Past Events & News
Helford River Rally & Race, June 2026 (SW)
The Younger Members who attended the South West Gaffers Helford River Rally & Race enjoyed a catch up following a day of racing in light mist. A brand new member, Felix, took part in the racing in his newly purchased gaffer ‘Flute’ with crew member, Fraser, who he had only just met at the rally's BBQ the night before! All had a great evening sharing tales and plans for future gaffer sailing.
Informal Gathering at Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta, May 2026 (Solent)
For those in attendance at the Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta, there was a spontaneous Younger Member gathering at The Wheatsheaf as there were many new faces and lots of prospective members in attendance. We enjoyed sharing our experiences with Gaffers and sailing in general with sea shanties being performed in the background, before heading over to the sit-down dinner put on as a part of the Regatta.
Fitting Out Lunch in Bristol, March 2026
The first SW Younger Members gathering took place in Bristol at the unique Left Handed Giant brewery. There was a great turn out from seasoned Younger Members from the East Coast and new members from the SW. We enjoyed sharing plans for the upcoming sailing season over pizza before walking through the historic harbour of Bristol to the Clifton Bridge view point.
Laying Up Dinner & Prizegiving, December 2025
A cosy festive meal in a historic pub alongside the Thames and under the shadow of the less historic Shard. We were joined by two new members who attended as their first OGA event and left feeling enthused and saying how much they were looking forward to the upcoming events on the EC and the Solent, as well as two prospective members who were keen to join. It was a lovely way to end the sailing year and share stories with new and old friends.
Find out who won here.
First Skills Talk in the Winter Online Learning Series, December 2025
We were very lucky to receive an insightful and informative talk from Sue Pennsion (Solent Gaffers Sailing Secretary, Founder of 'Rigging & Ropework') on the essential checks we should all be doing over the Winter on our rigging.
First Talk in the Winter Online Learning Series, November 2025
Hannah Cunliffe (Director of National Historic Ships UK) and Maddie Phillips (Conservator and shipkeeping technician on the Cutty Sark at Royal Museums Greenwich) kindly shared their time to tell us about their careers working with historic ships and maritime conservation.
Hannah and Maddie shared how they entered their career fields, what they would have liked to know when starting in the field and their favourite projects and experiences.
Solent Annual Race & Rally, September 2025 (Solent)
A number of Younger Members joined the Solent Gaffer's Annual Race & Rally in the very scenic Beaulieu River as crew. The opportunities had been advertised through the Younger Members group and had provided an opportunity for some end of season racing. Although it was very wet and windy, boats still ventured out for a race. The evening feautred a very delicious BBQ buffet at the Royal Southampton YC followed by prizes. Marie-Louise and Sam (normally EC Gaffers) were awarded the 'Golden Baguette' by the Solent Gaffers for bringing 'pazazz' to the event!
Swallows & Amazons, June 2025 (EC)
The East Coast Gaffers annual Swallows & Amazons event is very well attended by Younger Members as many who have grown up in that area have found memories of messing about in boats around the Walton Backwater. Younger Members raced in a variety of small boats including 'Essling' a Gaffling 4.1.
St. Malo Rally, May 2025 (France)
A number of Younger Members travelled over to St. Malo as crew on larger boats such as 'Rely' and 'Cygnet of London' and others travelled over by ferry either as foot passengers or bringing along small boats like 'Dirty Girty' (pictured). The days were spent messing around in the smaller boats exploring the nearby coastal waters of St. Malo or exploring the historic town and learning its history. The French OGA had put on a large event with lots of sea shanties and sea food.
Fitting Out Lunch & Darts, March 2025
Saturday 22nd March 2025, London
There was a great turn out from the Younger Members at our inaugural Fitting Out Dinner which was held at BrewDog Seven Dials. We sampled many of theirs beers and enjoyed the burgers on offer (with some reliving their childhood with a Hoppy Meal). Plans for the upcoming season were shared and discussed with a lot of excitement for the St Malo Rally in June later this year! On the way to darts we paused at The Crossed Keys for a quick pint before continuing on to FlightClub Bloomsbury. We played many rounds of darts in the carnival themed bar - some it turned out were darts naturals, and others were perhaps not quite so natural....
Gloucester AGM, January 2025
On the Friday before the AGM, some of the Younger Members gathered together to watch a Gloucester v Scarletts Rugby match.
Planning our season ahead, we sat together at the AGM at the Priory where food and music was enjoyed by all.
We had a tour around TS Nielsons yard - a very well known and respected working yard in the heart of Gloucester and enjoyed a looking round the workshops and the vessels currently using their facilities like Bessie Ellen.
Festive Drinks, December 2024
To round off the first year of the Younger Members section, 12 of the Younger Members gathered at The White Hart in Waterloo, London, for a festive drink. It was great to catch up, make new friends and share sailing tales from the past season.
Swallows & Amazons, June 2024 (EC)
The annual East Coast event of 'Swallows & Amazons' was a great place for Younger Members to gather in small boats. With a lovely cruise out to see the local seal colony, followed by a race around Thorney Island, there was lots to enjoy! In a surprising turn of events, the Younger Members won the majority of the awards!
Liverpool AGM, January 2024
To celebrate the launch of the Younger Members section, a drinks reception was held at the AGM. We enjoyed exploring Liverpool and played table football into the early hours of the morning. We had the privilege of meeting the wife of one of the first OGA members who was guest of honour at the 2024 AGM.
Youth Fund Update, December 2023
As a part of the formation of the Younger Member section, our Younger Member Secretary, Georgina, also reviewed the criteria for the Youth Fund and negotiated a number of additions. All OGA members who are 16-25 years old or wish to organise an event for 16-25 years old may apply to the OGA Youth Fund.