Keith Barkway, Commodore of the Christchurch Sailing Club writes of their recent experience at Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta.

Ianthe, a 24’ 6” Victorian Gentleman’s Racing Day Boat has been part of the Club since she was launched in 1898 and was the personal yacht of several Commodores before being owned by the Ianthe Preservation Group, a syndicate of members who lovingly maintain and enjoy sailing her at every opportunity.

In idyllic conditions, Ianthe sailed to Yarmouth a day early to beat the approaching weather and after advising the Harbour Master that she would be rowed through the entrance to her allotted berth. We were welcomed by Sue Pennison, her team and the rest of the fleet and it was then time to make sure that Ianthe was in Shipshape and Bristol Fashion and dressed in her historical gaffer pennants ready for scrutiny by the Concours Judges.

The crew enjoyed the generous hospitality and friendship of fellow gaffers, enjoying fish and chips and the odd glass of wine on Thursday evening aboard Ivy Green. As anticipated, the high winds meant that both the Gaffel Race on Friday and the main race on Saturday were cancelled. The crew’s enthusiasm was not daunted as they were welcomed by the Royal Solent Yacht Club, enjoying lunch before joining all the other crews to share their gaffer stories and enjoy a delicious BBQ on Friday evening.

The Royal Solent Yacht Club was again the venue on Saturday for a series of games and quizzes devised by Sue and her team to ensure the fun and camaraderie between crews continued despite the adverse weather. On Saturday evening Yarmouth Sailing Club hosted a splendid dinner and prize giving before crews strutted their stuff on the dance floor to the Dance Preachers. Ianthe and her crew were delighted to be presented with The Commissioners Trophy for the Passage Race and The Peter Garlick Trophy for Participation and Panache and had an honourable mention from the Concours Judges.

The return to Christchurch on Sunday was delayed due to the weather so Ianthe had an additional night in Yarmouth and enjoyed a lively sail home to arrive safely on her mooring on Monday afternoon.

Ianthe and her crew of Paul de la Feuillade, Simon Sullivan and Keith Barkway enjoyed a splendid Yarmouth Old Gaffers Regatta and send their thanks to Sue and the organising committee for all their hard work and for making us feel very welcome. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.