Plymouth Festival of Sail and the Southwest Gaffers annual race

After a pleasant sail up form Helford Passage and overnight stay at Cawsands.

We joined the other 19 gaffers, varying form 14 to 29 foot over deck. As we were almost last, we had to perform a multipoint turn in front of the assembled gaffers.  By the end of the event we had accomplished this on three occasions, with "no loss of paint"!

 We had a splendid view of "Tom Tit" from our cockpit, an engineless Itchen Ferry, Mike and Sue have now based her at Weir Quay, she was built in 1894 and the oldest attendee.

"Mary Ritchie" and her skipper Don

 The afternoon was spent catching up with other crews some new to the SW OGA.  A very pleasant meal at the Chandler's restaurant was eaten 'al fresco'.  New T shirts and sweat shirts were acquired and details of the race given out.

There had been speculation that there would be too little wind but, in the end, the sea breezes filled in and there was perfect weather and wind for the course inside the breakwater.   The planned start of 12:00 had had to be delayed to allow a coaster to enter the Cattewater and dock.   The now familiar running start, with a shorter, 15 minute, window to cross the line, proved satisfactory for most, in as much as every one started!  Unfortunately the course was shortened to one of, the intended, three laps for a variety of unclear reasons!

"Susan J"'s crew smiling after the start!

 .                                                                                                       ..and here's why!

 "Mary Ritchie"- another Helford boat - and the one to beat!

 "Roxanne" the other Heard 28in our class and based in Plymouth.

 Susan J"'s owners relaxing as the crew takes photos!

 Paul J, our Area President's "Minx" a replica Morecambe Bay prawner, based in Brixham and Chris's "Ester" - an Oysterman 22 another Plymouth boat.

 "Periwinkle" John G's Tamarisk 23, also based at Weir Quay

"Susan J" managed to come third in class, behind "Mary Ritchie", again and retains the Tyrone Trophy for another year!

The second day was another scorcher with lighter wind.  Most of the fleet sailed to Saltash, undertaking an enjoyable quiz, set by Paul and Penny, en route. Having enjoyed a pasty and pint at the hospitable Saltash SC our departure and that of "Roxanne" was delayed by Julie exploring the hinterland for ice cream, with other crew!

Here is Tim P sailing "May Blossom" - she is almost 100 years old - single handed back to Helford, to avoid the forecast south westerly but missing the pasties!

"Susan J" taking a photo call form Lil, who sadly left us to return to London.

Back at QAB for the final ihe informal pontoon party, aboard "Perrywinkle", we then had a brisk walk to the Barbican and a very good if rather 'hot' meal at the B Bar.  "Susan J"'s crew, retired fairly early, exhausted, after what had been a very enjoyable event and a prelude to another few days exploring Lyme Bay.