Yarmouth Gaffers Regatta - Solent Gaffers

Thursday 22nd May to Monday 26th May 2025

Yarmouth Gaffers is the highlight of our sailing season. Join us for racing, food, fun and music. Everyone is welcome, as are all gaff rigged boats. We welcome modern fleets, such as Shrimpers, Crabbers and Cape Cutters…. alongside classics from former centuries.

This year we’ve aligned with the Yarmouth Sea Songs and Shanties Festival and the late May bank holiday.

NOTE: Registration has now closed. For changes, or to ask about late registration, please contact: Grant Morris

Passage race declaration form Download

Race Sailing Instructions Download

Programme

Thursday 22nd May 2025

Boats arrive in Yarmouth Harbour and collect Welcome Bags

Don’t forget to keep a note of your passage to enter the self-timed Passage Race (a great chance to dust off the log book and hand bearing compass!)

Fish & Chip Supper

Pre-order your fish and chips when booking ready for collection from the The Blue Crab, Yarmouth. We shall have access to the Yarmouth Sailing Club marquee to eat together and say hello to friends old and new. After eating either stick around and enjoy the bar at the Club or head over to the Yarmouth Sea Songs and Shanties Festival.

Friday 23rd May 2025

Sail in Company

11:00 departure

Join others for a relaxed morning sail across the Solent. The fleet shall find a suitable anchorage for a picnic lunch before returning to Yarmouth.

Tour of RNLI Yarmouth

14:00 – 15:30

RNLI Yarmouth will be near the berths to provide lifejacket checks and water safety advice, as well as the chance to have a guided tour of the lifeboat station

Have a go rowing on the River Yar

15:15 – 16:30

Whether you have had a relaxed morning on shore or taken part in the Sail in Company, there will be the chance to have a go at rowing up the Yar.

BBQ with Shanty Singers

19:00

We shall be hosting a BBQ , where there will be an option of meat or vegetarian meals. A glass of wine is included upon arrival, otherwise please feel free to bring along your own drinks. We will also be treated to a private performance from a sea shanty group taking part in the local festival.

Saturday 24th May 2025

Main Race

The main race of the long weekend with a course set by the Royal Solent Yacht Club. Suitable for all gaffers and all levels of racing experience. Notice of Race

‘Former’ Presidents Challenge

Whether you are exploring Yarmouth or taking part in racing, you can take part in this challenge. Everyone who wishes to take part will receive a bag from Sue Pennison containing the same items (to be revealed on the day). Everyone will be challenged to create a specific item using the provided items, with a prize for the most creative solution (suitable for all ages).

Dinner and Prize Giving

18:30

We shall have a sit down dinner at the Yarmouth Sailing Club followed by our main prize giving. Following dinner we will be having the brilliant Dance Preachers providing us with old time jazz, country and blues, and heartfelt ballads. (When booking there is an option for meal or entertainment only tickets).

Sunday 25th May 2025

Gaffel Race

Different from your typical race, this is all about tactical thinking!

The object of the race is to choose a course from a set list of markers, in order to maximize the distance you sail in the fixed time. You also have to pass markers a certain way meaning the race is all about strategy and planning rather than just speed. Notice of Race

There will be a prize giving in the evening for this race at the Royal Solent YC.

Following the Gaffel prize giving there will be a St Malo briefing at the Royal Solent YC.