Thanks go to Charlie for his report from a weekend aboard the historic wherry ‘Albion’, sailing in company with OGA dinghies, 6 – 7 September 2025.
The Old Gaffers weekend on the Norfolk Broads was a great first event for us to meet some great people and stylish boats. From the very first pint of ale to the final sail home, it was packed with good food, good company and some very enjoyable sailing. Things kicked off on Friday night with a warm welcome aboard the Norfolk Wherry ‘Albion’, a pint of Albion ale fittingly enjoyed on her deck and a great home cooked chilli-con-carne served in a rather wherry looking shaped tortilla bowl.
Saturday morning saw the small boats sailing upwind and uptide towards the Black Mill. The wind was fair, which meant some typical tacking up the Broads, close to the reeds, and in the reeds at some points! It was great to see all the Gaffs in full sail in the sun. Gybeing round we set off downwind to South Walsham for lunch. Of course, ‘Albion’ had to provide some mischief on the way. At one point she somehow came storming past us at full speed during a long lull in the wind, her sails drawing beautifully. I couldn’t help but shout “Where’s the wind?” The answer came soon enough when the tender appeared at her stern, engine running, with Carl shouting back: “I am the wind!”
By lunchtime we were rafted up around ‘Albion’ in South Walsham Broad. We tucked into my fresh homemade bread, which earned plenty of compliments. The breeze picked up and sent us on a lively sail home. The river was busy with day cruisers, so it became a bit of a game weaving between them, enough to keep us sharp, but all part of the fun.
Sunday brought more wind and a different kind of sailing. With reefs tucked into the Wherry’s sail, she powered downwind towards Ranworth in style. The stronger breeze made for a faster ride, and I even had the chance to take the helm. Taking the helm was a real treat, amazing to feel the Wherry respond as she moved along. On the way back, Dad provided the final smile and photo opportunity of the weekend. While we were carefully handling the Wherry, he came chugging past us with a grin, powered by the little Seagull motor strapped to the back of his recently acquired smacks boat. Sometimes it seems horsepower, no matter how small, has its advantages.
By the time we tied up, what stuck with me most was how much fun gaff-rigged boats really are. They’ve got their quirks, but that was the joy of the weekend. It was great to sail ‘Albion’ and meet lots of passionate and lovely sailors on a great sailing weekend on the Broads. Thanks Martin, Shona, everyone who helped organise, and everyone who attended to put together such a lovely weekend of sailing.
Words: Charlie, Howard (and Flora the dog)
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