2015 Gaffer's Day - Action less than a month away

by David Salter on 24 Sep 2015 With this year’s Gaffer’s Day now less than a month away on October 18, time is fast running out for those still wishing to enter their boat or book a place on the exclusive spectator ferry.

Hosted every two years since 1972 by the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club, Gaffer’s Day has become the premier traditional sailing event on the Australian calendar. It offers the unique blend of a charming historic wooden boat festival at the club on Mosman Bay, plus a rally for competing yachts in seven divisions – not just those that hoist a spar but for classic yachts of all kinds.

This year there will be competitions for Couta boats and Rangers, the historic 18-footers, metre boats, larger gaffers and two divisions for the more modern Bermudian-rigged yachts.

Chairman of the 2015 event, Peter Scott, is particularly excited about the combined Couta and Ranger-class division which could number up to 20 entrants.

“They’ll be the first fleet to start, and it should make a spectacular sight,” says Scott. “The Coutas are now the fastest-growing classic class in the country, and they are very evenly matched in speed with the Rangers. It will be interesting to see how the visitors from Melbourne and Pittwater go against the local boats.”

The SASC is at the bottom of Green Street, Cremorne and the Gaffer’s Day festivities begin around 09:00. The public is welcome and admission is free.

Much-loved classic yachts on display will include Archina, Hurrica V (seen in the recent Great Gatsby film), Fidelis (1966 Sydney-Hobart line honours winner) and Sir James Hardy’s elegant 1932 gaff cutter Nerida.

A range of unique Gaffer’s Day merchandise will be on sale, plus plenty of food and drink – especially from the Amateurs’ legendary rum tent. The traditional cannon will be fired to signal the start of the rally, and visitors will be entertained by a roving band of sea shanty singers.

Spectators can secure their exclusive close-up view of the on-water activities by booking a place on the ferry Proclaim, built in 1939, which will follow the racing. Food and refreshments are available on board and there is expert “live” commentary.

For entry details, crew enquiries and ferry bookings, contact the Sydney Amateur Sailing Club on phone 02 9953 1433, fax: 02 9953 0898 or email: office@sasc.com.au.