just a since she was too fragile to move On 4 August, 2017, the gaff cutter ‘Cachalot’ programme of re-caulking and was declared a project elsewhere.We bought a camper emerged from her tent on the banks of the River in May 2007. van as summer accommodation, Deben at the Tidemill YachtHarbour, Woodbridge which doubled as an office when after a ten year restoration. It turned out to be an extensiveproject and included necessary,parking it beside the a new ply deck, 90% new planking in larch, new tent at the Tidemill. Built in Folkestone, Kent, 1898 ‘Cachalot’ has an sternpost, stem, rudder, bulwarks and replacement interesting history of illustrious owners interspersed or sistering of most of her frames. Her bowsprit, As members of the OGA, we with periods of neglect. Having spent most of her featured in Tom Cunliffe’sbook ‘Hand, Reef and had plenty of local support and life on the English East Coast, previous owners have Steer’ (first edition) has also been replaced. At made lots of new friends. During sailed her in the western isles of Scotland as well as launch, the old bowsprit was used as a temporary the summer months visiting the Mediterranean. She took part in the Dunkirk mast to allow her to be dressed overall. yachtsmen, berth holders and evacuation ‘Operation Dynamo’, and joined the OGA members called by to ‘Return to Dunkirk’ in 1990. In 2009 she receiveda Her Yanmar engine has been reconditioned and provide encouragement and to restoration award from the Transport Trust. some of the old reclaimed teak deck has been used marvel at how much progress had to make new boards for the sole and cockpit. Fitting been made ‘sincethe last time we Her current owner, SteveYates, had fallen in love out her interior is planned for 2018. were here xx years ago!’ with her counter stern when he first sawher at The Suffolk Yacht Harbour, Levington in 2005. After Followingthe launch, she motored up river to We’reonly sorry not to have kept a yearsailing on the East Coast and planning a Larkmans Boatyard for her mast to be stepped and a visitors’book to keep in touch programme of winter maintenance, she almost sank was measured for a new suit of sails by the Ratsey & with everyone! at her berth in January 2006. Lapthorn team on 16 October. Find the full story online: Following a careful inspection rot was discovered Living in Derbyshire, how could we manage to www.cachalot.org.uk in the arch board and beam shelf. She had also undertake this project?The Tidemill Yacht Harbour Steve Yates,East CoastArea suffered from over-enthusiastic re-fastening of the allowed a large tent to be erected for her protection

Crackopenthechampagne!Photo:Paul60 Webster 61 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017 OGAburgees, flags, books, etc. OGAClothing range

Orderbooksandsmall items listed below, When ordering clothing make sure you specifywhich OGABurgees &Flags including Christmascards, fromMarion OGA design you want and whether you would like your orderbyemaildirectly from suppliers Shirley byemail, phone orthe OGAwebsite. boat name or any other text added. [email protected] Paymentis bycheque,orPayPal. phoneKirstie forflags &burgees Order online via our own website, by email or by phone. +44(0)1494 783938 www.oga.org.uk/shop OGAburgee(triangular) toorder onlinewithPayPal Poly cotton polos 12” £18.02 email Men’s,ladies’ and children’s pique polo (poly cotton 15” £19.54 [email protected] 65/35), ‘Fruit of the Loom’ in fivecolours: 18” £22.54 phoneMarionShirley navy, red, sky (light blue), white and heather (grey) 24” £25.54 +44(0)2381 787148or XS through 4XL 30” £28.54 +44(0)7748 218444 Men’s:£16, Ladies: £15, Children’s: £12 OGAflag (rectangular) Booksandsmall items 12” £36.46 ‘Sailing Gaffers’£23.00 100%cotton polos 15” £43.90 ‘Conserving Historic Vessels’£26.00 All cotton polo shirts, men’sand women’ssizesbut not 18” £51.42 OGA tie £9.00 children’s in a range of colours: 24” £61.24 OGA enamel lapel badge £6.00 black, bottle green, navy, red, royal blue or white OGA plaque £21.00 (engravedwith boat name/no.) 30” £68.86 OGA teatowel£5.00 XS through 4XL: £20

Burgees and flagscan be ordered directly from the suppliers. Use Burgees andflags Fleeces the details above or on the OGA website.These items are made to Burgees and flagsmust be ordered directly from Men’s, ladies’ and children’s zip-through fleece (100% order so you need to think about them when planning your cruise, rather than just before you leave! polyester) ‘Fruit of the Loom’ in a range of colours: Members outside the UK should order burgees & flags by navy, red and bottle green phone or email, directly from Kirstie. Men’s:£28, Ladies’:£28, Children’s: £19

NB: prices include postage and packing to UK addresses Smocks only, see the website for overseaspostage costs Tan or Navy, V-Neck or crewneck Small, medium & large: £38.63 ‘Tis the month before X-Large: £40.43 XX-Large:£41.72 Christmas ... and time to All prices include embroidery and VAT, but not P+P. send off for some gafferish greetings cards. Logo 1 with two boats: Twoeach of four designs by OGAmember On lighter coloured shirts ‘OGA’willbe ClaudiaMyatt, heldat £5includingUK embroidered in navy blue (or as you specify) and postage.The cards are blankinside foryour on the white polo the larger boat in the logo will ownmessage. be embroidered in cream. Logo 2 with single sailplan only: Embroidered in See abovefordetails ofhowtoorderorvisit white on dark coloured shirts and navy blue on the OGAShop: www.oga.org.uk/shop white shirts (or as you specify). Addyourboat nameand/orsail numberbelow the OGA www.oga.org.uk/shop designina choice offontsandstyles: fora link toall onlineordering orderbyemaildirectly from suppliers ʻALLCAPITALSʼ, ʻUpperandLowerCaseʼ orʻlower caseʼ [email protected] inachoice of ʻblocklettersʼ or ʻscriptʼ. phone Suzanne forclothing +44(0)1621 786686

62 63 BOATSFORSALEMEMBERSʼ BOATSFOR SALE: www.oga.org.uk/boats-for-sale BOATSFORSALE Membersʼadvertsfor boatsare also available tobrowseonline.Visit thewebsite formoreinformationaboutboatsadvertised www.oga.org.uk/boats-for-sale www.oga.org.uk/boats-for-sale here andmoreboatsnotincluded in Gaffers Log.Advertising online andin Gaffers Logis a benefit ofOGAmembership.

Rowan IV:reduced to£18,000 Roma: reduced to £15,000ono Much loved and rare classicboat in good original condition and of impeccable A very pretty gaff cutter, with nice sizedcockpit & 2 berths. Since 2002 new provenance, she is a regular sailor between the Clyde and summer moorings at mast, boom and bowsprit, new sailsand inboard Yanmar GM10 engine. Dunstaffnage and in Loch Torridon. She now seeksa new caring owner. 1938 Mostly bronze bound wooden blocks, standing a& running rigging alsonew. McGruer Gaff , 29’ 6” LOD, beam 9’ draft 5’ standing headroom 6’. Fully equipped, with VHF radio, heads in forepeak, two ring gashob & sink. Very pretty one-off Loch Fyne Skiffwith canoe stern, carvel mahogany on oak A good amount of stowagespace both inside the cabin and in the cockpit. frames, wooden spars, long iron keel. Sleeps3 to 4. Extensively refurbished in Kept on the Hamble River. Roma is fun to sail and had a very successful recent years with new sails, roller headsail, 38 hp Nanni diesel engine. Large sailing season doing well in Cowes Classic Week and OGA Annual Race. cockpit, sheltered doghouse, attractive saloon in mahogany and teak. New Mike & Jessica Warren: +44 (0)1962 712529 | [email protected] cushions, Taylor’sparaffin cooker and space heater. Modern Jabsco toilet. VHF, Echo, Log, Chart-plotter. Clearwater: reducedto £39,950 Robin Drysdale: +44 (0)7884 230996 | [email protected] A much admired traditional west-country gaffcutter, frequently said to be “the prettiest boat in the harbour”, ‘Clearwater’ is for sale following an Sadie: £11,500 intensive upgrade, renewaland refurbishment. Built 1980 by Cygnus Marine Classic boat built 1980, one of the first fibreglass23’ boats from Mylor yard. (Penryn), fitted out by North Cornwall Marine (St.Columb), only two owners Joint project by PercyDalton & Heard family. Kept in the family until early from new. Lovinglymaintained throughout her life in current ownership of last year. Unfortunately change of work & hours mean I’m unable to spend retired Master Mariner for 21 years. Ashore at Mylor. the time she deservesto keep her looking good. Originally raced on the Fal, Jim Hughes: [email protected] converted some years ago. Cabin giveslocker room, sea flushing heads, 3 +44 (0)1872 553915 | +44 (0)7876 568061 berths small chart table & galley.Taylors cooker purchased to replace current unit, price to be agreed.With bowsprit 32’ LOA. Pivot to the bowsprit Portchester DuckNo 38:offers £3,750 installed October 2016 reducing LOA to 23’. Sandblasted & epoxied April 11’9” dipping lug rigged, pram-bowed dinghy, Lucas sail, top-notch 2016, launched May, brought ashore September. Stern shaped to take inboard condition. Design 1927. Glued clinker planking, built 2007 at Long Tail engine, room below companionway for an engine. Outboard servicedfor Boatworks,Tobermory, Ontario, Canada. Classic creek and backwaters 2017 season. Impressive sail area & sails very well in all conditions (Main, jib, dayboat. Ashore Mersea Island, Essex. staysail& topsail). Lying Plymouth. Tony Bailey: [email protected]|+44(0)1206 384 777 Bob Read: [email protected]|(0)777 3846465 Joëlle: priceon application Martha Kathleen: reduced to£34,500 ‘Joëlle’is a Yachting World 5 Tonner, built 1947 at Philips Yard, Dartmouth. Massivelystrong gaff ketch designed by Arthur Holt, built for my parents by She wasberthed at Poole YC for 22 yrs and previously at RNLI Depot, Poole. Holt & James, Heybridge, 1977. Third hull to that design, beamy traditional Owned by the same family for 52 years, four generations have sailed in her. boat with plenty of internal volume, excellentseagoingqualities. Intended Maintained, re-rigged, re-engined, re-covereddecks with Trakmark and for short-handed cruising off the Western Isles. Gaff ketch rig, powerful converted from Bermudan sloop to cutter. In first classcondition. For sale Thorneycroft 50 engine, lots of space. Wide open laid iroko decks, simple due to age and deteriorating health. A full inventory and further history are coach-roof for’ard of the mizzen, deep, secure self-draining cockpit aft. available on request. Laid up under canvas at Poole YC. Considerable work cleaning out bilge, re-ballasting, re-caulking, running Stuart Welford: [email protected] rigging replaced and standing rigging enhanced, new working sails and light air jib from James Lawrence, asymmetric reacher from Jeckells. Alice Pellow: £59,950 Home port Brightlingsea. Cornish Crabber Pilot cutter 30. Well built, traditionally styled family cruiser Alastair Mackenzie: +44 (0)1255 861638 | [email protected] with plenty of space below deck, enjoyable well-mannered performance. A delight to the eye, these pretty boats attract attention whereverthey go. Nice Norn: £65,000 sailing boats with excellent windward ability. Lifting keel is ideal for coastal Rare chance to own one of Paul Johnson’sVenus 42 gaff-rigged of cruising. Excellentcondition, refurbished 2014 throughout. Well known in which there are about 10 worldwide. Design based on that of a Colin Archer OGA and Cornish Crabbers Club. Some excellentmodification eg saloon adapted for long distance cruising. ‘Norn’ is a heavy displacment gaff rigged table converts to 2 twin berths/2 large singles, larger aft locker opens to store ketch designed by Paul Johnson. Her current owners have lived on board for inflatable and a lifting bowsprit. New Yanmar 3YM and Stern gear 2017. 11 years. ‘Norn’ took us safelyon many long and short passagesin conditions Located at Emsworth Harbour. ranging from storms to flat calms with many perfect bits in between. Dave Percival: +44 (0)7836 649969 | [email protected] Ben Cumpstone: [email protected]|www.oga.org.uk/boat/norn-0 Swn y Don:£5,000 Liffin: £8,750 Yachting World People’sBoat winner of the 1950 YW Magazine design East Anglian Bermudan mast head sloop. Designed Alan Buchanan, built competition. Built to very high standard by John Sant, launched 1964. Felthams of Portsmouth 1963, mainly of afromosia. 28’ x 8’ x 4.5’. Volvo Construction Thames Marine ply on oak, laminated stem & beams, epoxied diesel (20hp) overhauled 2015. New keelbolts & mainsail 2015. Roller below the waterline. Proved over many years to be a tough and reliable boat. headsail. New decks 2014. 4 berths, toilet, hanging locker and 6’ plus LOA 24’ with Yanmar 1GM 10 inboard, new boom stacker system, beaching headroom. Good cockpit lockers. Laying ashore Walton-on-the-Naze. legs, lifting centreplate in ballast keel plus lots of gear. Ashore at Poole. David Skinner: +44 (0)1255 675358|+44 (0)7740 636158 Dave Tallant: +44 (0)1202 742108 | [email protected] Dinghy: £950 Shuna: £2,500 12’6 long x 5’ beam SP systems epoxysealed inside and out. BS1088 ply. Traditional 9`6” varnished sailing/rowing dinghy. Tan gaff sail, oars, Good tan sails,hull sound but thwarts need attention. Saleincludes launching centreboard, rudder etc. Superbly built by Suffolkboatyard mahogany on oak, trolley and road trailer. Located Emsworth, Chichester Harbour area. clinker construction. Condition excellent,hardly used. LyingBrandeston, John Travis:[email protected] | +44 (0)1243 378394 near Framlingham, Suffolk. Optional road trailer available:£200.00 Nick Hayward | [email protected]|+44(0)1728 685465

64 BOATSFORSALE BOATSFORSALE www.oga.org.uk/boats-for-sale www.oga.org.uk/boats-for-sale

Estren: £12,950 Kingfisher ofHamfordWater: £1,500 Heard 23, built 1987 in current ownership since2013. Exceptionallystable, Very stable, true classicdinghy of impeccable pedigree (designers Charles fine boat which has taken me safely to France, Channel Isles and Scillies. Nicholson & Uffa Fox). Ideal for Classic Festivals,amazing history: Chatham For sale as she’sa little small for my needs now retired & enjoying venturing Dockyard-built, owned by HMS Ganges and Royal Hospital School, saved further afield. Bought from an elderly gentleman who owned her from new. on a boating lake in Felixstowe, cared for by previous owner (ex-Navy) in a Folders containing history will be passed to new owner including letters way that would bring a smile to the face of the strictest Bosun. Totally original between the owner and Martin Heard. Full specificationon the OGA website. (except for standing and running rigging) with superb bronze fittings that Peter Gerrard: [email protected]|+44(0)7541 929296 would make I K Brunel whistle. Two suits of beautiful Egyptian cotton sails with Chatham sail loft marks, made 1960’s but in ‘new’condition, one suit Nutmeg: £15,500 probably unused. 4 rowing positions. Charles Harrison: +44 (0)7808 911 511 SeaOtter 18, beautifully designed & built by David Moss. Outstanding gaff [email protected] yawl, excellent condition, featured in many boat magazines. Easy to sail single handed, very close winded, by far the most beautiful for size & class!Easily Shireen: £12,000ovno maintained, dry stored in the averagegarageon yard trolley. Rare opportunity Gaff sloop Clyde Class19/24, designed Mylne, built McGruer, 1900. to purchase future baby classicat a very reasonable price. Historically important little old gaffer was virtually rebuilt from the keel up. David Maunder: +44 (0)1983 616608 | +44(0)7833 936999 Yanmar 1GM10 engine. Sleeps two, new full cockpit enclosure and sail cover. [email protected] Sailsvirtually unused, furler on genoa. 19ft w/line 24ft overall. 2017 survey available. In commission, Scotland. May consider exchange for classiccar. Ariel ofGreystones: £7,500 Neil McMaster: +44 (0)779 9374316 | [email protected] Heard 18.5 Tosher. Full refit, 2013: Floorboards, Cockpit Sole, Sheer Capping & Rubbing Strake, Keel Band. A joy to sail with family or single Katie Morag:£35,000 handed. Large open spacious cockpit ideal for fun trips with kids. Racing rig Cornish Crabber 22 built 2002 offered for saleincluding many extras. Light with 3 headsail sizes[Storm, Working and Racing]. Automatic bilge pump cream/red two tone GRP hull with cream boot top, coach roof and decks. with 12v battery in bilge. Battery allowed for a VHF and navigation lights. Teak trim/strakes, red antifouling and off-white boot top. Well maintained ‘Ariel’currently lies on a custom built 4 wheel trailer under cover of a PVC and in an excellent condition. See OGA website for full specification. tarpaulin in Greystones Co. Wicklow, Ireland. Frank Davis +44 (0)7480 188817 | [email protected] Joe Walsh: + 353 (0)87 248 1159 | [email protected] Windfall; £1,800ono Puffin Bach: £10,000 Dorado 12’ gunter rigged dinghy. A sturdy boat with very sweetlines capable of serious cruising. Combines Fibreglasssimulated clinker; built in buoyancy; oars and stainless rowlocks; the practicality of a GRP hull with charm of wooden construction above winter cover;on launching trolley that fits on road trailer. the gunwale. Since 2007 we have sailed the entire Welsh coastline, Bristol Yvonne Mitchell: +44 (0)7411 326686 | [email protected] Channel, Southern Ireland, coasts of Devon and Cornwall and to Lundy, Skomer and Isles of Scilly. She has comfortably handled all conditions we have DrascombeDriver £3,950 been out in (that’s beyond force 6) and we have alwaysfelt confident of her Lovelylate Drascombe Driver, GRP. abilities. For salein full commission and good condition. Similar to Lugger but with inboard and outboard. David Lovelock: +44 (0)1935 891328 | [email protected] All usual gear, solid trailer. Amble, Northumberland. John Bird: +44 (0)1665 479351 | +44 (0)7427 413052 Freya: £25,000 [email protected] In same ownership since 2001. First Yarmouth 23 with moulded heads unit. Bookshelvesabove side lockers, mainsail furling lines to cockpit, holding Saorsa: £9998 tank. Main saloon full sizedouble bunk. Betamarine 13 HP diesel engine. Shallowdraft gaff cutter built 1995, the first Memory built with a cabin. Raymarine ST40 Log; NASA Depth; MLR FX412 GPS; Garmin GPSMAP Fibreglasshull, LOA 24’, LOD 19’ Draft c/board up 18”, c/board down 4’. 182C colour plotter, English Channel datacard; Simrad RD68 radio DSC Tohatsu 5Hp 4 stoke outboard. Sails:main, jib, staysailand topsail. Rear calling; Autohelm 2000+ autopilot cockpit socket. Spray hood. Hot water locker, spaciouscockpit cabin, 2 berths, twin burner stove, sink area, anchor tank. Wallas diesel stove. Main anchor Delta 6kg, Fortress kedge with chain locker, sail storage in bow. Saleincludes braked road trailer, anchor & chain, & warp. Mast revarnished 2015, engine fully serviced2016. SSR registered, berth cushions. Ready to sail and for a 19’ shallow drafter, very seaworthy! full VAT and RCD documentation. Inflatable dinghy may be availableby Douglas Cook: +44 (0)7908 435701 | [email protected] negotiation. Phil Mott: +44 (0)797 119 6044 | [email protected] Chantey: £5,000-£6,000 Thetis: £6,950 18’ clinker day boat built by Harry Feltham of Portsmouth in 1934. Elm Lovelygaff-riggeddayboat, 16’ 6” Salterns Tela, built 2004 in GRP with planking on Canadian rock elm timbers. Gunter rigged with spruce spars. mahogany outfit and brass belaying pins. In excellent condition, recently In same ownership since 1955 with extensive, documented restorations in refurbished, new mast, bowsprit, topsail & yard, purpose-built trailer, new mid 1980’s and again in 2003. LOA; 18’, beam 7’, draft 2’ (plate up) 4’ wheels, bearings and suspension units. Reliable 2.5 Tohatsu outboard, cover, (plate down). Class winner at Cowes Classic Rally 2008, featured next to stub mast for trailing. Safe, swift, easyon the eye & pocket. Lying East Anglia. ClassicBoat editorial 1998 and regular participant at Yarmouth OGA rallies. John Guy: +44 (0) 7710 9443749 | [email protected] Extensive sail wardrobe, launching trolley, canvas cabin and single bunk for short-handed cruising. LyingGosport, Portsmouth Harbour. Trevora: £54,750 Andy Rolf: +44 (0)7764 707376 | [email protected] Classic Silvers,designed by John Bain, built by Jas Silversof Rosneath, 1938. Ketch rigged 12.3 metres x 3 metres x 1 metre. Pitch pine on oak frames with teak topsides. Sailed extensivelyon the west coast of Scotland, Clyde, Irish Sea and W Cork, regular attendee at Classic Boat and OGA events. Full specification & details availableon OGA website. Peter Bates: [email protected] 67 MEMBERSʼGAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017OFFERS &DISCOUNTS: www.oga.org.uk/about/members-discounts GAFFERS LOGNOVEMBER2017

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Advertising: Gaffers Log/online Membersʼ boatadvertsare available for browsingontheOGAwebsite, if they are heldin the OGAonline Boat Register. Alladverts inprint andonlineare placed ingood faith. Neither theOGAEditor, norOGA,shall be heldresponsible forcontent or accuracy. Non-commercialadvertisingis free to Your address OGAMembers. Otheradverts maybe placed, for a fee,in GaffersLogat theEditorʼs for wooden discretion. Thereisnoadvertising,apart from Order online or come and visit our new chandlery blocks membersʼboats, onthe OGAwebsite. at Suffolk Yacht Harbour on the east coast. Operetteweg 38,1323 VA Almere Copydeadline forSpring issue: Telephone: 01394 380390 or 01473 659394 | Email: [email protected] | www.classicmarine.co.uk Tel:+31(0) 365364931•E: [email protected] 23February 2018 www.ship-blocks.com• www.ording.nl Classic Marine, Suffolk Yacht Harbour, Levington, Ipswich, Suffolk, United Kingdom IP10 0LN

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