Once again the Walton and Frinton Yacht Club opened their doors and welcomed the East Coast Gaffers in great style, starting with a cooked breakfast on Saturday morning where the weather was the focus of attention. The wind forecast of a top end force 4 gusting 5 was a marked improvement on the 5 gusting 6 that had been threatened at the start of the week, but still a bit much for dinghies.

Initial plans were for a race out over the Wade and round some race marks, but after discussion, and with the promise of 3 support boats, it was decided that the fleet should try to get round Horsey Island and 17 boats started the race at 11:30. Montmorency, the first boat home, took just under 1 hour 5 minutes to complete the anti-clockwise circumnavigation, closely followed by Happy Days, the first smack boat, with an elapsed time of 1 hour 8.5 minutes. This is noticeably faster than last year's results.

Three boats retired and were happy to be towed home, while Fyre, the lug rigged 505 made it safely home under its own sail despite capsizing 3 times. This was also the first public outing for Papa Little in a gaffers's race, sporting an unusual rig for a Wayfarer. Conditions did not allow a view of the promised pink topsail, but the gaff cutter rig proved very capable despite the conditions.

After the quick race there was a long afternoon to fill before dinner, but Julian Cable provided 6 LEGO® land yachts and great fun was had making sails and rigging and "sailing" them with the aid of a hair drier on the Yacht Club floor.

A curry dinner for 23 was held upstairs in the club after the prize giving, followed by music in the bar before people headed back to their campervans near the pond, or tents in the Wilberforce's orchard.

Sunday's weather also allowed for sailing thanks to the presence of the Yacht Club safety boats. It was decided that the fleet would aim in the direction of Witches Cottage, and while three boats turned back due to the conditions 5 did make it all the way up Kirby creek and had lunch on the beach.

Thanks to the Wilberforces for the use of their orchard and facilities, and to the staff and officers of the Walton and Frinton Yacht Club. Special thanks to the safety boat crews for their stirling support on both days.

•   Swallows Published 2017 Results [pdf 91KB]

Report of the OGA East Coast Race, 2017

Saturday 15 July, 2017 saw the 54th running of the East Coast Old Gaffers Race, at Brightlingsea, with an excellent small boat event at the same venue on Sunday. There were 31 boats entered of whom 28 started the race on a day which at the 8am Race Briefing looked as if it might add to the ulcers the Race Officer acquired during last year’s event.

Fortunately, the wind gods were kinder this year and as the first start time of 10am approached, a gentle but steady breeze arrived and continued to increase throughout the race with some gusts of 5-6 Beaufort (apparently, at the far reaches of the course).

Different to many previous years the start ordering had the main body of the gaff rigged fleet off first followed by the Bermudans with the smacks and other work boats in the last start at 10.20. The gaff and working boat starts were quite interesting to say the least, with a number of boats on course side at the gun, but all successfully negotiated the remainder of their class, returning through the line to start again (accompanied by some discussion between the crews!) Best start of the day to Nigel Waller in 'Fanny of Cowes' who thought four seconds after the gun was not close enough! Well, it was close enough to ensure that he won Lower Handicap Workboats Class.

The fleet surged off to Colne Bar, with some requiring tacks to stay the correct side of marks in the Colne channel and very soon they were lost to sight from the Bateman’s Tower Race Office, although progress was reported by 'Tempus' and 'Tornado Rib' out on the course.

With a chance to catch our breath and have a well earned sip of tea in the race office (or even a nap for one poor overworked volunteer) it seemed an age before we were advised that the leaders had rounded the furthest mark in the Wallet and were on the way back. A fierce tussle ensued between the leading smacks with 'Ethel Alice' choosing an inshore course to catch up and overtake her rivals, storming on to the finish to win The Higher Handicap Workboats Class. 

But not before 'Dirty Girty', crewed by a very able group of youngsters (led by Ed Roberts) had just pipped the 'Crow' (crewed by the young at heart Bob Berk and crew) to the line. Sadly for the youngsters the handicapper had obviously taken age into account, so their winning margin was not enough to overhaul 'Crow' who herself lost out to the Andrew Wolstenholme designed Kite called 'Kate' (skippered by Euan Seel) which won Class 4 and the Overall Winners Pennant for fastest boat on corrected time.

Mark Butler’s 'Rainbow' had another excellent race with an ‘All Butler’ crew winning Class 2 (Gaffers) and the Commodore’s Pennant for the fastest OGA member and 'Gromit' skippered by Trevor Sanderson took the honours in Class 3 (Spirit of Tradition).

An excellent evening ensued at Colne Yacht Club with a packed room for the Prize Giving and a lovely meal provided by Colne YC and their caterers.

•   East Coast Race Results Gaffers 2017 [pdf 27KB]
•   East Coast Race Results Bermudans 2017 [pdf 7KB]

The East Coast Gaffers AGM was held at the Walton & Frinton Yacht Club on Saturday 11 November. The formal business of the evening was conveniently truncated by the WFYC Chef announcing that dinner would be served in half an hour – an excellent way to concentrate the minds of Officers and Members alike!

The East Coast President, Robert Hill, reported on another successful year; one that he had largely missed due to work commitments. He reported that the committee had further discussed the proposal made by Northern Ireland to change the Association name and drop the word 'Old'. Mostly, the East Coast had already moved to a position where, in general usage, the term East Coast Gaffers had found acceptance, while OGA, The Association For Gaff Rig Sailing continued to be in use for more formal communications. The majority of members present were happy to continue with this format. Sarah Adie proposed that any funds allocated to a possible name change should actually be used to promote the OGA and try to win new members.

Looking forward, Robert asked all members present to focus on the OGA55 due to be staged on the Isle of Wight in August 2018. He urged members to consider the best ways to attend and to register an interest on the OGA website. Sue Lewis, Association Secretary, explained that the GMC had allocated funds to help members support the event, either in their own boat or on a charter boat. She also explained that the organisation for OGA55 would be done by the areas, not by a special GMC Committee. Areas with good ideas should submit them to the GMC for joint funding. Clare Thomas, Treasurer, had earlier explained that the area is in a strong financial state as most events through the year had been in surplus.

Under AOB, there was a return to the thoughts of building membership. There was a robust discussion about the need to recruit new members, particularly younger ones. It was suggested that a new sub-committee be formed to develop a strategy for this. Some of the younger members present were urged to get behind this idea and join the committee.

In 2018 the new OGA Gaff Rigged dinghy should see the light of day. This would be the focus for recruiting new members and encouraging a fleet to be used all around the country.

After dinner the highlight was the presentation of the Bateman’s Tower Trophy, awarded to the member who has contributed most to the area during the year. Clare Thomas, Treasurer, received general acclaim on being given the award and also received the new picture – a winter scene of the tower to complement the large model of the real thing!

Richard Giles

2017 is the 350th anniversary of the Battle of Medway, or the Battle of Chatham, as it is known in Holland, when the Dutch fleet sailed into the River Medway, set fire to a substantial part of the British fleet, capturing and taking away, the flagship, 'Royal Charles'.

From 8 to 17 June, 2017, the Medway Council, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust (CHDT), Medway and Swale Boating Association (MSBA) and Dutch organisations including the Dutch Offshore Sailing Club, organised waterborne and land based activities, including the arrival of around 200 vessels from Holland.

The Dutch have now gone back home. This time not with the ‘Royal Charles’, but with immense respect for, and happy memories of, their time on the Medway, especially at the parties hosted by the Medway YC, Upnor SC, Hoo Ness YC and Gillingham Marina.

The first fleet, mostly from the Royal Maas YC, arrived at Queenborough on Wednesday, 7 June and sailed up the Medway in company on the Thursday morning, led by the HNLMS Urania, the Dutch navy sail training ketch and the Tall ship Aphrodite, the salute being taken by the Dutch Prince Mauritz. A Dutch Catalina sea plane joined in making many passes above the fleet.

Heavy westerly gales had frustrated the arrival of some, and just two of the Dutch OGA fleet made the crossing, Rik Janssen and Celeste, in 'Cine Mara', and Arjan Megens with Hymke Spanjaard in 'Bola'. The Hoo Ness YC entertained us Gaffers to a great evening on the Friday and we were joined by Solent Gaffers Ben Collins and David Walters, a very good folk singer, on the Saturday for a great hog roast party at the  Medway YC.

That first Saturday was the Dutch retired marines rowing challenge issued, initially, to the Royal Marines, but when the British Marines strangely failed to show;(shades of 350 years ago), the challenge was gamely taken up by the local rowing clubs Queenborough and the Medway Towns. One of the Dutch retired marines boats won, beating the de Ruyter Maritime College mixed boys and girls crew by just 20 mm after a hard five mile course against wind and tide for part of the race.  

The race finished close to Nelson's Gate at the Chatham Historic Dockyard and the leading boat broke a foam chain consisting of alternating links of the Union and Dutch flags. A special piece of theatre, arranged by Frits de Ruyter de Wildt, the highly successful overall Dutch coordinator of the event.

Brian Corbett awarded a beautiful silver trophy to the winning boat. It had been presented by Mr Dick Atlee's family, whose father had won a sailing regatta at the anniversary 50 years ago. The Medway Club also held a rowing regatta on the Sunday.

The second Dutch fleet of over 70 yachts gathered on 13 June at Stangate Creek, to sail up the Medway in company, led by the modern steam ship, 'George Stephenson'. This time, no Dutch Prince. Regaled as a Victorian yachtsman in his dinghy off Upnor Castle, Brian Corbett helped the larger Dutch yachts onto the Royal Engineers YC moorings, standing up gingerly to take the salute! After a superb pub quiz evening organised by the Upnor SC at the Medway YC, we had another hog roast party and a barbecue on the Saturday night of the Medway in Flames finale.

The organisers' aim of three steam ships underway, as part of the parade of sail on Saturday evening was improved on when the arrowhead formation of the 'SS George Stephenson', flanked by 'VIC56' and 'VIC96', was joined by the delightful small steam tug, 'Barking'. The magnificent local tug, 'Kent', led the parade which included the classic fire tender 'Massey Shaw'. The Dutch visitors thoroughly enjoyed the event and we are already starting to plan a major visit from Dutch yachts in two years.

Brian Corbett, OGA Trustee, Maritime Heritage Trust Board & Chairman, MBSA

The wake for Mike Peyton will be held at the Maldon Little Ship Club, The Hythe, Maldon, Essex CM9 5HN on Sunday 19 February at 2pm.

A full obituary will be published in the March 2017 issue of Gaffers Log. Here are tributes from a member of the East Coast OGA, where Mike was an active member, and the Association Secretary.

It is with great sadness I have to inform the Old Gaffers Association of the passing of Mike Peyton 1921-2017. Probably the most interesting man I have ever known, adventurer, raconteur, great family man and war hero. He fought Rommel in the North African desert where he was involved in a bayonet charge! Escaped from Stalag 8,  joined the Russian army and marched into Berlin where he re-joined his old regiment.

He was the ‘last man standing’ for many years out of his battalion of 800. The world’s greatest yachting cartoonist etc. etc. He sailed in my 19’ Memory and Gaff Dragon. The stories he reminisced at night in the tiny cabin with the oil lamp keeping us warm will never be forgotten.

Our condolences go out to his family and wonderful partner in life Kathy and to his daughters Hilary and Veronica. Mike has now set his anchor in the safe and ever calm and beautiful mooring in the most high. May his riding light never dim.

He was a founding member of the Old Gaffers Association.

Roy Hart
East Coast OGA

The OGA has lost a great friend in Mike Peyton. Not only was he a founding member of our Association in 1963 but he has been a staunch supporter ever since, participating in our events afloat and ashore until only recently. The Association conferred its greatest honour on Mike, that of 'Elder Gaffer', and whilst proud of this Mike did not desist from poking fun at gaffers and sailors of old and classic boats, along with all yachtsmen, in his own inimitable style.

Mike was very conscious that he was a survivor - that he had survived a war while friends had perished and been lucky enough to escape, rather too closely, a sailing tragedy that had befallen others. Concerned that they might be forgotten he recently donated a fine trophy to the East Coast OGA in memory of his friends lost many years ago on the gaffer 'Snipe'.

Mike was delighted only just over a year ago to host his own wake, gathering friends and family around him at his home in Essex for a fine celebration. Mike had long stopped drawing his famous cartoons due to his failing eyesight but was a great raconteur and we will miss his dry wit, delivered in the broad Durham accent he had managed to retain.

I suppose we all rather hoped he'd hold another wake for himself the next year but it looks as though we'll have to manage that task without him.

Sue Lewis
OGA Secretary

The planning was meticulously detailed to allow 4 groups of 3 Sea Scouts each to have a sailing experience and an overnight experience on the smack Sallie over a week long period during the school Easter holidays. Funding from the East Coast Area, the OGA Youth Fund and Teamac Marine Paints made the whole thing possible - but bad weather could still have played havoc. Happily the weather gods were kind...

Here follows a brief account from Richard Tichener, Executive Officer of Sea-Change Sailing Trust, and skipper of Sallie for this event:

"As planned we had Jane (Scout leader) and three Scouts join on Sunday evening in view of the early tide, went aboard and prepared the vessel. Monday saw an early muster at 0500 and we left the mooring dead on high water with a lovely south easterly which died with patchy and occasionally thick fog before Osea.

Gradually this cleared as we made slow and careful progress down river finding a better breeze below Bradwell, where we stopped for lunch. Then the fog returned and needed some real navigation to find the Nass and our anchorage below the moorings in Mersea Quarters, ready for the first of three changeovers by Lady Grace. As there was by now a fresh breeze from the east and the anchorage was uncomfortable, the new crew got us under way for a quieter night in the lee on the southern shore.

Tuesday and Wednesday were repeats with changeovers at 1630 each day. Tuesday was very calm and we drifted down to the Bench Head enabling some rowing around the boat before a sea breeze developed to take us back to Mersea. That evening the new crew took us up to Osea and they were able to go ashore in the dusk exploring. Wednesday was a lovely day and with a reef we got around to Brightlingsea before returning to Mersea for the pick up. Wednesday's new crew stayed with us until the return to the mooring on the morning tide Friday, departing after a look at both Reminder and Blue Mermaid.

This enabled four groups of three to experience an overnight stay as a taster and several have expressed an interest in doing more later. Thanks very much for the assistance the OGA has given to make this such a success".

It was always there, of course – at any rate for the last 80 years, since the publication of 'We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea'. And it wasn’t exactly a secret – Pin Mill has long been a place of pilgrimage for Ransome fans. But ‘Arthur Ransome’s East Coast’ is now, as we say these days, ‘a thing’.

And an official thing, too. It all began last year when the local District Council, Babergh, set up a voluntary group of interested bodies as the Shotley Peninsula Tourism Action Group. The Nancy Blackett Trust was invited to join, and we contributed to its first project, an A4 tourism guide, with a two-page article.

Then Visit England launched its ‘2017 – Year of Literary Heroes’ initiative to celebrate authors’ anniversaries, including Arthur Ransome, with the 50th anniversary of his death, and the 80th of 'We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea'. The Shotley group has taken up the opportunity with enthusiasm. A whole range of Ransome-related initiatives – events and more permanent projects – are now in the pipeline (some still subject to grant applications), all under the new Arthur Ransome’s East Coast banner (and facebook site). Here are some of them. We hope to welcome OGA members to join us . . .

Pin Mill Arthur Ransome Jamboree, 13 May, all day

On the Green, a 30s-style fete, with a series of talks in the sailing club. Nancy will be there, at the end of a new pontoon extension providing deeper water mooring. Sophie Neville, Hugh Brogan, Ransome’s biographer, Julia Jones and your president are among the speakers lined up.

The Arthur Ransome Trail A six-mile route along the banks of the River Orwell, from the Butt and Oyster at Pin Mill to the Bristol Arms at Shotley, it follows the passage of the Goblin in Chapter IV of 'We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea'. Newly-designated and signposted, it is part of the Stour and Orwell path.

The Selina King build photos at The Pin Mill Studio

Arthur Ransome chronicled the building of his next boat at King’s of Pin Mill in a series of photos intended for a book. The NBT, with photographer Anthony Cullen, is planning a permanent exhibition at the studio, next door to the Butt and Oyster.

Shanties, Sails and Schools

There are nine schools – six primary, three secondary – on the peninsula. Shanties on the Shore is a large-scale project to involve all of them in creating sea shanties based on Ransome’s works, to be performed with an orchestra from the City of London Sinfonia. Script, Sketch and Sail will work with year 5/6 primary school children and a local artist. The NBT will be providing support for both projects.

Teamac Paints came to Pin Mill and turned the Sailing Club dining room into something resembling a nursery school as East Coast gaffers donned overalls and tested some of their products.

Chris Langham, Teamac's Technical Sevices Manager led a question and answer session and the answers must have been to the satisfaction of the audience as Teamac went home to Hull with a big fat group order for paint. Expect to see some very smart boats sailing on the East Coast this year.

50 members attended, including a stray member of Ipswich Maritime Trust who had come to hear a yachting journalist speak (wrong club!). An excellent supper was laid on by PMSC - well done the organisers!

Would you like to host a similar event in your Area?

Teamac Paints have expressed a willingness to visit other clubs and other Areas in the OGA. Those interested in setting up a similar event should contact the OGA Secretary to be put in touch with them.