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South West Gaffers Promoting Gaff Rig in Devon and Corn-

wall

South West Branch of the

Area President: Peter Crook

president@southwestgaffers.org.uk

Life Vice-President: Mike Lucas

Secretary: David Bewick

secretary@southwestgaffers.org.uk

Treasurer: Elspeth Macfarlane

treasurer@southwestgaffers.org.uk

Membership Secretary: Peter Crook

membeship@southwestgaffers.org.uk

Handicapping Officer: Peter Crook

admin@southwestgaffers.org.uk

Trophy Officer:

Mike Garlick

trophies@southwestgaffers.org.uk

Commodore:

Gil Hayward

commodore@southwestgaffers.org.uk

Auditor:

David Lovelock

auditor@southwestgaffers.org.uk

Regalia Sales:

Paul Jolley

regalia@southwestgaffers.org.uk

Dog Watch and Website Editor:

John Gallagher

editor@southwestgaffers.org.uk

Committee Members: Peter Crook,

David Bewick, Elspeth Macfarlane,

Pat Cassidy, John Gallagher, Alan

Miller-Williams, Gil Hayward and

Paul Jolley .

Cornwall Representative: Don Garman

SW Web page:

www.oga.org.uk/south-west

OGA Web Site: www.oga.org.uk

The Dog Watch

For the Sea Dogs of Devon and Cornwall

Issue 29 September 2017

Welcome

Much of this Dogwatch is devoted to the Sou’ b’ Sou’ West sail in company which proved a great success as you will see from the accounts here.

In total about 30 boats came along but numbers varied on the different legs of the journey to the Isles of Scilly . Over half were South West boats but boats of all sizes came from the East Coast, Solent and Holland from 18.75 to 43’ LOD. Ben Collins, of Solent Gaffers was the upstanding Admiral with charge of this fine fleet whipping in his charges with countless messages to boost the endeavour of all, using text and What’s App

After Yarmouth Weymouth was the next mustering point but as the fleet moved west-wards Brixham was the first South West stopover organised splendidly by Paul and Penny Jolley. Then the gathering fleet went on to Dartmouth and onward to Plymouth where we had organised the main festivities which involved pontoon partying, pub socials, eating and some drinking and racing.

The Sunday racing in the Sound enjoyed perfect conditions of a fresh wind and sunshine but it was somewhat thwarted by the race hut man going off with the keys, so there was no comfort, no VHF and no binoculars for the poor Race Officer and helpers. But with true SW grit they weathered it all and the miracle of the mobile allowed Periwinkle to relay VHF messages to the fleet. Prizegiving followed the evening meal which was then followed by celtic , folk, blue grass style music which proved a great hit. A local group, Lazy Divide played lively Irish jigs and reels as well as a variety other music which had everyone tapping and dancing wildly *

Then it was on to Fowey and Falmouth for more fine hospitality organised by Don Garman with some excellent last minute activities for stormbound crews before the final push.

The Scilly Islands were the final destination to which the fleet had strived to reach and despite the weather Gods trying to thwart all westward progress at almost every stage, some made it ! But read on to find what really happened.

This has been a busy season and more has happened as you will read from the reports of the Start Bay Rally, Ditttisham Rally, Dartmouth Regatta and the Plymouth Raid.

* Several folk asked for their contact details so it’s: Lazy Divide - Julie: 07979728133 or jacunn68@yahoo.co.uk and see them on www.facebook.com/LazyDivide/

The Next Event

Laying Up Lunch and AGM

Saturday 11th November 12.30 for 1pm

Royal Western Yacht Club, Plymouth

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Laying Up Lunch and AGM

David Bewick

SW Gaffers’ Laying-up lunch and AGM was held at the Royal Western Yacht Club in Plymouth on 11th November. A group of 35 members and their guests met for lunch and enjoyed seeing some old friends and acquaintances and one or two new faces as well.

After lunch, the “serious” business of the AGM took place. The Secretary reflected on another busy year for SW Gaffers. We had run another complete pro-gramme of events this year. The highlight for many had been the highly successful Sou’ by Sou’West cruise initiated by Ben Collins of Solent Gaffers that passed through several ports in our Area during the summer.

The Treasurer reported that our finances were in good shape. This year, there were several changes to the Area Committee. Peter Crook had decided to stand down as President but to stand for re-election for the committee. Alan Miller-Williams and Pat Cassidy had both decided to step down from the committee. Paul Jolley had been nominated to stand as President and was duly elected, as were the remainder of the old committee: i.e. Peter Crook, Elspeth Macfarlane, David Bewick, Gil Hayward and John Gallagher. David Patuck was elected onto the committee for the first time. The new President, Paul Jolley, thanked Peter, Alan and Pat for their service to SW Gaffers and awarded them small gifts as tokens of our appreciation for all their good work.

One of the “hot-topics” in OGA circles this year has been to do with the possible change of name of the organisation. The Northern Ireland Area had made the case that the “Old” in OGA was a barrier to the recruitment of younger members and that a name like the Gaff Rig Sailing Association might serve us better. There are pros and cons to the suggested name change but, on balance, those at the AGM were agreed that we should not change the name. The “Old” in OGA has never been a major issue in our Area as everything we do has been, and will continue to be, done as SW Gaffers.

We also had a good discussion about the OGA Youth Fund. This was established to help fund activities to attract new younger members but it has never had quite the impact that had been hoped for. Whilst we support the objective of the fund in general terms, there is some scepticism about whether we are likely to gain many new young members from it. The feeling of many members is that younger sailors are more likely to be attracted to modern high-performance

boats than gaffers, even though they might migrate to more traditional ones later in life. The issues of MCA coding and DBS (formerly CRB) checks are also seen by many as a barrier to sailing with children. We do know, however, that events such as the Dittisham small boat rally are attractive to families and perhaps they give us the best opportunities for engaging with the next generation of gaffers. We should not forget, either, that we do have a history of doing things with young people via established youth groups and we will continue to do this. One suggestion was that the OGA should consider having a crew-matching facility on its website for both young and older prospective crew members, alike.

We are looking forward to a full programme of events both on and off the water in 2018.

Recent Events

Paul Jolley our new president presenting Peter Crook our retiring president who will stay on the committee.

Alan Miller-Williams retiring from many years of service to SW Gaffers at the fine age of 90 and a bit.

Pat Cassidy also retired as our long standing Regalia Officer .

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Monday saw the fleet depart the pontoons to make way for the Fastnet yachts and most of the fleet headed for Fowey, where Harbinger had caught up.

A fairly hard beat with our new crew with too fresh a Scopalamine patch, was rewarded with wine in the cockpit and a meal aboard.

A further, but much pleasanter, beat to Falmouth, around the Dodman, followed. Sailing all the way, we were overtaken by Gwenili but by keeping closer in, out of the tide and waves, while she tacked out of sight but we came into Falmouth together.

Don Garman welcomed us to Falmouth Yacht haven and had organised a splendid group dinner at the Five Degrees, followed by shanties in the bar. With Wednes-day being forecast as a repeat of Saturday, with gales on Thursday, some of us enjoyed being taken by Don and Pauline on a trip to Butler’s yard at Penpol, near Devoran. Ashley and Holly had several daunting

projects on the go and this was a fascinating and sober-ing experience for those of us with plastic gaffers. An impromptu gathering at the “The Front”, at the opposite end to the, still closed “Chain Locker” on Custom House Quay, was not only dry, but you could barbecue your own food. Also it stocked, in addition to all of Skinners, a selection of unusual ales, including Scillonian, which some of us felt obliged to sample as it looked increasing-ly likely that we might not get there.

On Thursday, having tidied the boat, done the laundry, worked out, at last, how to make the Yacht Haven’s shore power work, we visited the Bosun’s Locker and re victualed. Julie returned from the flat minus Fiona, who decided she needed more rest. By 17:00, there were some gleams of sunshine and a promise that the wester-ly gale would ease. Less battered than most of the fleet, like Martin Goodrich on Gwenili, we decided to try for our objective, leaving our Solent friends to explore the Fal and Helford at their leisure. A harsh beat across to our mooring in the Helford and we just managed to per-suade Steve to fetch Fiona off from the ferry pontoon after his last run across the river at 9pm.

An early start on the Friday would mean a late arrival at St Mary’s but a long tack into Mounts Bay would make Newlyn a sensible plan B. We were surprised to see search lights and boat engines starting at 5 am, the local fishermen were up before us. By daylight, despite F 3-4 winds forecast, we were motor sailing towards Black Head. In the event, the wind rose and a very pleasant two tacks around the Lizard had us walking 1.5 “Cornish miles” to Mousehole for a pint before a very pleasant supper of really FRESH hake and chips aboard in New-lyn.

Another dawn start to catch the tidal push from 08:30 at the Runnel Stone was achieved in a glorious sunrise and showers with rainbow over Tater Du, on Saturday.

Susan J racing in the Sound photo: Steve Lorraine

Fiona and Julie in the cockpit, deed done! Photo: David Patuck

Gwenili rounding Dodman Point photo: David Patuck

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Fine reaching, we arrived exactly on time and by mid morning, had tacked past Wolf Rock and eagerly anticipated our first “overseas” land fall. By mid afternoon, having been surrounded for about 20 minutes by several schools of dolphins we were in sight of the low lying islands. We spent about three hours tacking to and fro off St Mary’s, which gave us plenty of time to identify Crow Sound and St Mary’s Sound. With the forecast still in the west we were tempted to head for the Cove between St Agnes and Ghu, where it transpired Gwenili already was. However, the crew’s perceived need for a shower meant Hugh Town or bust. We spent about an hour and a half motoring through the sound against the tide and nursing the alternator belt. We moored up to a visitors buoy, safe but rolling, blew up the dinghy and went ashore for showers but, apparently, we were too tired for the pub!

On Sunday we went ashore and played at being tourists. We took the first ferry to Trescoe and had a delightful day, walking around the whole island and we might have seen Jan Blank on legs in Old Grimsby, which, despite it’s NW aspect, looked a lot more comfortable than Hugh Town! A late tour of the gardens and we met some of Gwenili’s crew. She had anchored off the south tip of Trescoe to facilitate their visit and returned to Hugh Town later that evening, where they found us polishing off a late carvery at the Wolf and Bishop. They joined us and we persuaded the ladies to accommodate another five gaffers despite the late hour. A very convivial meal was enjoyed but with Fiona catching an early flight to Exeter in the morning, we adjourned to Susan J where we were serenaded by Gwenili into, what seemed like, the small hours!

We walked Fiona to the “airport” then walked back past Old harbour and Porthcressa, where we thought we would be less rolly and well placed for an early start the following day. It was clear, from Whats App, that the rest of the fleet had had enough windward beating and were seeing more of our stamping ground than we ever had!

Porthcressa was just as rolly, but we set off at dawn with

showers and a rising WNW wind. We arrived about two hours early for our tidal gate at the Lizard and had been pushed north so had to tack down wind before running around the Lizard into heavy rain squalls off Black head. A double tack took us east of the Manacles and back to the Helford - a run of 13 hours!

That was the end of our cruise and we never met Rik on Jan Blank who had come all the way from Holland. How-ever we did catch up briefly with Corncockle again and a week later were found by Patrick and Rose on Capraia. She was one of two Heard 28’s who had set off from Mil-ford Haven to join the Sou’ by South West cruise at the Scillies. They had both been storm bound on the N. Cornish coast but Capraia reached Newlyn and crossed to the Scillies on the day we ran all the way home and had spent a week in the islands, rather more than the rest of us. We enjoyed a day sail to Coverack for an ice cream before they sailed up to Truro for a crew change.

Our first five months have been exciting, stressful but im-mensely rewarding. Susan J has proved to be the sea

kindly, comfortable, handy boat we were looking for. As we anticipated, it is the boat who is looking after us rather than the other way around. Yes there have been a few problems with the boat but these are to be expected after 25 years and as we sort each one out, our confidence and satisfaction increases. We have really appreciated the op-portunity, to meet other gaffers and their boats, afforded by Ben, John and Don in our first season and have enjoyed meeting lots of other “gaffers”, now in the context of their boats. Without exception, they have been friendly, helpful and tolerant of our shortcomings. I am sure we are not the only boat that has achieved more this season than we would have done on our own.

Recently, Matt, with our daughter Rosie this time, returned aboard “Susan J”. They enjoyed a relatively stress free short cruise to Fowey and back, where every-thing worked and we had two rapid passages. Perhaps we are beginning to get the hang of “gaffering”!

Gwenili and Susan J crews in the Wolf &Bishop, St Marys

Photo: David Patuck

Capria and Susan J moored in a peaceful Coverack

photo: David Patuck

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Our Minx adventure

By Paul Jolley

The first of the fleet arrived somewhat wet and exhausted in Brixham on Monday 25th July having crossed Lyme Bay in one hit in fairly high winds and lumpy seas. I met the first arrivals and later checked the pontoon to ensure that boats were secure, while crews were ashore. The wind by the evening had gone around to the North and the crews had a fairly uncomfortable night.

The wind went to the West the next day and the sea flattened as the sun shone, Brixham was now looking at its best. Later in the afternoon boats that had come via Lyme Regis arrived having in many cases motored across a mirror like sea. In the evening crews were hosted at an early evening reception on board the sailing trawler Vigilance with the sea shanty group Miss’n Tackle providing the entertainment. Peter Crook, our area President welcomed crews and then the assembled company enjoyed a curry evening at Brixham Yacht Club. Thanks must go to the volunteers of Vigilance and Miss’n Tackle who generously provided their services at no cost and to BYC for laying on an excellent meal. The harbour staff were as usual extremely helpful and offered “bow sprits go free”

mooring on the Heritage Pontoon.

On the Wednesday Minx stayed in Brixham while the visiting boats set off for Dartmouth.

Minx slipped her mooring the next day with an initial plan to go to Salcombe. However, heading into a constant F4 and lumpy sea proved heavy going so we diverted to join the rest of the fleet in Dartmouth. And with the adverse weather the day was used for rest and recuperation with the fleet exploring the Dart and finding themselves in Dittisham where a party

brokeout on Hester .

Then in the early hours of Saturday, at 03.30 Minx set off to catch a favourable tide around Start Point heading for Plymouth followed by a steady procession of lights from some of the fleet. We reached Plymouth Yacht Haven after yet again sailing westwards into the wind and the sea, as was the story on most days as we headed further west. But we received a great welcome at Plymouth when we eventually arrived with a drinks reception in the Marina office followed by a meal at The Mountbatten Centre.

The Sunday proved a sunny day with decent wind for the fleet to race in the Sound but Minx was scuppered by the Pilot Boat chasing us off the planned route to let a ferry pass! Then it was good food and Celtic music that evening at the Mountbatten Centre.

Minx left Mountbatten Breakwater at 10.30 into yet again a SW F4/5 wind with the inshore forecast warning of gales later. At 18.25 Minx moored up with the fleet in Fowey

The next morning at 07.30 Minx headed for Falmouth and again head on into strong westerly winds and seas. Quite a challenging passage saw us pass St. Anthony’s Head at 13.00 arriving safely and we moored up in Falmouth Yacht Haven at 14.00. Our log records a shipping forecast of S/SW 5-7 occasionally gale 8, moderate to rough seas with some rain showers and it’s 2nd August.

Two days for crew and Minx to dry out, top up fuel and water, re-victual and other domestic jobs including a trip to a laundrette! In Falmouth Don Garman ensured that we were entertained at a local restaurant with a sea shanty set and the following day some of us visited Ashley Butlers yard at Devoran where several wooden classic boats are being cared for.

A party aboard Hester at Dittisham photo Ben Collins

Reception aboard Vigilance photo Ben Collins

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Minx headed a little further west to Helford again F4/5 on the nose with a slight to moderate sea running. Mooring at 18.30 we were greeted by Ian the Berthing Master and allocated a mooring opposite the Yacht Club with other boats of our fleet not too far away. At this point we decided not to proceed further west around the Lizard as we did not just want a “run and back” visit to the Scillies and looking at the weather forecast that was what we felt was only on offer. As always, the Helford was beautiful and we spent part of our first day there taking the tender up river in the morning and in the afternoon, we took the tender over to Port Navas to support their “fun” regatta. Our second day coincided with the Falmouth Regatta start with the first race boats being entertained at Helford Yacht Club. Three of the fleet crews took advantage of the lively (and late!) evening at HYC with one crew forgetting that the tide goes out and an interesting exercise in getting a dingy afloat in mud followed!

It was then time for Minx to head East and with another two of the boats we decided to try a new port and head for Mevagissey. We were suddenly heading east with SW 3/4 and slight seas with just occasional rain. An early start to make best possible use of the tidal stream saw us moored up in Mevagissey at 10.00 for a run ashore and late breakfast. By midday the oth-er two boats arrived so we all got together for a meal and a jolly in a local pub that evening.

The next day Minx set sail for Fowey in fair conditions arriving at 14.30 and after taking on water took a mooring on the Polruan side staying there for two nights and exploring the that side of the river. Taking the cans in the tender for fuel at Tom’s Boat Yard we found that they now have new showers and a laundry which we will bear in mind for future adventures.

Then Minx left Fowey and headed for the River Yealm in ideal conditions N/NW 4/5 arriving there at 13.00 followed by an early evening walk to sample the pubs at Noss Mayo.

It was then onto Salcombe mooring in the Bag at 13.00 and not fancying the scrum of Salcombe town we stayed for a very pleasant evening on board.

It was now Saturday 12th August and with W/NW 4/5 forecast Minx departed Salcombe Bar at 08.15 to pick up the tidal stream for Start Point. In brilliant conditions. We had a fantastic days sailing for our last day of our Sou’ b’ Sou’ West adventure highlighted by Penny achieving a SOG of 7.6knts over the Skerries Bank. Early evening saw us moored back in Brixham after sixteen days away.

Altogether it was a terrific experience in many ways with much to be learnt from sailing in company with likeminded crews talking boats and sharing experiences and of course giving help when needed. For the passages westward crews at times dealt with some fairly strong winds and seas and I think all those taking part learnt a variety of things over the duration of the event. The social side of the cruise was excel-lent varying from the organised main events to the chatty informal evenings with two or three crews get-ting together.

Moored up in Mevagissey photo: Paul Jolley

Minx racing in the Sound photo: David Patuck

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The fleet arrives in Falmouth

By Don Garman

South West Gaffers Cornwall representative

Eleven gaffers arrived in Falmouth Haven during Tuesday August 1st following a reasonably pleasant sail from Fowey in comparison to their previous day’s experience. The fleet received a warm welcome from the Haven Staff. Thirty-two skippers and crew plus a few local gaff enthusiasts gathered for a convivial meal in the Five Degrees West. Having studied the weather forecast for the next few days Ben Collins sadly announced the formal end of the cruise.

Dinner was followed by shanty singing by Falmouth Shout with several OGA members, including Ben Collins, adding their voice to the group.

Wednesday was both wet and windy with poor visibility not conducive to sailing! Some skippers were ferried to Sail Tech, the sail makers, A2 Rigging and Sea-ware for repairs and replacement parts in the morning. The local businesses came up trumps and provided an excellent service – rigging done whilst skipper waited and sail returned the following morning. Some crew meanwhile visited the National Maritime Museum to view the Captain Bligh and Tatoo exhibitions.

A minibus and cars arrived on North Quay in the afternoon to transport folk to Penpol Boatyard, where Holly and Ashley of Butler and Co provided a guided tour around the collection of Dalymore, Butler and Fairlie boats in for repair and storage. In the evening, the fish and chips of Harbour Lights and the beer in the ‘The Front’ were much enjoyed.

A slight improvement in the weather by Thursday evening saw Gwenili leave for Scilly later to be followed by Susan J.

The remainder of the fleet explored the Fal and Helford later before returning east.

Owners of Penpol Boatyard, Holy and Ashley Butler

Photo Don Garman

Dalymore, Butler and Fairlie boats being restored at Penpol Yard

Photo Don Garman

Admiral Ben in fine voice photo Don Garman

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Start Bay Rally and Race 2017 30th June—2nd July

By David Bewick

This event started as usual on Friday evening with a gathering in Dartmouth Yacht Club. Our Race Officer for the following day, Roger Jobson, held a briefing and told the crews which course he expected to use, given the weather forecast for Saturday. After a tasty supper, the crews settled down to the entertainment that Paul Jolley had organised in the form of the local sea shanty band, The Naughty Buoys. They played a variety of suitable salty music with a bit of humour thrown in for good measure. There were a couple of surprises, too. The first was when the unmistakeable lilt of the bagpipes was heard coming from somewhere deep in the bowels of the building. This got gradually louder until the piper (Peter Gregson of Wooden Ships Yacht Brokers) emerged from the kitchen playing the Skye Boat Song, with gusto. Then, later in the set, Penny Jolley jumped up and treated us all to an enthusiastic demonstration of the Sailor’s Hornpipe as the band ripped into “What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor?”.

Saturday dawned warm and sunny as the forecast had suggested. However, the wind clearly had no intention of aligning itself with the forecast. When the fleet left the river, they found the light wind coming from the south rather than the expected NW. The Race Officer quickly had to re-think the course and he gave us a start line off the Homestone buoy with a first beat out to RDYC 4. Mischief and Mary Hay both got good starts into the faltering breeze but the whole fleet was soon left wallowing. After a while, the wind gradually built from pretty much the direction that had originally been

forecast. This picked up the boats at the back of the fleet first and all the boats were brought quite close together, briefly, before the wind settled down and normal order was restored. The final two legs of the shortened course were sailed in a brisk F4 and, by the end, I think everyone felt they had had a good sail.

After racing, the crews assembled for a well-earned supper and the prize giving in the Royal Dart Yacht Club.

Line honours and first in Class III went to Mary Hay (Gil and Carolyn Hayward), first in Class I was Aeolus (Steve and Carol Lorraine) also best repro. boat and longest travelled. First in Class II was Periwinkle (John Gallagher and Geoff Gould).

Other Recent Events

View from Minx; far RT Mischief , Mid Periwinkle, far LF, Dido of London, intruder Squib nearer Rt. Photo: Elspeth Macfarlane

Above: Gil receiving his Commodore’s flag and prize.

Adjacent:

Steve and Carol with their armfuls of prizes.

Photos:

Elspeth Macfarlane

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River Dart Rally 2018

4th—6th August

By Peter Crook

Once again Gil and Carolyn Hayward had not only organised an enjoyable programme for the weekend of 4th – 6th July but in addition ensured that we should have good weather!

Although cruising boats attend the Rally (including this year the recently restored 6-metre Muriel) it is particularly attractive to trailer-sailors who come from far and wide to join members of South West Gaf-fers. Most of these arrived on the Friday and set up camp on The Ham, a grassy space overlooking the riv-er, or the adjoining car park. This sort of thing is usu-ally forbidden but we had been able to get a spe-cial dispensation for our event. We were pleased that some of the participants in the South by South West Cruise had stopped off in the river and were able to join us.

The weekend’s festivities began on Friday evening when Gil and Carolyn hosted a reception in their garden which had a fine view of the river. They had also allowed one of the crews who had arrived a day early to camp in their garden on Thursday night.

Saturday was the day of the race preceded by a Parade of Sail to show those enjoying Ditsum Regatta what a fine spectacle gaff-rigged craft make.

Saturday’s race was organised by Dittisham Sailing Club who set a triangular course of four laps in a good breeze. Most of the 16 starters completed all four laps but for those that didn’t their average lap times were used to calculate their results. A problem threatened when a motor cruiser stopped close to one of the

marks but it retreated in fright when one of the com-petitors told him to move in a loud authoritative voice!

As expected Mary Hay (Gil and Carolyn Hayward) took line honours and was first in her class (over 20ft LOD) but was beaten in the overall ranking by a Mayflower dinghy sailed by Joe Wellerd, an instructor at the local sailing school who came first in the under 20ft class. Second in that class was another Mayflower sailed by Benjamin Lintell, another instructor from the sailing school. Second in the over 20ft class was Nick Ward and his crew in his Folkboat Swift - a South by South West Cruise participant.

Last year we had arranged for Il Vulcano to provide pizzas from their van on Saturday evening and this was so popular we did the same this year, gathering in the club room at Dittisham Sailing Club for the trophy presentation and supper. The pizzas were augmented by salad and delicious puddings provided by Carolyn.

Sunday was another sunny day with a good breeze and after a hearty breakfast at the Red Lion Inn we set off upriver for a tasty cream tea at the River Shack in Stoke Gabriel before returning to Dittisham for most of the trailer-sailors to load their boats onto their trail-ers and wend their way home full of expressions of how much they’d enjoyed the weekend and promising to return next year.

Many thanks must go to Gil and Carolyn for not only organising the event but also providing much of the nourishment we received, to Dittisham Sailing Club for organising the race and the use of their club’s facilities and to the Parish Council for letting us park camper vans on the car park and pitch tents on The Ham.

A fine reach upriver Photo: Elspeth Macfarlane

Il Volcano feast in the Dittisham YC photo: Elspeth Macfarlane

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The English Raid 2017 14th – 18th August

By Gil Hayward

Mary Hay, a Kite Class Gaff Sloop/Trailer Sailer has now taken part in the three English Raids which have been held in our Area. There have been 5 other Raids held in the Solent (2), East Coast, Norfolk Broads and perhaps surprisingly, Scotland.

“The objective of ‘The English Raid’ is to encourage recreational coastal voyaging in attractive locations using only sail and oar, to encourage the use of traditional boats which are well suited to the objective and the development of new boats which are able to carry on the sail and oar tradition.” (see www.raidengland.org)

There is a similar format each year and this year the Raid was based at the Mount Batten Sailing Centre in Plymouth. Whilst the centre was running sailing, diving and canoeing courses during our stay, the Raid had booked all the overnight accommodation. Campervans could be parked at the centre, which also provided park-ing for cars and trailers. The boats were moored up to 4 deep on their pontoon. Launching and recovery of the boats took place on the two adjacent slipways.

The English Raid is a non-profit making operation and whilst the charge on first sight look high it really is all inclusive, covering relevant charts, mooring fees, car/trailer parking, four packed lunches and suppers. A support boat is on hand to ferry people ashore etc. The overnight accommodation for four nights includes a cooked breakfast. It really is a case of just turning up with your boat and joining in the fun.

A total of 18 boats entered this Raid ranging from a 28’ New Bedford Whaleboat to a sailing canoe. There were 7 Swallow Boats, 2 Kites, Michael Costen’s Memory, a Drascombe Coaster and various one off small cruisers and dinghies. There was even a windsurfer as Graeme Ratten’s usual boat Mavis (a Whitby double ender) had sunk in Torquay harbour during a circumnavigation of the UK! A Winklebrig didn’t make it when she shed a trailer wheel on the way down the M6 from North Wales. However, Nigel & Jane arrived without boat and sailed on various Raid boats over the three days.

Awaiting the start of the race photo: Gil Hayward

‘Eureka’ Shearwater Evolution Sailing Canoe

Photo: Gil Hayward

‘Molly’ and the Henley Whalers photo: Gil Hayward

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This was the second Raid based in Plymouth, the first one in September 2015 had fairly strong easterly winds, which resulted in the itinerary having to be changed, so this was Plymouth Version 2.

This year found the fleet sailing on the Tuesday to Cawsand/Kingsand for lunch returning to the Mountbatten Centre late afternoon. The course set enabled an informal race there and back, taken seriously by some. However, the organisers state the main object of the races is to ensure everyone turns up at the chosen destination more or less on time! Some days you just timed yourself, so all very informal. The Handicapping is equally informal. A Kite is rated as a slightly stretched Hawk 20! The overall winner was a Swallow Searaider 23 ‘Craic’.

With strong southerly winds on Wednesday, the fleet went up the River Lynher as far as St Germans. The neap tides proved a challenge with most boats touching the bottom several times before returning for a lunch stop in Dandy Hole, a convenient deep water mooring. The wind further increased in the afternoon requiring a 2nd reef in Mary Hay. The wind seemed particularly gusty where the Lynher joined the Tamar. Tacking back past the Naval Dockyards was hard work, especial-ly as the Police Boats ensured you kept well away from the nuclear submarines. Then there were the ferries to negotiate…..

On Thursday the fleet sailed up the Tamar beyond Weir Quay. But most turned back when the river became narrow, picking up a buoy off Cargreen for lunch. The support boat had to tow back one of the Bay Raiders, when she suffered a problem with her tabernacle and had to lower her mast.

The various suppers attracted 45 crew and were held at the Mountbatten Centre, Royal Plymouth Corinthian YC, Clovelly Bay Inn, Turnchapel and Royal WesternYC. The food and service at Clovelly Bay Inn was excellent and voted best venue despite everyone getting soaked on the 15 minute walk there. Given the August experienced in the West Country, it was amazing this was the only rain during the Raid event with the Raiders enjoying a good sailing wind each day.

There is talk that next year’s event may be linked to the OGA 55th Celebrations in Cowes but I suggest you monitor their website for the final decision regarding the 2018 Raid. In any event Mary Hay hopes to be there.

Through the Bridges to Cawsand photo: Gil Hayward

Support boat and crew photo: Gil Hayward

Off St Germans photo: Gil Hayward

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Dartmouth Regatta 2017

6th—27th August

By Gil Hayward

There were problems last year during the Regatta and the hope was that all would be well this year. But it feels a bit like one step forwards and two steps back. Let’s start with the positive. Dartmouth Regatta have realised that gaffers like a course well away from the fast cruisers and Squibs, with a windward start but not long windward/leeward legs.

It couldn’t be helped, but the high pressure and glorious weather over the Bank Holiday weekend meant that all racing was cancelled on Saturday for lack of wind. The previous day had resulted in a two hour postponement before the racing could start, and then only one race was held rather than the usual two. So, when Sunday dawned bright and windless, many must have thought a further postponement was likely. This seemed the likely explanation why the five gaffers that had turned out on Saturday had reduced to two at the scheduled time for the Sunday start. However, the race organisers were keen to make up for the previous couple of days whilst the sea breeze lasted, and the race started on time.

Mary Hay and Vagrant Gypsy’ found they could just make the first mark ‘Homestone’ without tacking. Halfway down this leg Muriel and Spirit of Callisto turned up asking when the race was going to start! Spirit of Callisto lost heart, took down her racing burgee and was last seen sailing down towards Start Point. Muriel, looking magnificent after her refit, completed the course. Sadly it didn’t count as the race officials

decreed she had not started within the four minute time limit !

However, there was still the second race (which had been carried over from Saturday). This was the chance for her to show what a 6 metre could do! She started off well just off Mary Hay’s quarter and with her topsail drawing well soon passed her, pointing slightly higher. A longer course had been set for the second race up to RDYC 4 from the Homestone buoy before returning to Homestone and the finish line.

The race officer was asked to repeat the course several times and on one occasion erroneously did mention RDYC 1 although this was rapidly challenged. Unfortunately, this was the course Muriel followed and after Homestone she set off for RDYC 1. But when Vagrant Gypsy and Mary Hay were seen on course for RDYC 4 she altered course and soon caught Vagrant Gypsy before rounding Homestone for the second time but at this point Mary Hay just crossed the finishing line. Vagrant Gypsy sailed by Jayne Rawlins and her

friend, Rosemary managed to hold on to 2nd place over-all on handicap. It had been a great sail in almost per-fect conditions.

Muriel was formerly owned by Jonathan Heighway’s father having been in the family for years. She has now been completely refurbished and just relaunched by Jonathan. The new Muriel , with a new hollow mast, is clearly a very fast gaffer to watch. It is possible she may even have new sails next year.

Can we find some more gaffers to join her?

Dartmouth Regatta will be held from Thursday 30th August until Sunday 2nd September 2018.

Muriel powering along at the Regatta photo: Gil Hayward

Gil and Carolyn receiving the prize photo: Dart Regatta

13

Mayblossom

Mayblossom is a John Leather designed gaff cutter built by Patten Brothers in Althorne, Essex in 1973. The designs and plans for Mayblossom feature in John Leather’s book, Wooden Boat Building.

LOD 20ft LOA 23ft T(H)CF: 0.862

She was previously owned by Paul and Penny Jolley and sold to her present owners couple of years ago. Sadly her present owner has had a serious incapacitating injury and his wife is keen to sell the boat to a good home.

The boat is in good condition overall although cosmetically she is not as smart as she used to be and is thus for sale at £2,700 which is a bargain for a boat of her pedigree with OGA 86 as her number.

If any members are interested please get in touch with Paul to discuss the vessel and he will put them in touch with the vendor. Paul Jolley pljolley@btinternet.com

Remember !

Laying Up Lunch and AGM 12.30 for 13.00

Royal Western Y.C., Plymouth

Saturday 11th November

It’s a social, a chance to yarn and chat then sort out your Sw Gaffers future events

and say what you want to see happen. Big changes may be happening !

So come and have your say

Boats for Sale

SOUTH WEST GAFFERS CLOTHING

Tee shirts, polo shirts and rugby shirts in your choice of virtually any colour.

Surely the must have for properly dressed gaffers.

Please contact Paul Jolley to discuss and he can advise and order for you.

A selection will be modelled at the Laying Up Lunch.