A contingent of East Coast Gaffers trailed their boats to Rutland Water over the Bank Holiday weekend, 29 – 31 August 2026, to take part in the National Small Boat Rally incorporating the 3rd Annual Gaffling Championships. The event attracted OGA Members from around the country with representatives from the North West, North East, Bristol Channel and the South West.
Saturday saw the crews taking part in the Consistency Challenge – the challenge being not so much the ‘rules’, but coping with the atrocious wet weather. We’re not sure, but we believe the Consistency Challenge was a first for the OGA and, judging by its success, it won’t be the last time it takes place. For those who are unsure as to how it works, you’ll have to attend next year’s outing. Suffice to say, it does not rely on handicap and from an argumentative standpoint that can’t be bad! Eleven boats set out, but only four successfully completed the Challenge. Pete and Clare Thomas came first in their barge boat ‘Seabird’, Daniel and Amy Stoker came second in one of the Gafflings and Peter Taylor came third in his Morbic 12 ‘Aura’.
Monday was breezy. Though only six boats took part, all were reefed down. Three boats retired, but the remaining three – all Gafflings – battled it out over a challenging course. Alasdair Simpson and Jeremy Lambert, representing the North West Area and sailing ‘Jabberwocky’, built by local school students came third, Daniel Stoker and Nick Phillips came second in ‘The Shrimp’ with Pete Elliston and Sarah Adie taking first place with ‘Linling’.
16 boats and 26 people attended the event. Feedback was unanimously positive, which from the organisers’ perspective was a relief! A big ‘thank you’ is in order, not only to those who helped in making the event a success, but also to everyone who came along and took part. Looking ahead and whilst it is still to be confirmed, such was the overall success of the weekend, the next National Rally incorporating the 4th Gaffling Championships will be taking place at Rutland Water over the Bank Holiday weekend 2027. Put the date in your diary to arrive Friday 27 August and leave Tuesday 31 August 2027!
We are already in conversation with Rutland Sailing Club about a possible merger with one of their traditional boat events, which would see a doubling of boat attendance. Also 2027 is the 30th anniversary of the inaugural OGA Trailer Section/Small Boats Section which took place on Derwentwater in the Lake District in 1997. We’re looking forward to the 2027 event already and hope to see many members and non-members at Rutland Water.
Report: Mike Dixon, OGA Small Boats Secretary
We’ve always fancied going to Rutland Water and the five hour trek from Somerset was well worth it. The reservoir is a superb area to sail in and the weather was bright and cheery with exciting sailing conditions. We chickened out on the Saturday as torrential rain was forecast and headed to Burghley House instead. Gafferteering went ahead on Monday despite lively conditions though we found it a bit too lively and opted for a walk around the lake to the iconic Normanton Church.
On the Sunday we joined in the Gaffling Championships
As the sole representatives from the South West/Bristol Channel Area we would also like to express our thanks to Mike for organising the excellent weekend. I’m now doing my best to spread the word for next year. I mean – how often does one get the chance to compete in a world championship? Thanks to Mike for organising the weekend, it was a lovely three day break with sunshine, sailing and superb company. We definitely plan to see you all again next year!
Words: Robert and Elaine Green, ‘Skylark’, Morbic 12, Somerset
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