At the Association AGM in Harwich on 31 January, 2026, OGA President Mike Beckett presented awards for the Photography Competition, 2025 and Association Trophies. Several East Coast Gaffers were among the recipients and we congratulate them on their achievements. The Photography Competition was judged by Charles Erb who provided an excellent summary of his reasons for selecting the winning photographs from those submitted. Nearly 80 photos were submitted into the two categories.
PHOTO COMPETITION CATEGORY: LIFE AT SEA
Highly Commended: Magic a-round by Rik Janssen
“Atmospheric shot that captures the amazing weather when heavy summer rain passes through. The perfect rainbow and its reflection are well captured.”
Highly Commended: Champagne sailing by Gerard Brown
“Lovely light, well captured. A small boat, a breeze and a broad reach. What more could one want!”
Category winner: After-lunch rest by Alasdair Mackenzie
“I kept coming back to this image of a small boat being gently pushed onto the mud of the Alde. This selfie is so well captured: the pleasure is clear on the faces of both crew, two blokes perfectly relaxed on the river; the position of the horizon; the contrast between blue sky and river waters; the details of the kit on the boat. This image conveys a sense of adventure and exploration.
PHOTO COMPETITION CATEGORY: THE BOATS
Third place: Unloading seaweed by Edgar Wagemakers
“Most of the boats we sail are at least based on working boats of the past. This image captures a boat in the role for which it was designed. There are many details of the boat which draw eye – this shoal draught boat is drying out on the beach, ready for the seaweed to be unloaded and burned, the ash from those fires was historically important in local industry. The boat, an important part of the economy, and that practice still celebrated. What brings this photo to life is the interaction between the crew, creating the look of a documentary but this image could also be from centuries past.
Second place: Glacier anchorage by Claudia Myatt
This is obviously a tough boat, which has travelled far. The backdrop for this photo is fantastic and the composition is excellent, showcasing its gaff rigging. The low light reveals the details on those hard working, but obviously well cared-for, sails and rigging.
ASSOCIATION TROPHIES AND AWARDS
The Alan Hidden Trophy is awarded for best outstanding performance for an under 25-year-old
Awarded to: Amana Wynne-Morgan (NW) and Elliot Phillips (EC)
Citation: “Both Amana and Elliot did well in the Gaffling Championship held on Ullswater. Amana, afed 15 helming ‘Tunstall Tide’ with her mother as crew came third in the Championship whilst Elliot aged 11 in ‘Jaberwocky’ with his father and grandfather as crew came fourth. Both won their heats beating more experienced crews.”
ODTAA Cup (One Damn Thing After Another)
Awarded to: Yvonne Mitchell
Citation: “Whilst driving to Ullswater from the East Coast one of the tow vehicles broke down, leaving two Gafflings stranded on their trailer beside the M6. Knowing Yvonne had a towbar but was not bringing her boat, a quick phone call resulted in her agreement to drive 100 miles south, undertake the tow to Ullswater and then back home after the event! As always Yvonne showed that she can cope in true Gaffer style “With One Damn Thing After Another” and definitely go the extra mile or, in this case, 100 of them!”
Gaffers Tales Award is presented for the best contribution to the Gaffers Log
Awarded to: Thomasina Mallett
Citation: “Thomasina provided an excellently written and illustrated Log and Reports of her Day Skipper course and subsequent sailing on ‘Excelsior’.
Gaffers Globe Award is presented a member for a major voyage relative to their boat and experience
Awarded to: Steve Yates
Citation: “Awarded for sailing ‘Cachalot’ with the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships to Dunkirk for the 2025 Anniversary of Operation Dynamo.”
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