Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2008 | Page 12

FOREWORD When the summer sailed in The Old Gaffers Festival in Yarmouth was once again a huge success, not least because the summer seemed to sail in with the 120-odd gaff rigged boats. Opened by Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, the first man to sail single-handedly around the world, the festival had Yarmouth positively humming. Of course it is thrilling to see the majestic gaffers race one another, and the races for boats which are not strictly gaffers but are Bermudan rigged and are over 80 years old, right down to the little Optimists, make the festival unique. 12 But even for the true gaffer fanatics the festival is not just about the gaffer races. The musical acts in the square and in the harbour marquee, as well as the sideshows and stall for children make the festival something for everyone. Entertainment round every corner, and the continental feel lent to the occasion by the French market, all contribute to make the Old Gaffers Festival a unique occasion. The Old Gaffers Festival is a huge success for 2008 www.wightfrog.com/islandlife