ON THE WATER
AFFERS
50 years and
still going
strong
The Old Gaffers Association
was formed 50 years ago
when a small group of
yachtsman, excluded from
yachting events because
their yachts were seen to
be too old, staged the first
race. An Old Gaffer is a
sailing boat with a four-sided
mainsail, rather than the
more common three-sided.
The Old Gaffers Association
now comprises nearly 1,500
members in the UK and
more overseas. The harbour
will be filled with the visiting
gaff rigged vessels, with
around 100 visiting Gaffers
expected.
The Old Gaffers Festival
will draw to a close at 6pm
on Sunday June 2 with a
service in St James’ Parish
Church with flowers and a
talk relating to the Festival.
The first festival...
The first Old Gaffers Festival was held
It is organised by a group of around 20
and opened the Festival in the past,
in 1997 and was organised by Dave
volunteers who meet every month from
include Dame Ellen MacArthur, Alan
Keller, a keen sailor and secretary for
September. This year’s Festival will be
Titchmarsh, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston,
the Solent area Old Gaffers Association
opened by Neptune, the God of Water
Geoff Holt and Lord Grade of Yarmouth
with a small group of enthusiasts. The
and Sea.
CBE.
Festival costs around £80,000 to stage.
Personalities who have attended
www.visitislandlife.com
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