A recounting of Creekability II’s experience at the 29th Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta written by Chris Pryke, embodying the lovely Creekability II, a Cornish Crabber 22.

I had my first outing of the season having spent two months land locked, what a relief to get back out onto the water again with the sun shining , the slosh of water and wind in my sails. Well that was the start but not much wind once getting to Yarmouth, I was certain there would be more but probably more than my skipper could handle. Once tucked up in Yarmouth harbour my sails were put to bed, my lines all nicely laid out, the tarp put up, my decks cleaned, flags put up  and the rigging secured. I was still looking very smart from the two months previous work. I hope my skipper will be looking after me for the rest of the season.

For the four days I spent alongside my skipper Chris and his wife Sue took full advantage of the weather and the local festivities, which included a four day Sea Shanty Festival which was very entertaining. Walks around Yarmouth and up the Yar, breakfast at the Pier, drinks in the Bugle, lunch at the Railway. Although I did not get involved in the racing it was good to see the boats get prepared, I think they all put a reef or even two in their sails for what was to be very windy racing. My skipper and his wife paid a visit to Yarmouth Castle and went to the gun placements at the top to get a grand  view of the racing, they did need their sailing jackets to keep the wind off.

The evenings were very entertaining with a BBQ and Sea Shanty group singing on the second night, thanks to the owners of the lovely vessel Ivy Green, Richard and Louise. The event was great in breaking the ice with new friends made. The third evening was the main event with the prizes and cups given out for the various winners, runners up and those that joined in on the previous days events. There was dancing for most of the evening and fun was had by all, so my skipper told me, but I knew that on the way he got back onboard afterwards!!

And sadly the rally came to a close. However, I did get a very fast run back to the Beaulieu river on the Monday morning, oh what fun!!