SW Area Newsletter & summary of racing results - August 2026
Most of the formal sailing and racing in the SW has been and gone. Although there is still Dittisham SC Regatta, imminent and an open harbour event at Charlestown on the August Bank Holiday weekend. Dartmouth Royal Regatta has a Parade of sail and there are sailing opportunities to race. Details are under SW Events future.
All four West Country Classics have now happened with several SW Gaffer’s vessels participating with some success, at Falmouth, Fowey and Looe. Not all the results are available yet. However, we were well represented at Falmouth Classics, and congratulations to Ayesha and Cynthia in M Class, Zoe & Lapwing in D Class, Mary Ritchie in K Class, Proteus and Gelvynek in J Class; all of whom were in the first 3 places of their Class. 8 other SW gaffers were placed 4th or lower, overall.
Following Falmouth Classics, Tim welcomed at least 20 vessels including some from other Areas, such as Nomad, from the Solent with ex OGA President, Mike Shaw, Younger gaffer Secretary, Georgina Tall, to the Helford Rally. Current OGA President, Mike Beckett, attended the event and made a speech and we had our own ex OGA President, Patrick Vivyan-Robinson (Capria) participating. A BBQ at Tremayne Quay, on the Monday high tide was held in marginal but dry conditions. Preceded by two MOB incidents, the race was undertaken by a few of the boats in misty conditions but a good breeze. The spreadsheet of results, of the two classes, are in the documents below. Dinner at Helford River SC confirmed the reputation of the new chef.
Some attended the Mousehole Sea Salt and Sail event, at the beginning of July, probably not the most comfortable of anchorages! Mylor Small Boats, the next week end, was once again well attended but this time it was the heat that prevented many from sailing! Next year it may move to Plymouth.
Martin organised, the Plymouth Rally, on the last weekend of July, it was well attended with 47 individuals participating in 21 boats, many enjoying subsidised berthing alongside. 14 vessels, in 3 classes, participated in the SW Area Annual Race in the Sound, in a good breeze and organised by David Rollinson from Plym YC. At the prize giving all the trophies were distributed, before another excellent Jolly Jack’s dinner. The results for the Plymouth Rally are in the form of a spreadsheet, which will print on 2 sides of one sheet of landscape A4, in the documents below. On Sunday, Martin made a special effort to ensure the Cremyl Ferry was on time, but he had to send them away for the next trip as we were all chatting! A lovely day ashore, in relatively cool weather was enjoyed in preparation for the next week of Classics events for many. It was good to see some Older and now boatless gaffers, John and Mike at the dinner and Brian and Estelle at Fowey.
Many of the OGA vessels at Plymouth, went straight on to participate in Fowey Classics with several of those going on to Looe Luggers and Classics. There were several other SW gaffers attending just one or more of the events, rather than all three. There were fewer luggers at the latter, as many were attending Douarnenez. Lack of wind and imminent S Easterlies, on the last Monday, meant the Sunday race, at Looe, was the only one cancelled. All in all, for those attending all three, it was 12 days of sailing and passage making in good company!
David Bewick has worked very hard to bring our Sailing Instructions and Risk Assessments up to scratch, after concerns were voiced at the OGA last year. While the OGA remains an Association, and has excellent insurance, it is important that we take reasonable steps to mitigate any risks. There has been largely positive support for these documents, from SW members, many of whom are returning the Declaration, however, any observations or suggestions would be welcome.
One theme that does seem to come across, in various races, is some discrepancy in classes allocated to similar vessels and also the OGA handicaps. This is something the SW Committee may bring up with the OGA. If anyone has any observations or suggestions, please let myself or David Bewick know, before our the next ACM and SW Committee meetings in October.
Looking ahead to the autumn, the Laying up lunch followed by the SW AGM, will be on Saturday 14th November, at the Fowey Gallants SC. The Christmas Fair is not until early December and we can’t see it clashing with any other event, so parking should be easier! Or make a weekend of it!
You will also have seen in Gaffer’s Log that the National OGA AGM is to be in Windermere on the weekend of 16/17th January 2027.
It will then be our turn, in the SW, to help organise the 2028 January AGM. With that in mind we need a plan by this December, any help or advice welcome, particularly those members in the Plymouth area.
It looks as if this exceptional anticyclonic weather is to continue into August, so enjoy it and keep cool by sailing! When it does get cooler, Tim and Jay would welcome any articles of your exploits for Dogwatch and /or Gaffer’s log.
David Patuck - Secretary SW Area of the OGA - swsec@oga.org.uk 0797 4827469 9th August 2028
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Helford Rally 2026 Race results | [xlsx 11KB] |
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Falmouth Classics gaffer classes June 2026 Results | [docx 36KB] |
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SWOGA Annual Race 2026 actual times DP | [xlsx 19KB] |
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SW Gaffers news Summer 2026 | [docx 16KB] |
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SW Area Newsletter January 2026
Hopefully you and your vessels have survived storm Goretti. Several members are battling with health issues, as well, and we wish you all better health, fair winds and weather, for 2026
At our SW AGM in Fowey in November. parking was a major issue. We will avoid the Christmas Fair next year, or consider somewhere else. Any suggestions? The meeting was overshadowed by legal status and perceived liability. A small working party will report to the OGA AGM, but it is clear that the OGA remains, well insured and robust, as an unincorporated Association affiliated to the RYA. The SW Committee lost three members, at least for the time being, but three members have, since, stepped forward, and your new SW Committee met in early December and this is how the roles are now filled:
Paul Musgrove, “Arlette” Wellington, has taken on the SW Treasurer’s role, He will be sailing his C/Crabber 26 from Scotland to Watchet for next winter and then to the R. Dart for 2027. Please check for possible bank detail changes when paying for an event.
David Bewick, “Aberare”, Newton Ferrers, was SW Secretary, before he took on the National OGA Small Boat section. Once stood down, he will take over the role of SW Sailing Secretary, for which he is well qualified.
Jan Elliott “Roxanne”, Truro, has kindly volunteered to Examine the Accounts, in October.
Meanwhile, Tim Price “Picotee”, Helston, is, again, temporarily taking on the role of Dogwatch editor for this year’s two issues. Please continue to send any articles or reports etc to both sweditor@oga.org.uk, AND Tim, pending a new editor. Martin Elliott (SW president) , Barbara Runnalls (SW Comms) and myself (SW Secretary) all remain in our previous roles.
The OGA AGM is publicised on the National OGA website . Several from the SW will be attending. It is not too late to register and participate online, or come to Harwich (book by 19th)) on the w/e of 31st January. In compiling information for our SW Annual Report, it is heartening to see that over 50 OGA vessels took part in a SW event last year. Membership is holding up at around 180.
Those already in the small Boat Section will have just received registration details for the Mylor Small Boat event w/e 10th July. If not, or if interested, details and links to register and book your camper van, are now on the SW Area of the OGA website. The spreadsheet at the head of the Future Events tab is currently up to date and we aim to keep it so
Our Fitting out Lunch will be on 18thApril and we will be hearing about the Brixham trawler “Pilgrim” from one of the Trust members.
Finally, we are planning an informal gathering for a pub lunch on Wednesday 18th February, at either the Royal Oak at Meavy or the Rock Mill at Yelverton. These locations are 1.5 hours from either Penzance in the west (avoiding the A38) or Yeovil in the east, and less from the S. Hams or N. Devon. I will be sending a form for numbers and choices from a menu in the 2nd week of February, as either pub will need these a few days before. You will pay at the bar on the day. At the same time the 2026 SW Almanac should be ready for circulation.
David Patuck - Secretary SW Area of the OGA - swsec@oga.org.uk 0797 4827469
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SW OGA DRAFT Newsletter to members January 2026 DP 260109 | [docx 732KB] |
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Summer 2025 round up, SW Annual Race results, and other news
Dear fellow gaffers,
I can now repot on, and publish the results of, the Annual race at Plymouth on 23rd July.
This Excel spreadsheet can be printed in landscape on both sides of one sheet of A4 and gives all the details.
Unfortunately, I miss read the results sheet and, as can be seen, the first boat on handicap was "The John and Elsie" (and not "Cynthia" as announced at the prize giving). Rob Brown, therefore continues as the Commodore of SW Gaffers for another year and will retain the Commodore's flag and Dittisham Bottle. Congratulations Rob!
David Rolinson of Plym Yacht Club, assisted once again by our own Barbara Harris, conducted the Annual Race smoothly and efficiently, from Mountbatten Pier. Despite unpredictable wind, it filled in and the course was exhilarating form flat calm to 15 knots, producing some fast legs! The 15 boats racing left and returned to their berths without incident and, despite the intimidation by, and of, various large white and grey vessels, a good time was had by all. Although five boats retired or failed to complete the course, all returned in good time for the prize giving where, apart from the above error, all, but one, of the wonderful SW Gaffer trophies were awarded and taken away, prior to an excellent meal at Jolley Jack's.
A summary of the results:
Class One (Gaffers over 28'): First: "Cynthia" - Peter Lucas (Dartmouth Deadeye); Second "Iskra" - Kieth Muncey (Solent Block); Third "Susan J" - Julie Patuck.(Tyrone Trophy)
Class Two (Gaffers 21' to 28'): First "Likely II" - Liz Robinson (Lewthwaite Trophy); Second "Puffin" -Chris Murray (Pin Rail; Third not awarded (Marie Mahon Trophy)
Class Three (Gaffers under 21') First "The John & Elsie" - Rob Brown (Scrimshaw Trophy); Second "Gimli" - John Tomlinson (Sheave Trophy); Third "Sulis" - Andy McHarg (Oyster Ring)
The first GRP boat to finish and 1st overall on h/cap was, once again, "The John & Elise” - Rob Brown who retains the Redundant Caulker. There were several new comers to the event. Including "Mark 1" a 12' Lapwing - John Staples who came last overall and won the Plodders Pin. - Chris Hoare brought "Penelope Pugwash" their Drascombe Dabber, the furthest and won the Victory Trophy. The magnificent Bernard Gibson Trophy was retained by "Cynthia" and Peter Lucas as the oldest combined boat and skipper. The fist working boat (replica) was "Susan J" - David Patuck., retaining the Boan Boom.
Race day was preceded by a leisurely berthing at the very helpful Mayflower Marina and many crews dined, a la carte, at Jolly Jacks, where, as ever, the beer flowed well and the food excellent! Martin and Jan organised a delayed ferry ride to Mount Edgcumbe to explore this corner of Cornwall on the Thursday, while the weather continued to smile kindly on all..
Many boats and crews went on to the Looe Luggers and Classics, where settled weather allowed anchoring off and more time to explore, between the three excellent races in Looe Bay, amongst the magnificent luggers of all shapes and sizes. After a brief rest on the Monday many continued to Fowey Classics, a well established few days of races, parades and the sending off of their old, all weather, life boat. At both events, SW Gaffers were well represented and were well placed, including "Squiggles" - Tony Laurilard first in Class at Looe. "Ayesha" was first at both Classics events with "Mary Ritchie" 2nd and "Patna" 3rd in Class at Fowey. While "Perriwinkle" - John Gallagher was first in their Class at Fowey.
Many are now enjoying some gentle cruising after a frenetic few weeks of events, while several other SW Gaffers are at Paimpol in Brittany for the Marin Chants festival. With a possible early “Indian Summer” some may try for the Isles of Scilly later in August. This will be entirely informal, so just go but watch the SW Gaffers WhatsApp. If you are not on the WhatsApp, send me an email with your name, boat, reason and mobile number, as per the group info and I will add you on.
It is not too late to register, via Gil Hayward for the Dittisham SC Regatta on August 15th , or the White Boats and Gaffer races at the end of Dartmouth Regatta week at the end of August. So still lots going on afloat and these and other events, are on the SW Area pages of the OGA website.
Thoughts are inevitably, turning to more land-based events. The OGA Young Gaffers are having a meeting at Exter on Saturday 6th September so do get in touch with Georgina Tall, if you would like to meet them and use the opportunity to explore the Exeter Canal and Basin.
The SW Area AGM will be at Fowey Gallants SC, on Saturday 15th November. There are still several vacancies to fill on the SW Committee, including an Examiner of the Accounts, as Gil is standing down, someone to collate and coordinate the SW Trophies, much of the hard work has now been done, so should not be too intimidating. There are a few awards but mainly this is an opportunity to get together in a peaceful quiet Cornish town and reflect on the summers sailing and think about how we might improve the way we do things and arrange an outline next year’s program, on the water. As ever new blood is needed, so do, please, get in touch with myself or any of the SW Committee, if you would like to get more involved. Any offers, ideas or suggestions for talks / speakers and venues to arrange over the winter months would also be welcome. Finally, regarding the AGM, please let us know of any items you would like to add to the agenda.
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Dates for next year's Fowey Classics and Looe Luggers are now confirmed and we are hoping that the Plymouth Rally & Annual Race can be the weekend before Fowey, which will start on the Monday (27th July), a day early to allow people to go on to the later Looe Lugger and Classics weekend in August.. Falmouth Classics and Helford Rally are also confirmed for Mon 15th June, and it is possible that sone of the French Vieux Grements from St Malo will be joining us. The very successful inaugural Mylor Small Boats Event is to be repeated next year, provisionally on the weekend of 10th July. All this and more is now on the spreadsheet an the SW Events page referred to above. If anyone knows of any other events in the SW it would be good to know of them sooner rather than later.
Let us hope for continued good weather and fine sailing!
Kind regards
David Patuck – Secretary South West Area of the OGA Tel: 0797 4827469 .
September 2024 SW Gaffers newsletter (also mailed to members 15/9/24)
Dear fellow gaffers,
Hopefully many of you have been on the water, despite the weather, and have even attended some of our events. The Committee are now planning for next year and would welcome any feedback to inform their future planning. In particular the timing of, and venue for, events and anything we could do better. swsec@oga.org.uk
The next issue of “Dogwatch” is due to be published in early October, and Oliver, our editor sweditor@oga.org.uk , needs to receive any articles and photos by 30th September, please. Particularly any reports of events this season. At the same time, the Committee will be meeting to discuss plans for the winter and sailing in 2025.
Arrangements for the Laying Up Lunch at Fowey Gallants SC on Saturday 16th November, are well underway and invites and choices will be circulated in mid October. We plan to award the trophies, won at the Annual Race in July and at the recent Dartmouth Regatta, this will be followed by a short AGM, but this is mainly a social event for members to reminisce on their season!
We are looking for volunteers to join the Committee and in particular someone to look after the Trophies and another the Merchandise. Although we have an Events Officer, we would encourage any member to come up with, ideas for and even organise, an event, with the assistance of the Committee, of course. Please feel free to contact any member of the Committee, or myself swsec@oga.org.uk , if you are able to help out, in any way
Tony Laurillard has already arranged a splendid lunch at the Weary Friar, Pillaton, in East Cornwall, followed by a talk by Jim Shekdar, who rowed alone across the Pacific. It will be on Saturday 1st February 2025
Our Fitting out Lunch will be at Brixham YC on April 12th. Any suggestions for a talk or presentation?
I have been given some event dates for the first part of next year’s sailing season. It looks as if it may be possible, in mid-May, to join a fleet of gaffers, some big some smaller, from Ireland. Moving up channel with them towards Brixham Heritage Regatta (24th May) and, possibly on to a French OGA Rally in St Malo (6-8 June), via the Solent and CI, before returning to Falmouth Classics & Helford Rally (12 -18 June) and then back to Plymouth YH open day on the 21st June!
Small boats are not forgotten, with a provisional date of 4-6th July for a new SW OGA Small Boats Rally at Mylor, where the use of Coastland campsite will be possible.
Some other dates already known, are Fowey Classics, (29 July - 2 Aug). We hope to be able to confirm arrangements for the Plymouth Rally & Annual Race (end July, before Fowey?) and Dittisham Rally (mid August) by the AGM, in November
I am learning how to edit and update the SW Events list, and other tabs, in the SW Area pages of the OGA website, our winter events are already available to view, with more information and links, as they become available. Please do have a look at the website and let us know if you have any suggestions to make it more useful.
There will be more in the October “Dogwatch” and I look forward to seeing many of you in Fowey on the 16th November..
David Patuck - Secretary South West Gaffers Area of OGA
Annual Race Results 27th July 2024
Below are the results of the three classes and other trophies which should have been awarded at the Annual Race on July 27th. If anyone claims to have brought their boat the furthest to attend the event, please let the secretary know. Otherwise there will be a "straw poll" at the AGM, on Saturday 16th November, at the Fowey Gallants SC.
Boat Name Corrected time Class Place Trophiy
CLASS 3 (1st to start)
The John & Elsie 1:44:24 1st Scrimshaw Trophy (*has Pin Rail)
Sulis 1:55:19 2nd Sheave
Gimli 1:57:28 3rd Oyster Ring Trophy
Penelope Pugwash 2:01:16 4
Mary Louise 2:29:29 5
PelicanIV 2:30:58 6
CLASS 2 (2nd to start)
Likely II 2:20:29 1st Lewthwaite Bell (*has Oyster ring)
Periwinkle 2:20:37 2nd Pin Rail Trophy
Cariad 2:22:39 3rd Marie Mahon Trophy & stand
Squigles 2:39:07 4
Picotee II RETIRED
Sally RETIRED
CLASS 1 (3rd to start)
Cynthia 2:06:48 1st Dartmouth Deadeye (*has Solent Block)
Susan J 2:11:50 2nd Solent Block
Roxanne 2:27:50 3rd Tyrone Screw
ADDITIONAL TROPHIES:
Sqiggles 2:39:07 (Last boat to finish) Plodders Pin
John & Elsie (The) 1st to finish on Handicap Dittisham Bottle & Commadore's Burgee
Sulis 1st GRP boat to finish Redundant Caulker
TBC @ AGM Furthest to attend event Victory Trophy
Cynthia Oldest boat + skipper combined Bernard Gibson memorial Trophy
Black Goose Greatest effort to attend event Anchor Trophy
*Please DO NOT ENGRAVE these *trophies. Return them to a Committee member, or bring them to the AGM,.
South West News
