GAFFERS LOG December 2011

The Official Newsletter of the Old Gaffers Association Contents

3 From the Editor 4 Welcome Aboard 4 Cover Photographs 4 A note from your Hon Secretary… 5 From The OGA President 5 Membership Subscription Rates 6 Down the Creek without a Rudder Article by David Grainger 10 Munin’s Winter Cover One Member’s Determination - Email Jottings 12 Fifty Years of the OGA Article by Robert Simper 15 2011 OGA Photo Competition Deadline Extended to December 15 - Viv Head 16 Photos From the 2010 Old Gaffers Association Photo Competition 18-19 Notice of O.G.A. Annual General Meeting, Agenda and Major Changes to the Rules 20 Letters To The Editor 24 Trophy Report Sue Farrer - Trophy Secretary 25 All Change in the Bristol Channel Viv Head - Bristol Channel 26 DublinBay Area John Wedick - Hon. Secretary 27 East Coast Area News Bernard Patrick 29 Lake District Barry Healas 32 Medway/North Kent - Cinque Ports Area JohnCann 32 North Wales Area Report Sue Farrer 37 Conwy River Festival 2011 Bob Angell & Graham Panes 39 Northern Ireland Peter Lyons 43 Solent Area Annual Race and Rally Pat Dawson 47 Solent Report Jessica Warren 48 Trailer Section Mike Stevens 49 A Canadian Take on Yogaff By Gerry Stensgaard 51 OGA Merchandise 52 Classified Advertisements 54 Trail And Sail Small Gaffers Book Review 55 Officers of the Association and Contact Details

© 2011, Old Gaffers Association ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The Gaffers Log is the Official Newsletter of the Old Gaffers Association and contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the Editor. Email: [email protected]

Exception to the above Copyright is granted when used to quote portions of the publication, for reviews by other media. Copyright exception is granted for non commercial use, Please credit the Gaffers Log as your source. The PDF version of the Gaffers Log may be re-distributed in whole and for non commercial use. From the Quarterdeck

It seems as though it was only a short time ago, the OGA announced its 50th anniversary celebrations, but already 2013 is rapidly approaching. It’s an exciting celebration and one of the most noteworthy in our Association’s history. The timing is perfect; most of us, even retired members, lead hectic and busy lives. There is, in western society, a prevailing affinity to grasp at an earlier way of life often perceived as a simpler less complicated time in history. We only have to recall the number of period piecesadapted to screen and television or the revival of Bluegrass and Celtic music reaching worldwide audiences across the Internet, to see this happening. A couple of years ago Wooden Boat Magazine stated there are more wooden boats on the water today than in the 1970’s when the magazine first sold at the newsstands. Few of us want to return to the so calledGood Old Days, but that’s not to say we don’t enjoy reliving some great memories. What better time to promote the gaff rig and other traditional forms of sail, what better time to promote the Old Gaffers Association!

Several traditional sailing items have passed across my desk, during the last few weeks. I’d like to share a couple of the most notable. For those interested in a true classic, the historic J Class yacht, Endeavourwas re-launched a few weeks ago after an extensive refit. More information can be found athttp://www.ibinews.com/auto/newsdesk/20110912140134syb.html or by a Google search of J Class yacht Endeavour. The Gaff Cutter,Dolphin of Leith, previously owned by Solent Area member John Lowrie and his wife, is currently on a voyage to New Zealand and skippered and crewed by John’s son and family. John has written an interesting letter, with photos (printed in this issue) about his days of ownership. More information can be read as the voyage progresses by making a search in facebook, Dolphin of Leith & The Big Adventure. Please consider visiting the Facebook page from time to time, follow their progress and leave your good wishes, I’m sure they will appreciateLetters from Home.

In a few weeks the Gaffers Log will be available as a PDF file from several Internet sources. To protect the privacy of our members all phone numbers and addresses will be removed from the online edition. I also maintain an email list of OGA members and friends throughout the world that receive the GL PDF. The cost to the OGA is nothing, but is an excellent method of promoting our activities. If, in addition to receiving your regular hard copy of the GL, you’d like to be added to the list of online subscribers or if you know anyone interested in the receiving the PDF edition please forward the information to me.

My thanks to everyone that contributed material to this issue. Please keep sending your adventures, photos, letters, Classified Advertisements (they are free to members) and anything else you would like to share with other Gaffers.

Many of our members own some of the finest boats on the water and fortunately many are excellent photographers. Viv Head has extended the deadline of this year’s OGA Photo Competition; please see the advertisement in this issue.

No single publication unites members from all areas as does the Gaffers Log. Our advertisers are an important part of our team and really do help to defray the cost of production. Please, whenever possible, consider supporting them and let them know you saw their advertisement in the GL.

I wish each of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Colin Ming - [email protected]

3 Welcome Aboard Area # Boats Member Address BC 5536 Mr Roger Wallington 20 Millrace Close, Lisvane, Cardiff, CF14 0UR CWL 5535 Ellenor Josephine Mr Ian McLellan 6 Carvear Moor, Par, Cornwall, PL24 2TB DEV 5524 Puff Mr Richard Hayes Sideways, Moreleigh, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 7JQ DEV 5525 Mr Simon Deighton 8 Rectory Park, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3AJ EC 5527 Barbarossa Mr Robert Hart 69 Point Road, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7TT EC 5528 Mr John Benford 13 Prospect Place, Leiston, Suffolk, IP16 4AL EC 5532 Mr Andy Croft The Old School, The Street, Lympne, Kent, CT21 4LQ EC 5537 Ms Clare Ausitin 9 Bradfield Drive, Martham, Great Yarmouth, NR29 4UP LD 5523 Mr John Groves 4 Firs Avenue, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1NA NWA 5526 D’sel Mr Spencer Hollands Lees Farm, English Frankton, Ellesmere, Shropshire, SY12 0JX NWA 5533 Mr Marshall Rubin Norcliffe Cottage, Altrincham Road, Styal, Cheshire, SK9 4LH SCO 5531 Mr David Pimm 29 Courthill, Rosneath, Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, G84 0RN SOL 5529 Mr Andrew Woodhouse 10 Ambleside, Botley, Southampton, SO30 2NS SOL 5530 Speedwell Mr Charles Coxwell 11 Deanes Park Road, Fareham, Hants., PO16 0DG SOL 5534 Mr Andrew Peter Hind 23 Central Road , Leicester, LE3 5EJ

Front CoverZebu- floodlit on the pontoon during Gaffers at Holyead. Photograph - Viv Head. Rear Cover Michael and Jessica Warren in the cockpit of Roma; Solent Area Annual Race 2011. Photograph - Keith Allso

A note from your Hon Secretary…

I write to let all members know that I will be standing down at the January 2012 AGM. I have very much enjoyed the role and wherever possible have enjoyed meeting many of you in your areas as well as others outside of our Association.

I stand down a year early, mindful of our 50th birthday celebrations in 2013, and the desire to give time for my replacement to have a little breathing space in the year leading up to summer 2013. It has to be said I have not been overly involved as such with the actual 2013 work – the Hon Sec role rolling on much as it always has.Very little of the job involves the writing of real letters anymore – my time in office has seen the complete transition from ‘letterbox’ (hole in the front door variety) to ‘mail box’ (the electronic one out in the ether).

Jan, my wife, Minute Secretary and ‘Hon Sec Support’ has to be thanked by me for her supporting efforts. We came as a team and we go as a team. We both thank you for your support.

Robert 4 From The OGA President

The 2011 sailing season is over, the moorings deserted, the marinas, creeks and hards packed solid with winterised boats. The Met man promises us a winter of snow and freezing conditions. Let us hope he is as right about this as he was about our promised BBQ summer. It seems remote as I write this in bright, still, autumn sunshine, the water like a mirror. We certainly had a varied season with some mighty blows and good weather at the beginning and end of the season. In The Solent, we had a sensationally exciting day for our Annual Race. It tested both boats and crew.

Your GMC continues to work on plans to celebrate our fifty years and you can watch our progress on the OGA 50 website. Do continue to post your thoughts and suggestions on the forum pages. A full newsletter is enclosed that sets out our plans so far. Do give us your reactions so that we can take account of what you want.

As you will see from the agenda for the AGM much is changing, including the Association’s Rules. We have a new Log Editor and a new Treasurer proposed for election. In addition, our long-standing and much admired Secretary, Robert Holden, has announced that he will resign as our Hon Secretary at our AGM in January. Robert has in one way or another been involved with our governing bodies for nearly nineteen years and has been secretary for nine years. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude. He will miss us, but perhaps not as much as we shall miss him and his wife, Jan, who has been keeping the minutes of our meetings for a similar length of time. As you will know, finding sense and clarity from the minds of Gaffers is a full-time occupation. As Robert says, “Jan and I came as a team… we go as a team. Maybe there is some young blood out there who would relish the role of Hon Sec. It is certainly diverse.” Robert has been a model Secretary of our organization. He will be a hard act to follow. He is an enthusiast for our plans to celebrate 2013 and invented the idea of a Relay round Britain. I am glad to report that he has agreed to continue to help us keep abreast of Government and other official bodies’ plans so far as they affect us and yachting generally. We shall have an opportunity at the AGM to say a proper goodbye to him and Jan.

The Association is very grateful for the work done by our retiring Treasurer, Chris Brown. He has been involved in a lot of extra work recently and we are most appreciative of what he has done. I should also like to thank all the Officers of the Association and the GMC. They have been involved in much extra work and anxiety arising from our 2013 plan: our thanks to all of them.

I hope the winter lay-up proceeds smoothly and without mishap.

Best wishes for the festive season and I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Cruising Club in Limehouse, London for our AGM on Saturday January 14th 2012.

Mike Shaw - OGA President

MembershipSubscriptionRates Payment by Cheque or Direct Credit Payment by Direct Debit Single £27.00 £25.00 Family £30.00 £28.00 Junior £5.00 £5.00 Euro €40.00 Dollars (US) $55.00 (NB. Payment by Standing Order is no longer accepted.)

5 Down the Creek without a Rudder Down the Creek without a Rudder By David Grainger

On my sixteenth birthday in 1952 I left school. Whilst working, I went to the local Technical College in the evenings to study Mechanical Engineering. To my surprise I was awarded a prize – books of my own choice to a certain value. Obviously expectations were that I should choose technical tomes, perhaps “The Strength of Materials” or “Entropy as a Tangible Conception”, but in spite of pressure and harassment by teachers I persisted in asking for “Yacht Cruising” and “Yacht Navigation & Voyaging” both by Claud Worth, the mentor of many a well-known gaff-rigged sailor. Arthur Ransome was the romantic influence on my sailing, and Claud Worth became the practical.

He wrote - amongst many other words of wisdom - “the rudder is one of the two things (the other being the lower mast) which must never fail at sea, whatever else may give way.” I agreed wholeheartedly with this, and still do.

Unfortunately, in my sixty-odd years of cruising under sail I have at one time and another lost both, luckily not at the same time.

At the beginning of August Bank Holiday Week 1958 my brother and I set sail from St Pierre Pill in my first cruiser ‘Swift’, a 17ft gaff sloop with a counter stern. We were bound down the Bristol Channel against a fresh WSWly wind and left the Pill half an hour before high water, well reefed down and in company with ‘Calypso’ a Bermudan sloop of about 20 ft, to work down over the Mathern Oaze out of the tide.

St Pierre Pill is on the Welsh side of the Severn Estuary, just above the Shoots (where the Second Severn Crossing now stands). Here on the biggest springs the tide runs at 9 knots and has a range of 50 feet, the highest in the world except for those of the Bay of Fundy. The prevailing wind is from the SW quarter which means a beat when heading down-channel and it always raises a short, steep sea on the shoal-strewn chocolate-coloured water. Waves up here tend only to be about 3 feet high but unfortunately the troughs are only 3 feet wide and the water is much denser because of its high silt content, so a small craft making to weather hits the equivalent of a garden wall every 10 seconds. The strong ebb effectively adds an extra Force to the head wind while off every headland there is a race. It is impossible to make any headway against a foul tide.

No wonder it was universally accepted amongst the members of the Chepstow & District Yacht Club bound Westward from the Pill that on arriving at Barry they had crossed the worst half of the Atlantic.

‘Swift’ with her shallow draught and bilge keels made a lot of leeway and we had to put in a tack inshore to avoid being pushed out into the strong flood tide which runs for a good twenty minutes after high water. However by the time we got to the head of the Shoots it had turned and we were on ‘the conveyor belt’. We had gradually pulled ahead of ‘Calypso’ who then hove to change jibs. An hour or so later we passed the Firefly Buoy guarding the rock whose name, like so many in the Bristol Channel, immortalises that of the ship who discovered it. Immortalised hername , you note, not the ship - for she lies alongside ‘her’ rock and the name was given posthumously, as it were. We didn’t pay the buoy much attention however for, as my logbook notes, we were “fairly hard pressed” as my beamy little sloop carried a lot of weather helm when well heeled.

Astern we saw the gaff yawl ‘Betty’ leave the Swash Channel (the entrance to the Bristol Avon) under close reefs and storm jib. She was out of Pill, birthplace of many a fine Pilot Cutter and now, together with Sea Mills, home to a small fleet of cruisers which I saw frequently at weekends sailing 6 Down the Creek without a Rudder ‘downalong’. She steadily overhauled us, but when we met up later her skipper told us that on emerging from the river into the full force of the wind he was minded to turn back and run home until he saw little ‘Swift’ plugging on.

As we beat down I noticed a strange phenomenon – I had to apply much more helm on one tack than the other. I should have realised of course that all was not well, but in the struggle to keep her from rounding up I failed to put two and two together, but just soldiered on. Past Battery Point and the Newcombe Buoy in an increasing wind we went.

Then it happened. Here I quote verbatim from ‘Swift’s’ logbook:- “10:50 Off Blacknore Point, ½ mile offshore, rudder carried away by heavy strain.” “Wind now freshened to moderate gale force.” (then Force 7)

She rounded up into the wind, sails all a-shiver. Seeing the wooden rudder blade surface a few feet on the quarter I backed the jib and drifted astern while my brother leaned over the side and picked it up.

“Right,” I thought, “now is the time to rig one of the sweeps over the stern as a steering oar.”

For all the effect it had I might as well have waved a teaspoon in the water.

Next we clawed down the mainsail and furled it. Under jib alone she turned her stern to the wind, shipping seas over her counter, but the 5 knot ebb still drove her steadily astern to the WSW. The windage of the boom, gaff and canvas was enough to give her a sheer across the wind and tide, working her inshore where we risked being set down on the large oil buoys off Redcliffe Bay. By pushing the boom across to starboard we gybed and sheered out again, whilst partly furling the jib on its Wykeham-Martin gear and keeping it sheeted harder in was speeding up our progress.

In this way we made our ignominious way past the Lloyd’s Signal Station (overlooking the roadstead in Walton Bay) which in those days was fully manned awaiting signals by flags or Morse from ships inward bound. It was not at all comfortable and she took a fair amount of water over her stern, but at least we were not ‘in distress’. Eventually we worked inshore off Clevedon Pier and after two hours of rudderless sailing we dropped the hook as we ran onto the mud just inside the entrance of Clevedon Pill.

Here a miracle occurred. Frank Hack, who lived at the head of the Pill had seen our plight and came out to tow us in on the evening tide. We took the ground at Cross Pill where we were able to make our muddy way ashore.

Disconsolate, I feared our holiday cruise was over. But I had reckoned without the ingenuity and skill of members of Clevedon Sailing Club.

I quote again from ‘Swift’s’ logbook:-

“Monday 4th August 1958.....head of the pill, moored all fours in the middle of the stream with lines ashore on either bank of the pill made fast to stakes. 9:34 High Water, Clevedon. Took the ground on hard stones as the tide receded. Lifted up the stern with a lever and chocked up the keel. With the help of ‘Chippy’ Higgins of CSC, made a temporary repair of the rudder. Floated off on evening tide.” 7 Down the Creek without a Rudder What had happened to the rudder was that firstly the very light-weight bottom pintle must have carried away. The wooden blade had been fastened between the steel clevis forks of the rudder stock with copper boat nails roved and clenched. Robbed of its lower support the blade was forced sideways, and the forks acted as guillotines sheering off both ends of each nail.

So, thanks to ‘Chippy’ and his friends we had only lost two days before we were able to continue. We set off at high water next morning into a light SWly breeze blowing steady drizzle out of banks of mist. Out in the main channel we picked up the English & Welsh Grounds Lightship as the wind steady freshened. Four hours later we entered Barry and came alongside the stout gaff cutter ‘Flying Phoenix’, whose crew immediately pressed welcome mugs of steaming hot coffee laced with sherry into our soggy, cramped hands. They had seen us emerge from the murk on our last few boards down the shore and taken pity on us. Next day the sun shone and we had a free wind across to Porlock Weir, staying there in company with ‘Betty’ and ‘Blue Dolphin’. We enjoyed ourselves ashore but I was most indignant to learn that, in spite of ‘Swift’ only being 1½ tons T.M., I had to pay the same Harbour Dues as my friends with much larger craft. I remonstrated with the Harbour Master Adam Leigh, buttonoavail–Ihadto pay. I have in front of me the receipt – for two nights that was 4/- (20p). The gross injustice of this still rankles even now.

Footnote On the equinoctial tides I laid ‘Swift’ on the saltings below the CDYC Clubhouse, dug a pit beneath her stern, dropped out the old rudder and replaced it with an all-steel combined stock and rudder-blade which I welded up and had galvanised. I also resolved that in the future I would only have a vessel with an outboard rudder. And, with just one exception in the five cruisers I have owned since, I have stuck to this. 8 “MARIA” CK21 Built 1866

e-mail: [email protected] 9 Email Jottings Munin’s Winter Cover One Member’s Determination

EditorAfter years of working with old junk sewing machines, avid seamstress and OGA member, Marian Hammond decided it was finally time to buy a real machine. The seller suggested she start with a small project to acquaint herself with the intricacies of her new machine - Marian thought otherwise. The Viking ship Munin was in need of a winter cover (all 40 plus feet of it) and Marian had a place to work - a small apartment. If there is a will there is a way, and Marian persevered for three months. In Marian’s own words...

“I’ve been sewing. It’s becoming a ship cover for Munin. Ever made something on a sewing machine that’s 40’ x 14’? Neither have I. My living room isn’t that big. I’ve had to lay it out in the hallway of the apartment a few times. I’ve also had it onboard now for a fitting, so I know I’m on the right track. It’s coming out rather nice, if I say so myself. Proof will be when it goes back to the ship for finals. I have the slits for mast and shrouds and rudder, still have to finish bow and stern details. Making the plans up as I go along! Still have to make about 80 little sand bags to attach, but can do that later. Also have the wood supports almost ready. It’s a big project, but I want to do it right this time. Will have to patent it. :) No tarps this year!!! What a waste of money. “End result of ~ 3 long months of hard labour, mostly sitting on my living room floor, all furniture pushed to the side. Pins, thread, papers, scissors, measuring tape and rolls and rolls of fabric everywhere. My lovely new machine that made this possible!! Just a few more details to tweek. I didn’t finish the entrance enclosures because I didn’t know how much overlap there would be, and I still need to finish around the rudder. Looking good though. Rather close to the picture I drew before I even got started. Tomorrow will be a test because of rain and winds predicted. I was hoping for a Thanksgiving sail, but that will have to be postponed.”

10 Email Jottings

From an apartment living room to the finished cover.

11 Fifty Years of the OGA Fifty Years of the OGA By Robert Simper

To understand why the Old Gaffer Association came into existence one has to realize that in 1963 there was pressure to stamp out the gaff rig. In the 1930s the introduction of the Bermudian rig in sailing yachts swept through the yachting world like a forest fire. For a century and half the gaff rig had been the most versatile rig for small sailing craft, but suddenly this seemed no longer true. The modern mass-produced yachts, with fiberglass hulls and bermudian mast-head rigs, are superb craft. They are forever slicing past me at sea, but to me they all look the same and lack a kind of nautical magic.

This battle between bermudian and gaff was still raging (well in sailing circles at least) when I first went afloat in the 1950s. Wise old yachtsmen told me the bermudian was best for racing and gaff was better from cruising. I believed it, but when it came to actually buy a boat, economics had ruled the decision; old gaff boats were cheaper than the new bermudian yachts. I boughtSea Fever, a 28ft ex- ship’s lifeboat rigged with gaff sails from various old gaff-boats.

The first time I sailed in up to Ramsholt Dock, Eric Burley, a man of decades of off shore cruising, said ‘well I suppose a young man like you will soon tear out those old sails out and put in proper bermudian sails’. I grew to love my first boat and learnt quickly that the gaff rig was versatile and cheap to operate.The die was cast, I was stuck with gaff rig, but it was rather lonely, no one was in the least interested in these old out dated craft.

However, there was an exception. Lying on a mooring near me was the sleek Essex smackFly . Her owner Roy Clarkson was having a bad time trying to race this smack. He tried taking part in a North Sea Race to the Hook of Holland and had been towed in to Southwold by the lifeboat. Before that he had raced with the smacks at Maldon, and the problem here had been that he had won every time. Roy was a successful dentist and had spent money on new sails. The other smacks all had old working sails, often pre-war; and their owners accused Roy of ‘cheating’ with his big sails. There was a row in the pub after one Maldon race and Roy looked for a new avenue to develop his racing skills.

In the Dan, Webb and Feasey boatyard in Maldon Roy fell in with John Scarlett who was very good on the theories of boats, but not really very practical at sailing. Roy and John hatched up the idea of a race just for gaff-rigged boats.

In the spring of 1963 I went to the original meeting at John’s bungalow to organize such a race. We decided to call it the East Coast Old Gaffers Race. We lifted the name Old Gaffer from an event on the South Coast that we had all read about in ‘Yachting Monthly.’

The campaign to eradicate the gaff rig was much further advanced on the progressive South Coast and in 1958 three gaff boat owners on the Hamble River, in search for some event to race their boats in, had started an informal race that they called the Old Gaffers. This was a fairly laid back affair but became an annual race that attracted about twenty entries.

On the East Coast we counted about a dozen boats that just might take part in a race but amazingly thirty turned up. We were all cruising mens and wanted nothing to do with namby-pamby racing around buoys. We advertised a proper passage race from Osea Island to Harwich with Mike Peyton’s drawing. Because there was little wind this race was a flop, but everyone agreed it was a ‘good idea.’ John Scarlett travelled down to the South Coast to take part in the original Old Gaffers Race and came back to Essex with the idea of forming an Old Gaffers Association. In the autumn John organized 12 Fifty Years of the OGA a ‘get together’ at the Maldon Little Ship’s Club and this was the critical point when the OGA was formed. I can still remember John leaning on the grand piano (I never saw anyone play it) arguing for an OGA, I supported him strongly, but to be honest the out-spoken Essex boat and smack owners really couldn’t see why we needed to join up with the yachty lot from the far away Hamble River.

However, there was no stopping John and they just let him get on with it. I think John Scarlett had been a youth club leader and he devoted his life to the OGA, having a room in his home devoted to the administration. The South Coast Gaffers were a bit taken aback by all this enthusiasm. Letters from 74a Fambridge Road, Maldon poured out to all parts of the globe, but for the first few years many gaff boat owners remained sceptical about whether the OGA really had any long term future.

Some said it was a silly name, but it stuck. Others said trying to handicap gaff boats of such a huge variety of types could not work. It is absolutely true, but the real success of the OGA is the acceptance of a standard form of handicaping in the races. Heavy work boats often got a higher handicap that the sleek Edwardian racers, owners pointed this out as being nonsense, but still came to the events.

It was a bad row over handicaps that led to Roy Clarkson, one of the founders, departure. Roy asked me to start a rival gaff race from Harwich, but by then the OGA was clearly gathering steam. John was always keen to promote his friend John Bray as co-founder, but I don’t remember him at committee meetings or the races. John Bray lived on the 1872 cutterNell at Maldon with his faithful dog. There had been a fire on theNell which poor animal had got caught in so that he was the only bald sea dog I ever met.

A key figure in those early days was wirily Ipswich book dealer Tom Cook, owner of the 1872 Itchen FerryFanny . He was the only one that John listened to and Tom quickly steered some of John’s more unusual ideas into the background. By the end of 1963 there some sixty members, but the number steadily grew and other areas races were started, on the Clyde in 1973 and Cornwall in 1980. By then the OGA was an international association, an alternative to main stream leisure boating and mass produced yachts.

By then the largest area, was France. Michael Miller and the South Coast members worked hard to keep this link alive. In Brittany Jean le Favcheur did the same, but language, not the English Channel, was a barrier. Once in Paimpol I had a wonderful meeting with the local OGA chairman, a lot handshaking and smiling, plenty of real good will, but we could not communicate in any meaningful way. Another time a party from the French OGA came to AGM in London and none of them spoke English, again good will, but no communication. The French had a real problem with using the English title ‘Old Gaffers’ and split up into a separate organization loosely translated as the Various Rigs of France. No European unity there.

More recently there have been very successful links with minded people in several countries, based on a mutual love of old boats and English is an international language. This is particularly true in the Netherlands.

When we started, the main idea was to stop owners from tearing the gaff rig out of their boats and fitting the ‘wicked and sinful’ bermudian sails. In the early days people enjoyed the slightly piratical approach of the OGA and started taking pride in their out of date craft. The OGA turned second hand boats from the embarrassing wrecks up the corner of boatyards into something to be proud of, and respected by the rest of the boating community. 13 Fifty Years of the OGA In a way the OGA out grew John Scarlett. He loved compiling a newsletter cheaply printed and stapled together and there was a long battle to move the Newsletter on to something more professional. Sadly John died when he was only fifty-two and he was such a figurehead that many people thought the whole organization would collapse. I was President at the time and remember talking people out of leaving, and assuring them there was still be a need to promote the gaff rig with our events.

Certainly we did not realise at the start that we had lit a forest fire of enthusiasm for the gaff sails. The turnout at the annual area races were good, and the East Coast Race attracted 100 entrants in 1978, when Robert Williamson was Area Secretary, and the Solent had over sixty about the same time. What we were totally unprepared for was that people started building new gaff boats, sometimes even in fibre-glass. I suppose that the Cornish Crabber range was the first and most successful of this line of development, but Terry and then Martin Heard’s Falmouth work-boat range also enlivened many area events.

There were those who thought we should stay with wooden boats of some vintage, I remember at national committee meetings steering the train of thought towards accepting fibre-glass, and a few ferro, hulls. After all, going back to our basic idea, we were established to save and promote the gaff rig. We also had been a kind of anti-yacht club organization, but as we raced more and more around buoys the organization became more yacht club orientated.

I really enjoyed being East Coast Vice-President, because you were working amongst friends. As President you realized that your main task was to hold all the various area together as one working unit. The OGA was not one club, but a series of highly individual units joined in a loose association. Some areas had events that ended with a prizing giving where everyone wore reefer jackets at a yacht club, at others, crews turned up at a pub looking as if they had just anti-fouled the bottom of their boat’s. This was OK, this was an organization for individuals and had to be shaped to take this fact into its soul.

For over twenty-five years I devoted an awful lot of my time to the OGA, and towards the end I felt the battle had been won. The gaff rig had returned to being an accepted part of the leisure boat scene and there were plenty of people keen to take part in the administration. I was happy to move on to promoting other types of traditional boats (luggers and barges). The last twenty-five years I have seen the OGA from the outside of the main organization. As I predicted in 1989, the OGA was like a snowball rolling down a hill. It got larger and larger as time rolled by and it appears to have got much bigger, also the people involved and the actual boats they sail have changed.

Looking back over half a century the question is, has the OGA changed, and the answer is Yes, and No. The OGA has grown far larger and wide spread that was ever envisaged at the beginning. We did not expect numerous classes of gaff boats open and cruising, to appear and prosper. The OGA weakness is that because it is so well known, organizers sometimes over estimate their position in the boating world, but any organization is only as good as last year’s events. I hope that the next fifty years will be as good as the last fifty year. Long Live The Gaffers.

Robert Simper - Elder Gaffer, 2011

14 Photo Competition

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eall admire those immaculate Wrestorations but if you’veever thought WATER CRAFT it would be quicker and easier to build a new one, you should read about today’s affordable new gaffersin the practical bi-monthly magazine from Pete Greenfield and friends. WaterCraftis available from good newsagents or £6 inc p&p from: WATER CRAFT, BRIDGE SHOP,GWEEK, CORNWALL TR12 6UD For further information, call 01326221424or see: www.watercraft-magazine.com

15 Photo Competition Photos From the 2010 Old Gaffers Association Photo Competition

Editor’s Note:These are several of the winning photographs from the 2010 OGA Photo Competition and were gleaned from the OGA website. No preference was given when I decided which photos to display’; they’re here to inspire others to enter this year’s competition. I purposely omitted details of all the photos because, when taking them from the website, some revealed names, others only partial names due to the way the page displays when enlarged. I therefore decided it would only be fair to everyone concerned not to show any details. 16 Photo Competition

17 AGM Notice of O.G.A. Annual General Meeting.

Saturday 14th January 2012 at 18.30 hrs at the Cruising Association, 1 Northey Street, Limehouse Basin, London E14 8BT.

Annual General Meeting Agenda

1. President’s Welcome Address 2. Present [Members are asked to sign attendance sheet] & Apologies 3. Approval of the Minutes of the last AGM on 15th January 2011 4. Matters Arising 5. Hon Treasurer’s Report – Presentation of Accounts 6. Hon Secretary’s Report 7. Proposed Rule Changes - please bring copy of the Rules inserted in Dec 2011 Gaffers Log 8. Election of Officers – see below 9. Announcement of Awards 10. O.G.A. 50th Anniversary – Presentation to Members 11. Members’ General Discussion Forum 12. Close of Meeting

AGM 2012 - ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Gaffers Log Editor Colin Ming – Acting Gaffers Log Editor Proposed: Robert Holden Seconded: Mike Shaw

Treasurer – Gordon Garman – Proposed: Chris Brown Seconded: Pete Farrer

Association Secretary Nominations should be sent to Robert Holden – Secretary – details in Gaffers Log

Communications Secretary [subject to the changes in Rule 7 having been approved] Nominations should be sent to Robert Holden – Secretary – details in Gaffers Log

The Association Committee Meeting

The AGM will be preceded by a meeting of theAssociation Committee at 13.00 hrs. This Committee consists of Officers of the Association, and Presidents and Secretaries of each Area, together with any Elder Gaffers who wish to attend.

18 AGM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2012

Major Changes to the Rules

Rule 3 This rule is extended to include all the flags normally used by the Association

Rule 4 Juniors can be conveniently included in a family subscription, for which the age limit is set at 21. To encourage continued membership after that age, a reduced subscription is available up to age 25.

Rule 7 The Association needs one more Officer to cover all the aspects of web site, newsletter, publicity and external liaison – the Communications Secretary. Officers and Elder Gaffers are ex-officio members of all Association and Area committees of which they are not an elected member or co-opted member, without a vote. Officers and Elder Gaffers may be elected or co-opted to serve on any other Committee, in which case they will have a vote. Elder Gaffers and Honorary Life Members are more carefully defined.

Rule 8 This rule encourages Areas which find it difficult to organise racing to nevertheless organise some sort of event for gaff rigged boats each year.

Rule 10 This rule defines a quorum for a general meeting, and, for the first time, rules for a Special General Meeting.

19 Letters To The Editor of The Gaffers Log

Dolphin of Leith has been in the Lowrie family since 1973 when my wife Laurie and I bought her. She is a Gaff Cutter of 28ft 6in on deck and 40ft overall, built by Weatherhead & Son of Cockenzie in 1904 on the lines of the East coast Fifie’s.

She is a miniature version of the fishing smacks of the area, built as an open day boat without cabin or engine. The hold down the centreline was fitted out with a park bench under each side deck, and the galley/crews quarters were (and still are) in the fo’csle.

Over the years, owners carried out “tasteful modernisation” firstly by the addition of a 4 hp petrol / paraffin “Poppet valve” Kelvin engine, and then a fitted cruising cabin with three sleeping positions including pilot berths formed in the saloon by the backs of the two bunks, and in the fo’csle by a folding pipecot, although you have to be good friends to sleep more than three!

During the Second World War she was badly neglected, then bought by a school teacher from Edinburgh who ran her as a skippered charter boat on the West Coast during his summer holidays. He would “hove too” for lunch each day whilst on passage, and set loose the gimblised table for those who had the stomach for it! Each night he would anchor off a convenient hostelry where his well heeled passengers would order baths, dinner and sometimes breakfast as well. He retired with her to Lymington from where we bought her.

On our first outing, we collided with the Isle of Wight, (obviously before the days of GPS and our charts had not kept up with the creep of Ryde Sands out beyond the marking post)! This would not have been a problem as the tide was rising, except that the Cross Channel ferry chose that moment to steam past at 26 knots. Suffice to say that the incident put paid to the rest of the season and a lot of the next, and our becoming intimately acquainted with every feature of Dolphin. During this time we joined the Old Gaffers (Solent Area).

20 Letters After refitting, relaunching and getting to know how to handle her in the Solent, we entered the OGA Annual Race. We were crewed by my father, mother, wife Laurie, son Iain (aged 21 months) and myself. As we were working, it was a night sail to Cowes. We had quite a thrash from Portsmouth, so anchored in the Roads. In those days we were quite surprised next morning to get charged for the night! The start of the race went off well, but as often, the wind dropped. My father noticed that even though we were going through the water, we were moving backwards! We slipped a kedge over the bows and started to overtake everyone. By the time the tide turned, we had made enough time to win the race on handicap!

We had been hatching a five year plan to sail to Canada, work there, earn some money, and then return to our anxious families. We both gave up our jobs, and by the end of September we had left the Solent.

Now, 38 years later, Iain, Vicki and their two children (Finn aged 27 months and Petra aged 10 months) have finished their rebuilding of Dolphin over the last two years and left the Solent in September, for their planned cruise to New Zeeland, with a stopover in the Caribbean.

I believe that some readers may be interested to keep up with the progress of Dolphin and her intrepid crew, and they will find the account on Vicki’s facebook under the title: Dolphin of Leith & The Big Adventure

I intend a subsequent article comparing the preparations, readiness and technologies of the two voyages.

Regards, John Lowrie

Dear Editor:

I am writing a book about the life of Winifred Brown, sportswoman, aviator and yachtswoman and would like to locate the yacht she sailed three times from Wales to Norway in the late 1930s, going on to Spitzbergen in 1938. She described the voyages in her books Duffers on the Deep and No Distress Signals.

Perula was built as fishing boat byAM Dickie of Bangor in 1932 and converted to a yacht a few years later. Built of pitch pine on grown oak frames, she was 45 feet overall and 40 feet on the waterline. Her beam was 13.5 feet and draft somewhere between 5 and 6 ½ feet. When sold by Winifred on the South Coast of England in 1974 she was yawl rigged.

I would be very grateful for any information about the fate of this vessel while hoping, of course, that she’s still in commission. She seems to have been mentioned in the OGA Members’ Handbook and Boat Archive for 1993.

Geoff Meggitt [email protected] 2 Dingle Bank Close Lymm, Cheshire UK WA13 0QR

21 Letters Dear Editor,

Re: New Tamarisk owners’ website

A new website has been set up for Tamarisk gaffers, of which there are quite a few in the OGA. Have a look atwww.tamarisk-gaffers.co.uk

This is a ‘virtual’ owners association, but the website is still developing and needs more photos of Tamarisks. If you are an owner and have any suggestions or photos please send them in - see details on the website.

Liz Hall, Solent OGA member.

Editor:The Tamarisk pictured below is currently advertised in this month’s Classifieds on page 52.

22 Letters Dear Editor:

I am attaching information regarding a new charity RESCUE WOODEN BOATS. The trustees would be most grateful if you will please consider inserting this press release in your next edition.

With grateful thanks. Liz Peart [email protected]

On behalf of the trustees.RESCUE:WOODEN:BOATS restoring Dunkirk veteran local lifeboat Lucy Lavers

RESCUE WOODEN BOATS is a new charity aiming to “acquire, restore, maintain and use heritage maritime wooden craft and in so doing, provide education into their history, construction, maintenance and use and into the crafts involved in all of these”. Our intention is that the restored working boats and lifeboats will be used actively on the water rather than become museum pieces. It has been started by local craftsmen boat builders David and George Hewitt at Stiffkey, together with wooden working boat enthusiasts Graeme Peart from Saxlingham and Wendy Pritchard from Burnham Norton.

So far we have been given two boats, our flagship project Dunkirk veteran Lucy Lavers lifeboat (donated by Dunkirk Little Ships Restoration Trust) and crab boat Black Beauty (donated by Andy Frary of Wells-next-the-Sea). We have identified further possible working boats to acquire and have started filming local fishermen, lifeboat men, and boat builders talking about their lives and crafts and about Lucy Lavers. These films and much more are on the websitewww.rescuewoodenboats.com

Once we have raised some funds we will start by restoring Lucy Lavers and returning her to Dunkirk. We estimate this project alone will cost at least £50,000 and take several years. We will film the restoration work to capture progress and the disappearing skills involved. At the same time we hope to arrange for a few suitable wooden working boats to be available for lease to keen and experienced people to ensure their continued use on the water. We will arrange regular open days for Friends of RESCUE WOODEN BOATS and create links with some schools to engage children’s interest.

We hope there will be widespread interest in supporting us from people who love wooden boats, from people with connections with working boats or lifeboats and from people with an interest in maritime and naval history, particularly the Dunkirk evacuation. We invite people to join as a “Friend” of RESCUE WOODEN BOATS and to support us by making donations. This can be done online through the website or by returning the form on the back of a leaflet available locally or directly to

RESCUE:WOODEN:BOATS 14 Norton Street, Burnham Norton, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8DR +44 (0)7920 760238 [email protected] www.rescuewoodenboats.com

23 Trophy Report Trophy Report

ASSOCIATION TROPHIES To date I have not received many nominations for our wonderful Association Trophies. The closing date for nominations was the 1st December 2011. I do hope by the time this Log is issued that I will have received sufficient nominations.

Again, I list below the criteria for the trophies. Please also note that all the trophies with their criteria are on the Association web site. www.oldgaffersassociation.org

Cape Horn Trophy Awarded for an unusual one-off piece of seamanship undertaken in the normal course of “gaffering”.

Alan Hidden Trophy Awarded for the best outstanding performance by a young person under 25 years of age.

Janty Cup – presented to the OGA by George & Brenda Jago Awarded for the Best Contribution to Gaffers Log by a person under the age of 18 years.

Grumpy II OGA Youth - Double Cup in Two Halves Engraved on the underside “Skipper” on one and on the other “Crew” Awarded to skipper andyoung crew for an outstanding sailing achievement during the year.

Gaffers Globe – Awarded to a member who has undertaken a major voyage (relative to their boat and experience) during the current year.

Gaffers Tales Awarded for the best article entered in Gaffers Log during the current year.

Trailer Section – Seamanship Trophy – Bronze Gaffer To be presented to a nominated member of the trailer section for an act of outstanding seamanship, commensurate with their experience and boat.

David Cade Memorial Trophy Although this is decided by the GMC it does not preclude any member from suggesting a possible recipient. The criteria is: “Awarded for the most outstanding contribution to the Association over and above the normal call of duty.”

Please remember that only members can be nominated. Please email me [email protected] or cnwsec@ oldgaffersassociation.org or telephone 01270-874174 if you require any further information.

As you know the awards are presented at the Association Annual General Meeting which will be held at the Cruising Association, Limehouse Basin, in London on Saturday, 14th January 2012 so please make a note in your diaries.

Please encourage youngsters to write articles for Gaffers Log. The editor will be pleased to receive interesting articles on sailing experiences or even sailing crosswords, poems etc.

Sue Farrer - Trophy Secretary 24 Around the Areas All Change in the Bristol Channel

Leaking boats in the world of gaffers is not an uncommon experience. But the BC Area has been leaking boats out of its waters rather than merely letting the water in. We have lost ten larger boats from the eastern end of the Area (or muddy creek end as we prefer to think of it) in the last couple of years. Most of these have gone south to seek warmer waters and have limped (wimped?) around the corner to Cornwall or South Devon, although that famous pilot-cutter slayerRawanah has sailed off in the opposite direction - north to Scotland. Saddest of all perhaps is the breaking-up of the Presidential yachtPlaymate , as recounted in an earlier Log.

Following the loss ofPlaymate , her owner John Maxwell has purchasedDoreen which - how can one be polite about this - has only three corners to its mains’l. John remains a gaffer at heart and will not be leaving the Association but he has decided to step down as Area President.

At our AGM on the second of October, held for the first time at Cardiff Yacht Club where we were warmly welcomed, Viv Head was installed as president and David Owens as Hon Sec following Claudia Myatt’s decision to relinquish her position through pressure of work. To everyone’s relief though, Claudia is to remain as editor of our splendid newsletterSevern Tidings. David Owens with the Hidden Challenge trophy.

The Caledonian yawl Iona with Mary on watch. Owing to the shortage of larger boats we were unable to hold the Hidden Challenge Race this year. However, the Small Boats on the Haven event was highly successful and provided us with a rich vein of sea-dog stories from which to choose our award winners. The Hidden Challenge trophy went to David Owens for his self-anchoring Winklebrig incident reported in the last Log. TheTiger Dragontrophy went to Dave Proctor for his tenacious passage to and from Cresswell Quay and for having the best- loved dog Mary, who keeps her watch in Iona’sbows with commendable dedication. (Actually we think she is on the lookout forIona’s bone in her teeth that everyone talks about but which she can never seem to find.) We have agreed to have an annual Milford Haven event for gaffers large and small to be known as Gaffers On The Haven. And we hope to put on a similar event at Cardiff, (Gaffers On The Bay?) based at Cardiff Yacht Club where there excellent facilities for smaller and larger gaffers. Watch this space.

One of my first tasks as president will be to disappear back to the shaky city of Christchurch, New Zealand in just a few weeks, leaving all the chaos of change in my wake. When I get back in the spring, I expect to find everything ship-shape and back in Bristol Channel fashion once more…. Viv Head - Bristol Channel 25 Around the Areas Dublin Bay Area

2011 was the year of promise for Dublin Bay area starting with our Annual regatta scheduled for the last weekend in May. A three day event as planned, however we were beaten by the weather so much so that for the week leading up to the regatta visiting boats, due from Wales and Northern Ireland, were unable travel. Being too late to change to another date we went ahead, but the regatta became a shore based event. This didn’t stop everybody having a great time and thanks to the crew ofTir na’ nOgwe had a great quiz on Saturday afternoon with Sean Walsh’s Tir na nOg heading out for the start of the annual Round The Island Race held in aid of the R.N.L.I

Tim Magennis as Question Master. The quiz was so enjoyable we agreed to make it a feature of future regattas. The Lord Mayor attended on Sunday, in his capacity as Admiral of Dublin Port, to review the parade of sail, however the weather won again. I think he was pleased and used the time to have a photo session with all the spectators and later made himself available for the prize giving.

A special presentation of walking sticks was made by the President, Paul Keogh to Michael Prior and Tim Magennis. Having obtained some of the oak used in the restoration of Ireland’s most historic sailing YachtAsgard . Member, Gerry Keane fashioned the oak into two beautiful walking sticks complete with antler handles. Michael and Tim were extremely involved in the committee formed to save Asgard from destruction, have her rebuilt and preserved for future generations. We had a great BBQ on Saturday night and plenty of Ceol agus Craic. Many thanks to the officers, members and staff of Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club who were so welcoming and helpful throughout the weekend. A special word of thanks to Peter and Sue Farrer, Maxine Lomas, Sue Williams and Dewi Thomas from North Wales OGA, all of whom arrived by ferry to support our Regatta. Finally, special thanks to all our sponsors for taking the financial worry away from the committee.

The rest of the season was a mixed bag; we attended Portaferry, Peel and Holyhead. Needless to say the hospitality and friendship at all these venues is what makes attending these events so enjoyable.

We finished the season with our annual Round the Island Race in Howth. This year we included the Commodore’s race, normally held as part of our annual Regatta, as a fund raiser for the R.N.L.I. Combined with the proceeds of our winter series of talks, organised by Tim Magennis, we were able to present the Coxwain of Howth Lifeboat with 1,350 Euros. Well done members! Our President, Mr. Paul Keogh and his crew, aboard the Galway Hooker, Naomh Cronan, swept the board this year winning all our sailing trophies “WELL DONE PAUL”. Roll on 2012,

John Wedick - Hon. Secretary

26 Around the Areas East Coast Area News

My submission for the September GaffersLogseemedtobeonecontinuous complaint about the weather on the East coast, but miraculously it improved for our main event of the year, the August Classics Cruise; it wasn’t perfect, not as good as October for example, but we managed to complete the whole cruising/ racing/ eating programme on schedule – something not achieved in the previous three years.

(Photo Left) Essex Melody sails again.

Southwold - Aug. 6 - 7 Before the August Cruise, we had the Southwold rally which attracted only four yachts for Saturday’s race, as a number of potential entries were wind-bound in Holland after the Hellevoetsluis event. For the record, Charm won the Sole Bay trophy, with Gromit second and Robinetta third. The worsening weather caused the cancellation of the race for the Nancy Oldfield trophy, which was awarded instead to the Southwold harbour masters, for the welcome and assistance they give to gaffers every year. Also very welcoming were the Southwold SC with a chili supper on Saturday night, washed down with a selection from the accompanying beer festival.

Saturday’s meager entry was totally eclipsed on Sunday afternoon by a veritable flotilla of dinghies, hard and floppy, for the cruise up up the secluded river Blyth to the White Hart at Blythburgh, proving once again that ‘pubs produce entries’.

Classics Cruise - Aug 20-28th And so to the August Classics cruise; nine days of concentrated gaffering, with 37 gaff rigged entries plus 5 classic bermudans, enjoying a dinghy regatta in Ipswich dock, a cruise in company to the Deben, five races including one for lady and junior helms, three barbecues, a pub supper and a final prize-giving dinner.

The overall points winner was the 22ft. ex-Colne police boat Victoria, built in 1886, but only two points behind was the brand new 19ft. Golant Gaffer from Grimsby, the quaintly named Step Back in Time, proving that when sailed with determination and consistency, small ‘un’s can beat big ‘un’s.

27 Around the Areas

Sallie, second Class 1 smack, Maldon Town Regatta

Victoria, overall points winner August Classics cruise.

28 Around the Areas

But prize winners or not, everyone had a great time, thanks to the excellent organisation and generally co-operative weather.

Maldon Town Regatta - Sept. 17 Having been almost blown out of the water in 2010, this year’s competitors were hoping for something more benign, only to be disappointed when it blew over 30 kts. on race day. There were relatively few retirements considering the conditions, most crews being determined to get back to Maldon and the free beer.

In the evening, the Maldon Little Ship Club hosted a horde of hungry gaffers for the OGA memorial supper, commemorating the formation of the East coast area at the club in 1963.

So ended a challenging but memorable sailing season for the East coast area; now for the social scene, beginning with the East coast AGM and supper in November.

Bernard Patrick

Lake District suffers from “Spring High Water”

I think everyone would agree, - to go sailing One needs water. It must be very frustrating when a Skipper wishes to go for a sail, the sun is shining, a gentle Force 4 is blowing in one direction, to discover the Tidal Gate is wrong and One’s boat is stranded on it’s mooring with no water under the keel. You may well think, perhaps I could scrub the bottom, or go for a pint (or two)!

However, here in the Lake District, there was so much water, it would have been impossible to get all twenty seven boats, arriving from distant parts of the UK, to come to Ullswater for the September Regatta, and safely launch and retrieve the Trailer Sailors. So with great reluctance I had to cancel the event. One boat and owner arrived I’d not contacted, but the Skipper lived only an hour away so not too bad a result.

On a lighter note; I am one of the eighty three shareholders of Arthur Ransome’s BoatSwallow . During the latter part of

29 Around the Areas September and early October, I arranged for the boat to come to Glenridding and allowed people to sail her or sail with a Skipper. This proved highly successful as the seen in the photos.

It’s hoped that at next year’s June Regatta,Swallow will once again be sailing on Ullswater and visiting skippers will sail her.

Barry Healas, Lake District

30 Around the Areas

A Study of Swallows

Members of the public with Skipper sailing on Ullswater. The Glenridding Sailing Centre raised over £100.00 toward the upkeep of Swallow.

31 Around the Areas Medway - North Kent - Cinque Ports Area

With Sadness we have to report from our recent AGM the majority of members voted that “In view of the lack of boats attending our events and the shortage of officers willing to continue with the administration of the area, it would be wound up and it’s members transferred to the East Coast Area who have indicated that this action would be agreeable to them”.

We still have in our possession a number of trophies which have been kindly donated over the years to be used by the area. If anyone who donated one of these would like it returned, or would like to suggest a new use for it we would be pleased to hear from them (contact Yvonne on 01795 581912 ) If we still have them at the beginning of the next season we will offer them to the East Coast Area.

On a lighter note our last season was not all bad! Although some events were cancelled due to poor weather or lack of support, in July we had a most enjoyable BBQ in Yvonne’s magical garden. It was a shame more members were not able to attend. In August a record six boats made it to the East Coast Classics. This year the weather was kind and all events went as planned much to the relief of the organizers who worked so hard. In September the weather was not so good and only White Moth made it to St. Katherine Dock for the Thames Revival. It was a close run thing. Rounding the Dome she picked up a rope on her propeller and made an inelegant stop on a private jetty, only to be threatened by two unhelpful security guards. To the rescue came three men in the yacht Roskilde, who cheerfully towed White Moth the rest of the way to St Katherine Dock. There were a few mutterings about pensioners saving fuel and it being a great way to get through the lock without having to wait. Even a river ferry boat gave way, which must be a rarity, but both arrived safely. The offending rope was finally removed and a good time was had by all.

John Cann, Ex Chairman MCP

North Wales Area Report

Traditional Sail Festival– Gaffers at Holyhead – August Bank Holiday weekend Our event this year was spectacular to say the least. With over 40 boats in attendance including the Brigantine “Zebu” from Liverpool and two tops’l schooners, “Vilma” our area President’s boat and Robin James’Pickle . The “Pickle” of course was featured in Tom Cunliffe’s TV seriesBoats that Built Britain.

The weather was kind enough to enable boats to arrive by sea from as far as Milford Haven with the regular attendance ofHappy Quest– this year with three David’s on board, andMadcap , Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter andMorna, a 1924 Dickies Ketch travelling from Bangor in Northern Ireland. Thanks go to Adrian Spence for travelling so far (40 hours sailing for a 24 hour visit) and having to return to Bangor early Sunday morning. That’s dedication for you.

Grateful thanks were extended to Geoff Garrod, Susan Cooper and all the staff in the Marina for their very kind hospitality and of course free berthing for registered and qualifying boats for the weekend.

The civic reception on the Friday evening took place at The Venue Walkway with everyone being served curry, rice and chips and a few glasses of wine. Angus McLeod gave a speech and introduced the Mayor, Geoff Evans, who gave a welcome speech to all present. The harbour master, Brian McCleery, also welcomed everyone to the harbour and hoped the boats would not exceed the 12 knot 32 Around the Areas speed limit in the harbour! Don’t think there was any chance of that happening! Gerrard Fraser- Williams, the Commodore of the Holyhead Sailing Club and himself an Old Gaffer, also welcomed everyone to the Sailing Club and to use the facilities provided.

The Zebu had a PA system on board and we estimate the visitors on the pontoons over the whole weekend to be in the region of 5,000 to 7,000 people.

The shoreside activities included Des Pawson MBE – Rope Making, Mike Smylie smoking kippers, Nigel Grey – rigging demonstrations, Mandy and Ruth – basket making and oak swill work, Peter Faulkner – expert coracle and curragh maker. Thanks also go to Claudia Myatt and Starfish Books – Claudia, James and Jacqui worked on their own stand but also helped with our OGA stand. Thanks go to Doreen McLeod and others who helped with selling OGA merchandise and Holyhead “T”shirts and polo shirts.

The model boats were an added attraction for all visitors as was the display of miniature battleships given by Roger Wilkinson of Kittiwake boats – they looked really well anchored in Porth y Felin, which looked a bit like Scapa Flow!

The winds were too strong for the Optimists to race on the Saturday, but the youngsters most certainly took part in the parade of sail on the Sunday firing water pistols at everyone in sight. There were no Large Working Boats taking part in the offshore racing but other large yachts ventured out into the bay. There were also two races in the harbour for small craft. Peter Farrer was OOD on the support vessel (thanks to Stena for the use of the harbour launch) for the Large Yachts together with Rosie Lyons as his little helper! Sue and Maxine ran the races for the small boats from the Sailing Club RIB.

Thanks were extended to Stena for their support vessel for the larger craft and thanks also went to the Sea Cadets in particular Sue Williams, Station Commander and Dewi, who provided much needed help on the water both during the racing and the parade of sail.

A painting competition to design a poster for the event had taken place during the year by pupils from Ysgol y Parc in Holyhead. The entrants were 10 year old year 5 pupils. All entrants were invited to attend the prize giving aboard the Zebu. To the surprise of the children the prizes were handed out by Blackbeard! Prizes were very kindly donated by the Cumberland Pencil company in Keswick. Sue contacted them to ask if they could help and they supported us with excellent prizes.

Saturday evening’s entertainment was by our usual band the Coffin Dodgers who played well into the next morning.

The parade of sail and Battle of Holyhead was held on Sunday which was led by the Holyhead Lifeboat. The battle of Holyhead was a little different this year asVilma and the Zebu carried out their pirate re-enactment with Vilma sailing alongside Zebu and boarding her - much to the enjoyment of the spectators.

Prize giving took place at the Venue Walkway on Sunday afternoon. Trophies were awarded to: Large Yacht - 1st OGA Member on handicap – Peter Samuel with Caratick of Rock– The Blencathra Trophy Modern Lightweight and Traditional combined - 1st Overall OGA Member on handicap – Graham Panes withElwy – The Derwentwater Marina Trophy 1st Mirror – Eleri Thomas withChuckle – Silver Cup 33 Around the Areas Boat of the Event – Stena Port Trophy – Steven Clarkson withMorna Seamanship Award – Alf Crossfield Trophy – Scott Metcalfe Furthest travelled boat by road wasSelkie owned by Oliver and Susan Nares. Furthest travelled boat by sea wasMorna – Steven Clarkson

There were lots of other prizes awarded too numerous to mention, but not many people were left out.

Following the prize giving and aboard the Zebua final farewell tribute was paid to Bill Dawson – sail maker who was based at Port Dinorwic. As Bill had made the sails for theZebu and many other boats in the area his wife Jean had requested that his ashes be fired from a cannon. Sue Place paid a very nice tribute to Bill before the cannon was lit and fired, sending Bill into a rainbow which suddenly appeared.

The youngsters from Ysgol y Parc at the prize giving for the poster competition. Photo by John Cave.

Sunday evening was spent in the sailing club with poems and pints in the club itself and then a spontaneous session set up in the marquee with Ruth on fiddle, Pete on concertina, Steve Clarkson, Jules Tattersall and Gerry Murtagh on flute and whistles, Tony Crew on Banjo and Paddy Murphy on whistle with appellation flat foot dancing. The bar staff were heard to say where else could you get two types of entertainment in place in one evening!

Monday again saw a parade of sail in the harbour. Monday evening’s entertainment was supplied by Sue Williams and Dewi from the Sea Cadets who had very kindly prepared a quiz.

Two events which made my weekend were the Royal flypasts by the 22 Squadron Sea. Photo by John Cave.

This proved very popular and all in the sailing club took part forming individual teams. The questions were very varied and from the response received went down very well. Extreme thanks were extended to Sue and Dewi and you never know there could be another quiz next year!!

This is the last year that this event will be part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the Ireland Wales Programme and supported by the Rising Tide project lead by Richard James.

Thanks have already been extended to all our supporters and sponsors who include Holyhead Marina, Holyhead Town Council, Stena Line Port Authority, Holyhead Sailing Club who hosted the event, the Marina Stores and Yacht Shop, the RNLI for their support, Irish Ferries, Magazine such as Classic Boat, Yachting Monthly, Water Craft, Practical Boat Owner, Weird Fish, Hempel Paints, Cumberland Pencil Company and many others. Without all this support the event would not be possible. 34 Around the Areas

(above left) Vilma firing at a Battleship which happened to be in the way! Photo by Richard Burnell

(above right) Vilma firing at the Zebu. Photo by Richard Burnell

(below) Vilma out in the bay. Photo by John Cave

Two events which made my weekend were the Royal flypasts by the 22 Squadron Sea King – on Saturday and Sunday. It was agreed that Prince William was the pilot on both these occasions.

Additional photographs of the event can be viewed on our area’s web site. 35 Around the Areas

(top left) Prize winners. Photo by John Cave (top right) Farewell drinks party aboard Vilma with the band Pigs Ear saying farewell. Photo by John Cave

(above) Dell the Parrot with Conrad. (above) Farewell drinks party aboard Vilma Photo by Richard Burnell with the band Pigs Ear saying farewell. Photo by John Cave

Area AGM

22nd October 2011 32 members attended the area AGM on Saturday, 22nd October 2011 held at the Holyhead Sailing Club. No changes to the officers which remain as Scott Metcalfe, Area President, Sue Farrer Area Secretary and Peter Farrer Area Treasurer. Sue updated everyone on the Officers of the Association and the various changes that would happen at the Association AGM in January 2012.

OGA at 50 Sue went through the proposals for the Associations celebrations for the 50th anniversary in 2013 i.e. the proposed event at Cowes and the Round Britain Challenge. Strong opinions were voiced by all present about the proposed events. Sue was asked to pass on the members’ sentiments to the GMC. Sue also asked if individual members could respond in writing with regard to all the proposals so all ideas could be put to the GMC. 36 Around the Areas

In front Tir na’ nOg owner Sean Walsh; Vilma owner Scott Metcalfe and Happy Quest owner David Grainger. Photo by John Cave.

Scott asked everyone to applaud Sue and Peter for all their work for the area and everything they organise.

Following the AGM 28 members enjoyed a meal in the restaurant at the Sailing Club where Mike wished Pete Farrer birthday wishes and also thanked Sue and Pete for all their work in connection with the Holyhead Traditional Sail Festival and all other work in organising events for the area.

Area Newsletter The area was still looking for a member to produce the area Newsletter Baggywrinkles. Unfortunately neither Pete nor Sue were able to do this due to pressures of work etc. and hoped someone would express an interest and come forward to help out.

Sue Farrer - Secretary, North Wales Area

Conwy River Festival 2011

In August the Conwy River Festival celebrated its 21st Year with 8 days of sailing and quay-side events. Conwy Quay Day was incorporated in the River Festival and crews and shore-side visitors were provided with a range of entertainments including live music by a variety of bands, RAF and RNLI exhibitions, rowing races, face painting, torch lit procession, medieval enactments and much more. 37 Around the Areas The sailing schedule incorporated racing in four classes for about 100 boats ranging from modern racing yachts and cruisers to classic, traditional boats in the Nobby and Gaffer class as well as open day boats which included the local C.O.D’s (the Conway One Design fleet). This year the usual Nobby/Gaffer/Classic fleet was very pleased to welcome for the first time a small visiting fleet of Drascombes, some of whom had travelled great distances to get to Conwy . Vernon Turnbull’s separate account of their experiences appears elsewhere in this log. Another boat deserving special mention is the gaffer ‘Minerva’ who has said ‘good-bye’ to her previous port of Holyhead and is now a Conwy boat under the ownership of Graham Carter.

The opening day on Sunday 14 August saw the Old Gaffers and Classics fleet leaving the harbour and into Conwy Bay to set their course for the start of their traditional ‘Around the Bay Race’. To assist some of the heavier boats, which in the past have had difficulty manoeuvring in the melee of a congested start line, the organisers introduced the novel idea of a 15 minute start ‘window’, with boats timed from their crossing of the line. This race started with a brisk wind but the fleet was hampered by confusion over the location of the first mark, which was not helped by the ‘lead boat’ – a r.i.b. provided by the organisers to pin point the buoys which can be easily ‘lost’ amongst the waves – not knowing where the mark was either. As the race progressed the wind dropped and the course was shortened to ensure the boats would be able to re-enter the harbour on the falling tide. The change in the weather conditions and shortened course clearly benefited the smaller boats and Drascombes took the honours: 1st Clarach Mor (Coaster) 2nd Damson (Drifter) 3rd Muckle Flugga (Lugger) The following Sunday the Nobby and Gaffers Race started on schedule with all skippers fully briefed on the course. A reaching course had been set and a brisk wind enabled the Nobbies to make a good start, followed 10 minutes later by the Gaffers. Strange atmospheric conditions then intervened as the wind died completely and the fleet slowly drifted with the tide back towards the start line, with even greater anguish when the boats and crews became covered in a plague of dense swarms of crawling black flies. Fortunately the wind returned, albeit from a totally different direction, and dispersed the flies but resulted in the first two marks now being to windward. During this leg of the course two of the nobbies, Cachalot and Hannah Hamilton, battled for the lead. After the second mark there was a run downwind to the last mark and on to the finish, with most boats reaching maximum hull speed in a wind at the top end of F4. It was a very enjoyable race with most boats finishing in good time before sailing back to the Conwy river and into Deganwy marina for the prize giving evening in the Deganwy Quay Hotel. Results - Nobbies and Gaffers Nobbies (racing results) 1st Cachalot (Andy Williams) 2nd Hannah Hambleton (Jim Roddick) 3rd Spray (Tom Middlebrook) 1st Small Nobby Comrades (Bob Angell) Gaffers 1st Gaffer Seiriol (Lynn &Vernon) 2nd Tyboat (Jack & David) 3rd Damson (Ruth & Simon) OGA Rosebowl Trophy Minerva (Graham Carter) Best Turned Out Boat Ethel (Don Griffiths) 38 Around the Areas A very successful and enjoyable Festival, not only fun in itself but also providing a perfect fore-runner for the OGA Holyhead Traditional Boat Festival which follows a few weeks later, so making the OGA North Wales Area (NWA) a perfect late summer destination for visitors.

Bob Angell & Graham Panes

Northern Ireland

Carrickfergus We here in Northern Ireland are still well and working hard to promote the Gaffers locally. Over the summer, in early June we had an excellent turnout at our Carrickfergus Classic Sail with boats visiting from Scotland and England as well as a host of local boats. In our Area race, Macaria was the overall winner, sailed by Brian Law. Emerald was second, sailed by Roger Clark from the Isle of Bute. Our thanks to our sponsors, Whale Pumps who gave us an ample supply of pumps to give all the winners good prizes. Alan Aston also need a vote of thanks for the work he did pulling the event together.

Macaria was the overall winner, sailed by Brian Law.

Peel, Isle of Man Our next sally forth was to Peel where the 20th Anniversary of their Traditional Boat Weekend was held. The weather gods smiled on this event and the Compass Pipelines sponsored event was blessed with a great entry. From the NI OGA Golden Nomad, Kirmew, Watercolour, Granuaile, Sasha, Trevora, Morna and Dream Twister were all in attendance. The normal Peel hospitality was in evidence with breakfast kits supplied by the organisers, kippers, bread, butter and milk and as a special treat honey supplied by our own NI OGA honey bee, Harry Owens from Peel S&C Club.

The Saturday Parade of Sail was a great success with the majority of boats taking to the water in ideal conditions. The Dirty Boat Building Competition was again held. Teams compete to build a punt from a couple of sheets of thin plywood and then “race” them across the harbour. All this in just a few hours. Last year’s winner was repeated his success.

Thanks must go to all of the team from Peel, led by Mike Clark, who once again pulled off a very successful event. This event is one of, if not the best, in the UK with boats attending from all over the British Isles. The work of Nicola Dickson who does their artwork and logos is second to none, a very distinctive brand. Well done to you all.

Ardglass Ardglass at anchor this year was incorporated into the local Arglass Festival Week and the village was alive with activity. Our events were in the Festival programme and the quiz in Mannie’s on the Friday night was swollen by a couple of “local” teams joining the sailors for the entertainment. Thanks to Peter Bates, Trevora” for acting as Quizmaster and his crew Pat for running around gathering papers and checking scores. One of the local teams ran off with the bottles of wine given for first prize.

On Saturday we held the “Pre Olympic Qualifying Games” over by the small beach. We had a large 39 Around the Areas crowd of locals who turned up to watch the Sack racing, Egg and Spoon racing, Sausage hurling and the Heaving Line competition. Some of the locals even took part. The star of this bit of nonsense was Joe Pennington’s grandson, Joe “90” Bussey. He excelled at all of the disciplines; Jill Scott, Gary Lyons, Joe 90 and Alan Aston were the prize winners.

Saturday evening was supposed to be a Poems and Pint night in the Lighthouse Bar, but the crowd was too rowdy for us so we went back to the Marina and formed a readers circle outside the office building and read poems and enjoyed a few glasses of wine in the setting sun, warmed by the dying barbeques that we had lit for our meal. This enjoyment rolled over into the wee small hours of Sunday morning.

It was very heartening to see boats from Wales, Dublin and Isle of Man attending our end of season get together. Adrian Spence with crew “wee” John Ferguson arrived in on their way back from France in Madcap, the oldest boat in the NI OGA fleet, built in 1875. All in all a great days craic. Again thanks to Alan Aston and Fred Curran, the Marina manager who helped to make this event such an enjoyable one.

Cruise to Belfast On our return from Ardglass we joined in with the RNIYC Regatta with a sail past. After visiting the club, Ocean Dove, Reality, Sasha, Talisman and Rowan all went up to Belfast to the Abercorn Basin for an overnight stop. A totally informal evening was enjoyed by all who attended. Sunday’s sail back down Belfast Lough was a good one, a good soldiers wind in bright sunshine.

NI OGA AGM The next event on our calendar was our AGM which was held in Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club on the evening of the 21st October. We met for a meal in the Commodore’s Room before going into our AGM meeting.

We had 20 attendees at the meeting and after the reports from Alan Aston, President, Danielle Gallagher, Hon. Secretary and Ian Wylie, Hon Treasurer, we elected our new committee. Alan Aston thanked the outgoing committee before asking for nominations. Danielle Gallagher asked to be stood down as Area Hon. Secretary and George Laing stated that he could not serve for another term.

Peter Chambers volunteered to come onto our committee. After all was said and done our new committee for 2012 is Alan Aston, President; Peter Lyons, Hon Secretary; Ian Wylie, Hon Treasurer and committee members, John Cleary, Danielle Gallagher, Attracta Neeson, Mandy Finch, Richard Tomalin and Peter Chambers. 40 Around the Areas Peter Chambers was elected as our Commodore for 2012, taking over from Peter Lyons, the Commodore in 2011.

2012 and Beyond We look forward to another successful year in 2012. Our plans are well advanced for the incoming year with our Annual Dinner planned for 26th November 2011. Mike Shaw, our President is booked to give our after dinner words, we look forward to it.

Winners in Ardglass are left to right Jill Scott, Alan Aston, Gary Lyons, Joe “90” Bussey and adjudicator (Boss) Irene Aston

We once again have booked the North Down Museum to have our Annual Craft Fair. This year it will be from Tuesday 6th December to Sunday 11th December. On show will be the work of many gaffers, Silversmithing, Woodturning, Card making, Textile work and Ceramics will all be on display. On Tuesday 6th at 1900hrs all are welcome to the opening evening, wine, or water if you prefer and nibbles will be served for an hour or so.

20th January 2012 will see us at Newtownards Sailing Club for the Annual “Block Trophy” quiz. Newtownards are the current holders. We need a good turnout of gaffers to claw this trophy back into the hands of NI OGA.

24th February we have booked a room for a sailing related illustrated talk, details to follow. 16th March we will once again meet in the upstairs lounge of the Imperial Bar in Central Avenue Bangor for our Poems and Pint night. This is always a great night, put the date in your diary.

41 Around the Areas Late April we intend to go for a sail on the Lagan one Friday evening on one of Derek Booker’s trip boats to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the Titanic. Details of this to follow.

Classic Sail Carrickfergus again in June followed by Peel and Ardglass should see a good 2012.

2013 details have yet to be confirmed, but we have already been in touch with the local RNLI to ensure that the

OGA 50 celebrations will be well supported in Northern Ireland.

All I have to do is to get the new shiny gearbox lying in our hall fitted to the back of Ocean Dove’s engine before then. Gary has it under control thankfully.

Peter Lyons - NI OGA Hon Secretary

Paul Keogh, Dublin Bay OGA in the heaving Line competition.

Watch by eager onlookers from NI OGA

42 Around the Areas

Solent Race 2011 – on the way to Mother Bank

Solent Area Annual Race and Rally 2011 – The year of THE Squall

This year the numbers entered for the race were down but a number of boats came just to rally and join in the social fun so Friday night the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club was packed. This friendly club has been hosting our Friday night before racing for longer than anyone can remember and this was a very informal evening for everyone to catch up on the news of cruising and summer sailing.

Saturday dawned bright and breezy with a forecast of 4-5 from the west, which the Met Office revised to 5-6 at 10.00 – the time of the start! For some it was a bit of a scrabble to get to the start in Osborne Bay against the tide. On Lone Wolf we optimistically decided to set the topsail, even getting the sail onto its pole. However discretion kicked in as we came head to wind to set it. The sail was quickly sent below out of harm’s way and we put up with the ribbing from fellow competitors.

Terry Munt, our Race Officer, set a course which, after a bit of windward/leeward, gave us a good long reach and run to the finish off Portsmouth. The start, inside Peters & May 2 in Osborne Bay, started with a windward leg to Norris and most boats got off cleanly, only two boats being over the line; it seemed afterwards to some to have something to do with having a skipper called Graham! Mark Woodhouse, who had set everything including the topsail on Foxhound (a 30ft Ed Burnett design) was soon showing everyone the way, but was closely followed by Sophie (a Falmouth Quay Punt converted to a Yacht in the 1930’s). Although Susan J (a Heard 28) started near the back of the fleet she was soon climbing up the order.

It seemed to be a long run against the tide to Craftsureinsure.com off Wootton and the fleet began to spread out. Betty ll was making serious progress by setting her “whore’s drawers” – a large scruffy white traditional asymmetric. On the beat back to Peel Bank we were glad we had only set plain sail; the Wolf was flat out but comfortable in the rising breeze. The trip to Mother Bank took no time at

43 Around the Areas all and by the time we were on our way to North East Ryde Middle we were experiencing shades of the 2010 Race as the side deck was buried and the sea tried to lift our running pole off and over the side!

The sun went in and a dark cloud built off Calshot. We had just time to get our oilskins on before the inevitable rain squall arrived. By now we were past Browndown, heading in towards the shore and a favourable tidal eddy with the wind on the port quarter just west of Gilkicker. There was no longer any need (or desire) to go up the deck to pole out the staysail! At this point some boats with more sophisticated instruments than ours were registering over 30 knots of breeze. In the midst of this the need for a gybe became essential as the beach was getting too close, and was achieved despite some trepidation. The old lady behaved beautifully, despite the full mainsail, and we were soon on our way to the finish.

Solent Race 2001 – High Barbaree (on the left) and Morwenna with Lady Belle behind

Amongst the smaller boats in the fleet, Nellie, Scott Waddington’s a beautifully restored 1865 Itchen Ferry looked glorious, coping well in her home waters. Mike Warren’s Roma (an oyster fishing boat built in Devon in 1907) did well to keep up with many larger boats. Once Mike took Roma’s staysail down they found her easier and reached NE Ryde Middle in fine style. On the downwind leg to the finish Roma overtook Chough and started catching Windsong (a Maurice Griffiths design) and Maud (a Tamarisk 29). 44 Around the Areas

Solent Race 2011 C – Siola with Wind Song behind.

As expected, many of the bigger boats were amongst the leaders. Foxhound tore around the course with everything set to the topsail, hotly pursued by Island Swift, Sophie and Corncockle, soon joined by Susan J. In Lone Wolf we were snapping at their heels, with Betty ll still on our tail (admittedly without her “whore’s drawers”) but the more powerful wind in the squall allowed them to get away.

Once all were safely tied up in the Clarence Yard many more tales came out. One boat had had serious stowage issues with boxes and their contents finding the cabin sole the best place to be. Mark 45 Around the Areas Woodhouse’s Foxhound had a “hissy fit”, becoming totally uncontrollable in the squall (she still had everything up). Unfortunately for Mark, Sophie took this opportunity to beat Foxhound to the finish. A number retired in the squall, including Nightingale (a ferrocement Colin Archer type) who was porpoising enthusiastically up and down.

Lone Wolf hosted the “New Members Drinks Party” in the late afternoon. As usual, it wasn’t long before the party was gate crashed by most present to sample the fine ales supplied by Mark Woodhouse. The prize giving was held in G’s restaurant. Dan Shaw coined the words “The year of THE Squall” and described Foxhound’s misdemeanours close to the finish. Jessica presented the prizes and most stayed on for a fine meal and a good chat.

Major Prizewinners

Class 1 Dead Eye Trophy – 1st Class 1 boat to complete the course – Sophie The Havre Plate – 1st Class 1A boat on corrected time being 50 years or older – Sophie Gaffers Eye –1st Class 1B boat on corrected time being less than 50 years – Island Swift Edgar Marsh Memorial Trophy –1st Class 1 boat working or ex working boat on corrected time – Sophie Class 2 Channel Cup - 1st Class 2 boat to complete the course – Foxhound. The Emsworth Cleat -1st Class 2A boat on corrected time being 50 years or older - Lone Wolf The Channel Plate - 1st Class 2B boat on corrected time being less than 50 years – Foxhound CH Paxton Memorial Trophy - 1st Class 2 boat working or ex working boat on corrected time – Susan J Class 3 Anchor Trophy - 1st Class 3 boat to complete the course – Siola Quiver Trophy-1st Class 3A boat on corrected time being 50 years or older – Betty II Davey Trophy - 1st Class 3B boat on corrected time being less than 50 years – Siola Itchen Ferry Trophy – 1st Class 3 boat working or ex working boat on corrected time – Nellie Pitchfork Trophy – Boat making the longest passage to the race – Three Brothers – (Littlehampton) Pierce Eye Trophy – 1st boat with all family crew – Wind Song Laggards Ladle – Last boat to finish the course within the time limit - Three Brothers Michael Richardson Square Stern Trophy – Sophie Golden Baguette – Dolphin of Leith Tanglefoot Trophy – Blue Gansey – Ian MacGillivary Seamanship Trophy – Dirk ll – Graham Benton & Trish Kerridge Commodore 2011-2012 – Overall winner – Mark Woodhouse – Foxhound

Sunday was a lay day and many caught the Gosport Ferry across to Portsmouth. Some took the opportunity to visit the Naval Dockyard, whilst others were seduced by the opportunities for shopping at Gunwharf Quays. Although showery during the day it cleared up in the evening for a great bring your own food barbeque. Ian MacGillivray’s two fine barbeques were lit at 18.30 and cooked a huge range of meats fish and vegetables. By Monday morning the wind had eased giving everyone a fine relaxing sail home.

Thanks to Solent Area Secretary, Jessica Warren for all the organisation, Ken Gilpin and Sarah Ross of the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club for looking after us on Friday, Dave Moore and Dick Dawson for the course setting and preparations for the race, Terry and Niki Munt and their team for the race 46 Around the Areas management, Rhydd Williams for providing the committee boat Gemini Breeze and Andrea Sandford and Sue Pennison for the handicapping and results production.

Pat Dawson

Bursledon Regatta– 3rd & 4th September 2011 Thirteen gaffers gathered at The Elephant Boatyard for this event, which this year had a Venetian Carnival theme. The backdrop scenery looked splendid as usual. There were a great many gondoliers on the boats and small dinghies were dressed up very glamourously parading in the pool in front of the Jolly Sailor pub. At the end of the day came the fantastic display of fireworks.

On Sunday it rained and the six gaffers, who were racing got a bit wet, but had a good race. David and Christine Hopkins in Chough came in first, Sophie Second and Sepia as third.

(left) Betty II and (right) Dirk II, racing in the Centenary Chase.

The Centenary Chase– 17th September 2011 This year’s race was a very windy; consequently only six of the gaffers went out to race. The race is organised by the Royal Solent Yacht Club at the end of our sailing season. Island Swift came in first, with Betty II, Dirk II, Rosenn, Nellie, and Morwenna last but not least having blown out two jibs on the way round the course.

All was well at the end of the day especially after a great supper in the clubhouse. The Solent fleet departed for home early on Sunday after another successful weekend, in spite of the strong winds and autumnal weather.

Winter Events to look forward to include: November 5, the Firework Party at Ian MacGillivray’s Boatyard; December 11, we have a Christmas pub evening at Eling, Southampton where a few Sea Shanties will be heard. February 18, 2012, the Solent Area AGM will take place; March 17, 2012, there is the RYA First Aid & CPR Day.

Thanks to Keith Allso for his outstanding photography from the Solent.

Good Sailing - Jessica Warren 47 Around the Areas

The Trailer Section

The British weather and the OGA do not seem to see eye to eye these days. A number of our events met with poor weather and consequently low numbers of members attending. This culminated in the sad cancellation of our last rally in September at Ullswater. Heavy rain in the weeks leading up to the date meant that the level of the lake rose until the sailing centre was awash and there would be no room for all of us.

Barry Healas and Cyn had worked hard all summer to make this a really special event; they even booked the film replica of Arthur Ransome’s Swallow. Many of us were looking forward to, what traditionally closes the season for most of us, only to get a last minute e-mail cancelling the whole thing. We can but hope for better things next year.

Already, there is a tentative proposal to hold a rally inside the barrage at Cardiff Bay. Both the Bristol Channel and the Trailer Section will be involved and if it comes off, it will be good to see both the big boats and small boats at one venue.

Mike 48 Around the Areas A Canadian Take on Yogaff, June 3 - 5, 2011 By Gerry Stensgaard - British Columbia Old Gaffer

Ben Collins Betty II Part of Yogoff fleet

My wife Susan and I concluded our 2011 spring tour of the UK by attending the Old Gaffers Festival at Yarmouth, IoW. In advance of our arrival at Yarmouth, we had established contact with the festival organizers, who invited us to attend the OGA Friday evening welcome gathering at the Royal Solent Yacht Club.

All through Friday afternoon Yarmouth harbour was busy with arriving gaffers, and by evening the docks and moorings were chock-a-block with lovely traditional sailing vessels. Arriving at the RSYC, we were warmly greeted by Dick and Pat Dawson. The atmosphere was very convivial, and we enjoyed the opportunity to meet and chat with some of the British Old Gaffers.

The weather on Saturday was very fine, with a perfect breeze for the sailing race. The Yarmouth pier provided an excellent vantage point, as on the first leg the racing fleet passed by just off the pier head. The very diverse collection of well-sailed vessels provided a memorable spectacle, and I’m sure that the number of gaff-rigged boats on the Solent that morning well surpassed the number of gaffers in the whole of British Columbia. On shore, the little town was swarming with festival visitors enjoying many interesting attractions, including live music performances by “Last Orders”, a fine Irish band, Dick Dawson’s “Slipshod Singers” and many others. The classic and antique car show was quite interesting, and it was fun to watch the lug-rigged Lymington Scows racing on the River Yar. On Saturday evening we met more Gaffers in the RSYC bar, and were guests at a barbecue dinner held in the RSYC boat shed. One of the Gaffers that we talked to was Ben Collins, whom it turned out had just returned from a visit to our home town of Vancouver, during which he had gone for a sail on board our local 40-foot Viking ship replica, “Munin” - small world!

Sunday dawned gray, with a cold wind blowing. Very few boats chose to participate in the Sunday morning race. I took up the invitation of Alan Gick, Master of the Thames Barge, Alice, to go aboard his vessel for a brief look ‘round before he set off for his home port. It was interesting to examine the unique gear of a spritsail barge close up, and to have a game with the barge’s first mate as he attended to some marlinspike work on deck. This was the only opportunity that I had during our three days at the festival to go on board a participating vessel. Most of the boats were moored 49 Around the Areas within a gated marina, completely inaccessible to festival goers. This was in distinct contrast to what we are accustomed to in North America, where visitors to classic boat festivals are able to get close to the boats, speak to owners and crew members, and often are invited to come aboard for close inspection of the various craft. Before long it started to rain, but we were cheered by the singing of the shanty group “Short Drag Roger”, down from the salty town of Oxford! By Sunday evening, the harbour was almost deserted, the vendors and entertainers had all packed up and left, and Yarmouth had become a quiet island village again.

In addition to the inaccessibility to the boats, I was surprised by how few vendors of nautical gear and services were present at the festival. At home there is generally a good showing of companies catering to the needs of classic boat owners. One of the very few such companies in attendance was a cordage manufacturer from whom I purchased a skein of lovely braided synthetic cord in a nice “hemp colour”.

We would like to thank once again the Solent Old Gaffers for the hospitality shown us, and we also extend an invitation to any Old Gaffers visiting British Columbia to get in touch with our local group.

50 OGA Merchandise

OGA MERCHANDISE – 2011 Item Sizes Price Crew Neck Smock – Navy – with Small to XXL £25.00 embroidered logo (some sizes may be subject £2.00 embroidered to delays in delivery – supplier boatname requires orders of 20 items P&P £6.00 per item minimum) Classic Breton Smock – Tan Small to XXL £27.00 – with embroidered logo (some sizes may be subject £2.00 embroidered to delays in delivery – supplier boatname requires orders of 20 items P&P £6.00 per item minimum) Heavyweight Fleece – with All sizes available £25.00 embroidered logo From small children to large adults £2.00 embroidered boatname P&P £6.00 per item Sweatshirt with embroidered All sizes available £19.00 logo From small children to large adults £2.00 embroidered Available in many colours boatname P&P £3.50 per item Polo Shirt with embroidered logo All sizes available £17.50 Available in many colours From small children to large adults £2.00 embroidered boatname P&P £3.50 per item OGA Tie £8.00 P&P £2.00 OGA Enamel Brooch for caps, £4.00 ties, lapels etc P&P £1.00 Rectangular OGA Membership 12” £19.50 Flag 15” £22.00 18” £25.00 P&P £2.00 per item Triangular OGA Burgee 12 “ £15.50 15” £17.00 18” £20.00 24” £23.00 30” £30.00 P&P £2.00 per item OGA Plaque Don’t know your boat no. £17.50 Boat Name and OGA Boat No. – contact Pat Dawson on P&P £2.50 per item required 01983 760655, boat register@ oldgaffersassociation.org Gaffers Tea Towel £ 3.50 Designed by Claudia Myatt P&P £0.75 per item Heritage Afloat Membership £25.00 Flags P&P £2.50 per item SPECIAL OFFERS – DISCONTINUED STOCK OGA Cool Bag £2.00 P&P £2.00 per item OGA Ski Hat £ 4.00 P&P £1.00 per item

All these items can be purchased on the OGA website www.oldgaffersassociation.org, or contact Ed Allen on [email protected], Tel: 020 7607 4772. 51 Classifieds The Editor places advertisements in the Log in good faith. Neither he, nor the OGA, shall be held liable for their content or accuracy.

Private advertisements are free to OGA members. There is a nominal charge to non-member’s please contact the Editor.

Space has become available for additional commercial advertisements. Please contact the Editor for details. Email: [email protected]

For SaleLittle Gaffera Skanner 24, Offers around £16,000 Hull number 43, SSR 83432, first launched June 1997, traditional Long Keel heavily built GRP Gaff Cutter with canoe stern. Hull length 23ft 8in, over deck 28ft, Overall w/ bowsprit, 19ft on waterline. Teak decks over GRP sandwich. Yanmar 2GM20 engine is currently being installed to replace previous engine. Seakindly craft that takes care of the crew. Items ready for fitting by me before spring 2012, New compass, New depth sounder. New running rigging + whatever! 2 85amp hour batteries installed May 2011. For full details incl CD of photos Contact: Brian R Parkinson 01945 880401 email [email protected]

For SaleTufnell sheaves; 1 inch £ 1.50 1.5 inch £ 2.00 2 inch £2.50 plus p&p David Skinner, 01255 675358 or 07740 636158

For Sale£15,500. Holman 9 ton gaff cutter / gunter sloop. Built Whisstocks 1964 of pitch pine and iroko on oak. 29ft oa 25ft wl 9.5ft beam 3.5ft draft. New sails and rigging, excellent condition, Kelvin engine. David Skinner 01255 675358 or 07740 636158

For Sale£12,950, Ferryman IIIOGA 189520, Tops’l SchoonerAn Old Gaffers’ Dayboat, GRP hull, nearly everything else spruce, teak, iroko, mahogany, bronze, aluminun and a bit of galvanised iron. Yanmar diesel, Barrow Boat tender, camping cover, road trailer. Lying SWScotland. Free delivery UK mainland. Contact: Hamish Wilson 01848 331 [email protected]

For Sale£8,950 ono. EAST BREEZE- Tamarisk 22 gaff cutter, built 1975, 22 ft plus 5 ft bowsprit. GRP hull, long keel, 8 HP Yanmar engine. Double berth plus child berth. Substantial restoration work done, new upholstery, cooker, full length cover. Chart table, VHF, GPS and echo sounder. Moored at Emsworth, Hants. Contact: John Hall on 02392 632059 or for full details and more photos email [email protected]

52 Classifieds

For Sale£19,950. Mary Hay 23 foot Falmouth Working Boat/Heard 23. Built Gaffers & Luggers in 1995 for current owners. GRP hull. Yanmar 2GM Diesel. Flush deck layout with 9 ft cockpit. 2 berths, gas cooker, sea toilet. Internal Lead Ballast. Teak exterior brightwork. Lying River Dart. Contact: Gil Hayward Tel: 01803 722274 Mob: 07802 320444 email: [email protected]

For Sale£30,000 ONOSparky Wylo II- (Surveyors valuation £35,000.) Sparky is a very seaworthy, dry and comfortable boat, capable of worldwide cruising. She has just completed an extensive refit (August 2011). Length 32’ Beam 10’ Lifting Keel up 3’3” Keel down 6’6”; Galvanized steel hinged Bowsprit; Stainless Steel Davits; recent new Stainless Steel Rigging; Blake toilet; Taylor paraffin Cooker and Heater; Solid fuel/wood burning Stove, 4-6 Berths in two spacious cabins with 6’ head room. Full 10’ working space on Deck. 20 HP Buke diesel engine in vg condition. Ideal for family sailing and racing. Won the Gaffers Eye September 2010 when only 6 boats out of 30 starters finished from Cowes to Lymington in Force 8 winds. Contact: John Walden, Tel. 01980 635045, Mobile 07515 540 503

For Sale1961 Laurent Giles VertueSIMO Fully equipped for short and single handed sailing with a Hasler SP 2 servo pendulum vane gear that steers her in foul wind and fair, she is ready to sail any ocean and is in exceptional condition, recently overhauled Beta bd722 20hp Diesel. Currently lying in Portugal where a swinging mooring (free) is available to the new owner should it be required. Varnish work well maintained. Full inventory and price is available upon request or by going towww.simoandi.blogspot.com Contact: Michael Chamberlain on 01427 610864 email: [email protected]

For Rent Holiday home ideal for boating on the River Deben. You are cordially invited to rent our houseMole Endin Woodbridge. Small w/ one sitting room, tiny kitchen, spiral staircase leads to one double bedroom and bathroom w/ shower. Ten minute cycle or twenty minute stroll from railway station, interesting shops, places to eat and the waterfront. Woodbridge is a fascinating and picturesque town on the north shore of the River Deben in Suffolk. Ideal base for boating, cycling, walking and bird-watching. Secure space for storing dinghy. Launching and mooring can be arranged. Contact: Nick and Sue Coppin 01952 884398 or 0757 210 3435 http://www.18cobbold.co.uk/

Freeto loving home - John LeatherNew Blossom19ft 3in x 7 ft, Draught 4ft 6in centre plate down, 2ft 1in centre plate up, 2 berth cutter. Needs some attention. Contact: Chris [email protected]

53 Book Review

TRAIL AND SAIL SMALL GAFFERS

Published by Pine Martin Books Written by and available from Roger Rudman 32 Church Road, Albrighton NR Wolverhampton UK WV7 3LJ

47 pages, paperback, numerous colour photos, price £4.99

Some books are written not as an academic masterpiece; they’re just a pleasure to read. A book easily read on a winter’s night while curled up beside the fire and listening to rain against the windows.Trail and Sail Small Gaffersis a comfortable book - a delight to read. Surprise - its large print - handy if you can’t find your bifocals. Roger Rudman never intended his book to behow a toinstruction manual on sailing, nor was he planning to teach the seasoned sailor.

The book is primarily written, as the title suggests, for the sailor that trailers his/her boat. As Roger points out, it’s cheaper to moor in the drive than the local mariner and destinations by road are numerous. It’s about affordable sailing in boats under twenty feet that don’t require the expense of a 7.3 litre, turbo charged diesel truck to pull it. I digressed, but I own such a truck and cringe every time the price of fuel increases.

Roger covers the following: how he began sailing; boats he’s owned; buying a boat; Gaff rigged boats, and acts as your personal guide to a number of waterways from Cornwall to Scotland.

I’m sure he enjoyed writing it and wanted his readers to experience the same - he succeeded.

Colin Ming 54 Officers Of The Association OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION Area Code Tel. No. OGA E-mail Address

PRESIDENT SOL MIKE SHAW 0208 672 8082 [email protected]

SECRETARY MCP ROBERT HOLDEN 01843 582997 [email protected]

TREASURER MCP CHRIS BROWN 01462 769071 [email protected]

GAFFERS LOG EDITOR CAN COLIN MING 1604 596 7852 [email protected]

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY EC MIKE ROBERTSON 01473 327115 [email protected]

BOAT REGISTER SOL PAT DAWSON 01983 760655 [email protected]

WEBMASTER CNW PETE FARRER 01270 874174 [email protected]

MINUTE SECRETARY MCP JAN HOLDEN 01843 582997 [email protected]

SOCIAL & TROPHY SEC. CNW SUE FARRER 01270 874174 [email protected]

SAILING COMMITTEE CHAIR EC PETE THOMAS 01473 832808 [email protected]

PUBLICITY CO-ORDINATOR SOL CHALONER CHUTE 01243 785254 [email protected]

OGA@50 C0-ORDINATOR LD BARRY HEALAS 01524 276258 [email protected]

Area Secretaries and Representatives

BRISTOL CHANNEL BCCLAUDIA MYATT 01437 541201 [email protected]

CANADA CAN COLIN MING [email protected]

DEVON DEV GIL HAYWARD 01803 722274 [email protected]

DUBLIN BAY DB JOHN WEDICK 00353 (0) 539382993 [email protected]

EAST COAST EC PETE ELLISTON 01206 391870 [email protected]

FRANCE FR YANNIE CARIGUEL [email protected]

LAKE DISTRICT LD BARRY HEALAS 01524 276258 [email protected]

NETHERLANDS NL RONBOS [email protected]

NORTHERN IRELAND NI PETERLYONS [email protected]

NORTH WALES NWa SUE FARRER 01270 874174 [email protected]

NORTH WEST NW TOM MIDDLEBROOK 0151 652 9744 [email protected]

SCOTLAND SCO NEAL HILL 0770 2279507 [email protected]

SOLENT SOL JESSICA WARREN 01962 712529 [email protected]

TRAILER SECTION TR MIKE STEVENS 01792 297445 [email protected]

WESTERNAUSTRALIA WA ALANABBOTT [email protected]

OGA Website: www.oldgaffersassociation.org

Contact addresses:

Secretary: Mr Robert Holden 6 Chatham Place Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7PT [email protected]

Editor: Mr Colin Ming 68 - 8254 - 134 Street, Surrey BC Canada V3W 6M2 [email protected]

Produced by Stormcreative Publishing Ltd. Email: [email protected]

55 Welcome Aboard

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