Old Gaffers Festival

For the twelfth consecutive year the ancient village of Yarmouth was transformed into a weekend hotspot as Islanders deserted the main towns of Newport and Ryde and descended upon the West Wight to join in with the Old Gaffers festivities.

The entertainment menu for this free street festival included various live music acts, a continental market, visiting vintage and classic vehicles, a flower festival in St James' Parish Church, lifeboat demonstration, local farmers' market and various street acts.

On the water spectacular classic gaff-rigged boats filled the harbour and visitors were able to witness exciting races within sight of the shore including the Old Gaffers race on Saturday and Queen's Jubilee Race hosted by the Royal Solent Yacht Club on Sunday morning.

Illustrious yachtsman Sir Robin set the sails in motion

A total of 123 boats attended the three-day event, which was officially declared open at midday on Friday 30 May by Sir Robin Knox-Johnson. As one of Britain's most outstanding sailors, Sir Robin was the ideal choice to launch this year's event - the theme for which was 'All things Maritime.' Sir Robin, who is famed for circumnavigating the world single-handedly, entered Yarmouth harbour on a gaff yawl named 'Iseult' on a calm yet sultry lunchtime.

To the relief of many the weather stayed dry throughout the three-days but unfortunately conditions hampered the weekend's racing, as wind power was in short supply on both days. Seventy-two boats went out on Saturday morning for the Old Gaffers race, with the overall winner being Ian MacGillivray in a boat named 'Blue Gansey.' Most competitors retired early. Thirty-two boats entered the Queen's Jubilee Race on Sunday but unfortunately once again there was no wind and therefore no finishers. Races also took place for X and Y class yachts; Bermudan rigged, Scow and Optimist dinghies.

Sailors' spirits were raised in the evenings as they raised a glass or two in the beer tent and danced to popular bands in the then ticketed marquees. During the day non-stop entertainment was enjoyed by thousands for free and featured a very diverse line-up including steel bands, shanty singing, traditional jazz, easy listening tunes, acoustic rhythm, a male voice choir, carnival, Caribbean and rock music.

Plenty to see and do both afloat and ashore

The very well attended event spread itself around the town, quayside, harbour and the green. As usual, the gaff rigged vessels in the harbour made for a truly spectacular sight. In addition to the gaff-rigged boats 'Victory's Cutter,' the 'Cutty Sark jolly boat,' and steam pinnace '199' were also present in Yarmouth throughout the course of the weekend.

Gaff riggers are associated with early sailing history. Since the times of King Charles I, yachts and many fishing boats favoured the gaff rig, where the mainsail has a spar at the top (the gaff, hence gaffer), and at the bottom, (the boom). Back in 1958 three Gaffer skippers organised their own race in the Solent and did so each year with increasing numbers of entrants, until 1963 when another race was started on the east coast with equal success. The two groups combined to form the Old Gaffers Association which now boasts over 1,400 members in the UK.

A park and ride service operated from Bouldnor to take people into Yarmouth during the busy weekend. Once in the vicinity of the village visitors were able to marvel over the vintage vessels in the sea whilst enjoying local arts and crafts, sampling fresh cuisine in the town whilst witnessing a fascinating display of vehicles by members of the Vectis Historic Vehicle Club on the village green. There was also plenty to keep the younger generation occupied - including street entertainers, funfair and circus workshop organised by Ryde Extreme Performers.

The Old Gaffers Festival is organised annually by a volunteer group of Islanders who reply on sponsorship from a large number of sources including Isle of Wight Council, West Island Group, Wightlink and Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners.

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