In this report we hear from Tim who trailed his boat on a 500 miles round trip to join the Gaffers at Walton Backwaters for his third Swallows & Amazons event.
Towing my little 12 foot gaff rigged catboat, ‘Inisheen’, down from her home in Windermere, Cumbria to Walton and Frinton YC in Essex is like going on holiday to another country. The sun shines and the wind blows steadily. The Club has excellent facilities in a modern building surrounded by small boatyards and a tiny marina. ‘Nancy Blackett’ also joined us to underline the Arthur Ransome connections of the occasion. ‘Inisheen’ was built in 1984 by David Moss Boatbuilders, Skippool Creek to an Andrew Wolstenholme design and she’s still going strong.
Often sailing clubs describe themselves as friendly but the W&F YC has proved to be a genuine friend to members of the OGA small boats who have arrived in late June for over 25 years. A neighbouring house has also provided use of their sheltered, private garden for camping and BBQs. The creek to the Club is entirely tidal, like so many east coast clubs, but by hiring pontoon space in the all-tide Twizzle from Titchmarsh Marina we can sail anytime.
The event this year started with launching on Thursday evening or on Friday morning followed by a sail into Hamford Water against the growing ebb then a picnic at Stone Point. After that the little trail-able gaffers set off in settled conditions towards Harwich down the Pye Channel some reaching the breakwater at Dovercourt. Excellent open water sailing with support boats just in case. Saturday’s race started very quietly but filled in nicely on a shortened course, so on Sunday ‘Round the Island’ was attempted again but in livelier conditions, to be shortened again due to too much wind this time. Instead folk had a bash up and down Walton Channel escorted by the Grey Rib and Yellow Peril support boats.
Socially it is all things to all folks, quiet for some and buzzing for others, as you like it. Prize giving was joyous, starting with the arrival of Ian Young, disturbing the peace in a most satisfying way in a Morgan three-wheeler before distributing trophies for the wide variety of boats and sailing types. All you need for this event is your little gaffer and few bob to enjoy a real activity holiday of sun, sea and sailing with the like-minded. If you don’t have one of your own, there’s always the option of crewing with another member or hiring a Gaffling 4.1 for the weekend.
This has been my third time towing about 500 miles and I will do 500 again next year. My enjoyment of the event has infected a fellow boater from the North who has attended the event twice now and has the trophies to prove it. This year I understand applications maxed out. Another small gaffer friend couldn’t get a place. Look out for the notifications and book early for 2027!
Words: Tim Fenner
Ian Young is a well established OGA East Coast member who has supported the EC and National Gaffling Championships by lending and now donating his Gaffling ‘Shrimp’ for the greater good of the OGA. EC Area Secretary, Pete Elliston
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