Cowes youngsters Keiron Paddock, ten, left, and Daniel Pearson, nine, enjoy fun at the Old Gaffers’ Festival with The Theatre of Lemmings’ Mandy Medlicott and Patrick Toms. Picture by Robin Crossley.
PICTURE GALLERY/VIDEO
NOW IN its 13th year, the Old Gaffers’ Festival is more popular than ever.
The crowds descended on Yarmouth over the weekend to enjoy the sun, soak up the atmosphere and admire the gaff-rigged yachts in the harbour.
There were more than 100 of the beautiful boats on display following the Old Gaffers’ Race on Saturday morning, as well as historic vessels including HMS Victory’s 1805 Cutter and the Royal Naval Museum’s Steam Pinnace 199.
Quadraplegic sailor Geoff Holt, who famously sailed solo around Britain, opened the festival, which also included the Little Gaffers’ Race for Optimists and Scows, the Queen’s Jubilee Race, staged by the Royal Solent Yacht Club, and races for Yarmouth Y One and X One design yachts.
Onshore entertainment included street performers and live music, with everything from jazz and rockabilly to choral singing and sea shanties, plus market stalls, a flower festival, fairground rides, story telling, vintage and classic vehicles and a craft fair.
Bernard Turner, of the festival committee, said he was pleased so many boats had taken part in the Old Gaffers’ Race, after three years with no wind at all, and praised the musicians and street performers for putting on a great show.
But he said the festival might have to be scaled back next year, following the Isle of Wight Council’s withdrawal of £5,000 in funding.
“Everyone has had a lot of fun and, from the committee’s point of view, it has been a great success,” he said.
“The whole thing is slightly tinged because of the funding issue but we are staying positive about next year.
“The festival is as brilliant as ever, and everywhere you look there are smiles on faces.”
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk
• Pictures from our online gallery www.iwcpgallery.co.uk below.
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Old Gaffers' Festival.
Video by Christian Beasley.
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