The South West Gaffers  - Area of The OGA

Formed in 1973, a little later than the National OGA, South West Gaffers are the South West (SW) Area of the OGA, covering Devon, Cornwall  and parts of Dorset & Somerset.  With nearly 600 miles of coastline and many picturesque river estuaries, in a popular holiday region, we are one of the Association’s larger Areas with nearly 200 members. 

We organise events, both on and off the water, for OGA members who live or sail in, or to, the South West. we are happy for OGA members from other Areas of the OGA and further afield, including those from the Small Boats Section and OGA Younger Members Section, to join in at any of our events.  We also encourage informal local activities. The latter may be arranged through our WhatsApp group  Please see SWG Communications tab, To ensure users of the Whats App are genuine and keep it relevant and safe, you need to apply to be added.   This is an increasingly useful platform for member to member communications, communications at waterborne events, for members to arrange local sailing, help, advice, comments and photo sharing (if possible set your device to take photos at highest definition and remeber to attribute those that aren't your own). 

The SW OGA  Annual Race is usually held during the Plymouth Rally in July, with sailing in the Sound.  Based in one of the local marinas it can be accessible to smaller boats, on trailers. Other sailing events in the SW, organised by the OGA, include the Helford Rally in June, and a Small Boats Rally event at Mylor in early July. This is particularly suited to smaller boat trailer sailors and may have camping facilities nearby.  Other events in the South West, which many of us participate in, include the Brixham Heritage Regattas in May, Dittisham SC Regatta and the Dartmouth Royal Regatta both in August, the West Country Classics Series at Falmouth, Dartmouth, Fowey and Looe, and the Mousehole Sea Salts and Sail in July, amongst others.  Some of us also attend events in Brittany, such as at St. Malo, Paimpol, Douarnenez and Brest. Events ashore, include a Fitting Out Lunch & talk in April, a Laying Up Lunch & AGM in November and occasional group visits, tours and talks, throughout the region. Please see SW Events tab for the latest indormation of what is going on.

Our magazine / newsletter ‘The Dog Watch’ features event reports, technical articles and cruising logs..  The OGA Facebook and Instagram feeds share images of activities to followers all over the world. Please see SWG Communications tab

With the South West being a popular cruising and trailed small boat holiday destination, we welcome traditional sailing enthusiasts from outside our Area to take part in our activities, join the WhatsApp Group and follow the web pages on the OGA website.  You are welcome to contact us for local help and advice when sailing, berthing, launching or perhaps needing something fixed. Please see  SWG Contacts etc tab, where you can find a list of the current SW Committee and the SW OGA bank details, and the SWG Useful Links tab.

Finally, any OGA member can ask the National OGA Membership Secretary to add "SW Area" to their member profile, using this link  National OGA Membership Secretary, this will ensure you recieve all emails, newsletters, invites and The Dogwatch.  Much of this is also available in this website.