Solent Gaffers - Race & Rally

The Solent Old Gaffers annual race and rally started in Lymington finishing in Cowes with the boats assembling at the Island Harbour Marina. We didn't get to see the racing but we enjoyed views of the boats as they arrived or departed.

Below Miss Nighy is based on a Cara 16 dinghy which the owner converted into a lovely day sailor, I met him several years ago and he was astonished that I'd even heard of a Cara 16, let alone had a copy of an old Practical Boat Owner test report. Copies of the 1986 article are available from YBW.com at £6.95 which seems a bit steep, you can always drop me an email I'm sure I still have it somewhere.

 Lack of planning and the fact that we have a modern triangular sail not to mention twin rudders meant we missed the event but it was great to see some many interesting boats in the river.

A Golant Gaffer (I think) heads out of the river to catch the tide.