# Sailing By

> tales of sail from our coasts and inland waterways


## Posts

- [Changing times for Harwich](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/harwich-1727/): In this post, we return to the 18th century to find Daniel Defoe’s description of the port of Harwich and its extensive harbour accommodating colliers and packet boats for Holland. Our cover photo shows the harbour today, taken from aboard an OGA sailing yacht during a race in 2011. Defoe is less than complimentary about the people of the town. Today, its a busy international freight and passenger port with car and passenger ferries alongside leisure sailors, container and bulk operations. The harbour is of a vast extent; for, as two rivers empty themselves here, viz, Stour from Mainingtree, and… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [By boat from Manningtree to Ipswich, 1727](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/harwich/): What would travellers from the days of sail make of Harwich Harbour in the 21st century? Writing in 1727, Daniel Defoe takes to his boat from Manningtree to Ipswich by ‘Maningtre-Water’ and ‘Ipswich-Water’ and reflects on the trade of the colliers, which brought wealth to the town, until the arrival of more economical Dutch flyboats, ‘vlieboot’ or ‘fluyt’, in the early 19th century. Our cover photo, by Sue Feather, looks across the Harbour to Felixstowe Dock. It is twelve miles from Harwich up the water to Ipswich: Before I come to the town, I must say something of it, because… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [The Norfolk wherrymen](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/norfolk-wherry/): This collection of archive photos was contributed by Jayne Tracey whose father, James Forsythe, was one of the Founders of the Norfolk Wherry Trust which has kept ‘Albion’ afloat since they rescued her in 1949. ‘Albion’ is the last of the trading wherries, over 120 years old and still sailing. Jayne was born aboard the wherry ‘Bramble’ and spent much of her early life living aboard wherries. Norfolk Wherry Trust
- [85th Anniversary Return to Dunkirk, May 2025](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/dunkirk-2025/): 2025 marks 85 years since Operation Dynamo, when a fleet of ‘little ships’ evacuated over 300,000 Allied soldiers from the beaches of France. The ADLS (Association of Dunkirk Little Ships), founded in 1965, has run an Anniversary Return to Dunkirk every five years. It took place this year for the first time since 2015. ‘Letitia’, who made the crossing in 2000 with OGA/ADLS members Mike and Sue Feather was there, with her new owners Don and Linda. The Cornish fishing boat ‘Our Lizzie’ has a remarkable history and tales to tell, including use on a spying mission in 1939 and of course, Operation… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- ['Letitia' joins the Return to Dunkirk, 2000](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/return-to-dunkirk-2000/): As ‘Letitia’ embarks on the 2025 Return to Dunkirk we look back 20 years when she did the Return with Mike and Sue Feather. Leigh-on-Sea cockle boat, ‘Letitia’ fishing no. LO220, later MN19, was built 1938 and retired from fishing in 1996. Like many other ‘little boats’, she was requisitioned for the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. Whilst close inshore at Dunkirk her rudder was damaged and she took a tow from the drifter ‘Ben and Lucy’. ‘Renown’ also made fast to her tow, having lost her engine. Tragedy struck as ‘Renown’ hit a mine. The ‘Renown’ was lost with skipper… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Return to Dunkirk, 2015](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/return-to-dunkirk-2015/): After a brief introduction to the ‘Dunkirk Little Ships’ Keith Mosley shares his experiences of the 2015 Return to Dunkirk aboard ‘Papillon’. The event is run every five years to commemorate the 80th anniversary of ‘Operation Dynamo’ when over 300,000 troops were evacuated from the beaches of Dunkirk. ‘Papillon’ took part in filming ‘Dunkirk’, 2016. It did not happen in 2020 due to the Covid19 pandemic and lockdowns. This year is the 85th Anniversary and Dunkirk Little Ships are gathering in Ramsgate to cross on 21 May, 2025. Keith Mosley, owner of ‘Cordelia’, ADLS In the ten days between 26 May… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Return to Dunkirk, 1965](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/dunkirk-1965/): As over 60 ‘Dunkirk Little Ships’ make passage to Ramsgate for the 85th Anniversary Return to Dunkirk, we bring some archive footage of the 1965 crossing. A fleet of ‘Little Ships’ responded to the BBC announcement made on 14 May, 1940: “The Admiralty have made an Order requesting all owners of self-propelled pleasure craft between 30′ and 100′ in length to send all particulars to the Admiralty within 14 days from today if they have not already been offered or requisitioned”.  The anecdote of members of the public jumping into their Little Ships and rushing off to Dunkirk is a… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Perilous storms in Plymouth Sound, 1703](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/plymouth-sound/):  In this extract by Daniel Defoe, he reflects on the town of Plymouth, noting its importance as a safe anchorage and tells the tale of Winstanley’s death as the first Eddystone lighthouse was swept away in the renowned ‘Great storm’ of November 1703. He then recounts the loss of 14 vessels with their cargoes, crews and passengers, dashed onto the rocks in an August storm the following year. Plymouth is indeed a town of consideration, and of great importance to the publick. The situation of it between two very large inlets of the sea, and in the bottom of a large… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Christmas at Sea](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/christmas-at-sea/): This Christmas post is a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson who was born in Edinburgh, 1850, son of a lighthouse engineer. He loved to travel, despite poor health. The 19th century saw the steady rise of steam-powered ships, gradually making sailing vessels obsolete. It is likely that Stevenson had experienced first-hand, if only as a passenger, the drama of his poem ‘Christmas at Sea’, first published in the Scots Observer, 1888. The sheets were frozen hard, and they cut the naked hand;The decks were like a slide, where a seaman scarce could stand;The wind was a nor’wester, blowing squally off the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [200 colliers lost at sea, 1692](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/winterton-ness/): Daniel Defoe describes a terrible disaster when 200 sailing colliers were lost off the east coast of England in 1692. About the year 1692, (I think it was that year) there was a melancholy example of what I have said of this place; a fleet of 200 sail of light colliers (so they call the ships bound northward empty to fetch coals from Newcastle to London) went out of Yarmouth Roads with a fair wind, to pursue their voyage, and were taken short with a storm of wind at N.E, after they were past Winterton Ness, a few leagues; some… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Herring town: Enkhuisen](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/enkhuisen/): Enkhuizen has been a major harbour since the middle ages, and its links with herring fishing are still recognised today with three herring on the town banner. In this extract about the fishermen and farmers of Enkhuizen we include some video footage from the Pathé archive of the Dutch herrring fleet in 1947. Receiving its city rights in the 14th century and having its own Dutch East India Company chamber or VOC (the Dutch, ‘Vereenigde Oostindische Compagnie’, means ‘United East India Company’, hence, VOC). One of the things setting Enkhuizen apart is the ‘farmers quarter’ towards the northern edge of the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Holiday week in Holland 1962](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/holland-1962/): As OGA members leave the UK to cross the North Sea for NL20, the 20th Anniversary of the Dutch OGA, look back at this silent, archive newsreel. We see holiday crowds as spectators and participants in a yachting event. There’s a campsite for families and, as the sun sets, couples dance in a holiday chalet. The weather takes a turn for the worse and we see the deserted river front, despite which, the yachting still continues. Created at the beginning of the 20th Century by the Pathé brothers, the newsreel was the world’s first televised news platform. Pioneering the technology… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Dutch eel boats in the Thames, 1931](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/eel-boats-thames-1931/): Watch this archive footage as boats cross from the UK to gather in the Netherlands for the Dutch OGA 20th Anniversary. This fascinating old silent movie footage from the Pathe archive is subtitled “A glance at the old Dutch Schuyts”. The intertitle explains that for nearly three centuries the Dutch “Schuyts”, or eel boats have been moored in the Thames. They remain there until relieved by other boats because if they were to vacate the moorings, their privileges would be lost. There are high angle shots of a man on board the boat looking at an open topped box full… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Southwold: herring, sprats and a battle, 1672](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/southwold/): Many coastal towns and villages of the east coasts of England and Scotland are steeped in the history of the herring industry. In this extract, Daniel Defoe talks of herring and sprat fisheries from Dunwich to Southwold in 1726 and reflects on the Battle of Sole Bay in 1672. In the 13th century, Dunwich was once one of the largest ports in eastern England, but like many towns on the English east coast suffered severe erosion known as long-shore drift, with buildings on the modern-day cliffs once being a mile inland. Daniel Defoe travels from Dunwich to SouthwoldHereabouts they begin… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Round the Island Race in the 1960s](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/round-the-island-1960s/): For a flavour of this famous race round the Isle of Wight in the 1960s, watch two archive videos from Pathe Newsreels.The annual Round the Island Race has been running since 1931, with just 25 entries in the first race. Island Sailing Club (ISC) member, Major Cyril Windeler proposed a handicap race around the Isle of Wight in 1930, catering for ‘smaller boats’ between 5 and 25 tons. The first winner was Peter Brett, sailing his 22ft. Cornish fishing boat ‘Merry Conceit’. During the Second World War, there was a ban on private, leisure sailing and the Race resumed in… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Battle of Sole Bay, 1672](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/sole-bay-1672/): Look back over 400 years to a battle with the Dutch in Sole Bay, off Southwold on the English east coast. With the development of the Dutch East India Company, the Dutch Republic built up a lucrative trade with Asia. They created trading posts, forts and garrisons to protect and defend their merchant vessels as they transported valuable cargoes between Asia and northern Europe. The English king, Charles II, was keen to take a share in this wealth. He plotted to destroy the Dutch merchant fleet in alliance with the French. In the early hours of 28 May, 1672, a… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Deben Cherub 'Ariel'](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/deben-cherub-ariel/): Everson’s yard on the River Deben, Suffolk produced one of the first series production yachts on the English East Coast, the 21ft. ‘Cherub’ Class, of which 17 were built between 1924 and 1937. On 25 October, 2019, Deben Cherub ‘Ariel’ was relaunched at The Woodbridge Boatyard, Everson’s Wharf, the owner being Tim Everson, great-grandson of The Woodbridge Boatyard’s founder, Alfred A  Everson.  Boatbuilding at the Everson yard in Woodbridge, Suffolk on the English east coast began in 1889. As well as building boats and running the yard, Alfred Everson was the official Starter and Timekeeper for the Deben Yacht Club, 1889 –… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- ['Sandefjord' her voyage around the world: 1965](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/sandefjord-her-voyage-around-the-world-1965/): Sit down and watch this full length video, transferred from the original 16mm colour movie tapes of a two-year circumnavigation undertaken in 1965. Five young men and a girl departed Durban, S Africa on the restored Colin Archer ketch ‘Sandefjord’, built in Norway, 1913. The true story of five young men and a girl that set out to circumnavigate the Earth with Sandefjord, a fifty-year-old lifeboat. 1965 – 1966 Sandefjord was first launched in 1913, and during her 22 years of service for the Norwegian Lifeboat Society, she saved 117 lives and assisted 258 vessels through fog and storm to… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Ferocious storms and fearless lifeboat crews, 1880](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/scarborough-storms-1880/): Ferocious storms battered the English coasts in October, 1880. In this extract, reported in the ‘Scarborough Mercury’, we read about the heroic rescues undertaken by coxswain and crew of local RNLI lifeboat ‘Lady Leigh’ ably assisted by the coastguards. As soon as daylight appeared, crowds of people thronged the cliffs, gasping with anxious eyes across the wild expanse of water, which for miles around was foaming and seething with terrible fury. Seeing the danger to the crew of the wrecked vessel however, their better feelings prevailed, and with a hearty cheer the Lifeboat was launched amid the roaring breakers. On… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [From Beaumaris to Weymouth in a 'tubby little ship', 1947](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/beaumaris-weymouth/): This extract is from an article by Audrey Faith Parker, ‘An eventful trip in a Tubby Little Ship’, originally published in Yachting Monthly, November 1947. Departing on a voyage from Beaumaris to Weymouth just after the war, Audrey recounts how they consulted the coastguards, lighthouse keeper and lifeboatmen for invaluable advice in planning and executing a safe passage from Beaumaris across Caernarfon Bay to MIlford Haven in ’Robinetta’, despite storms and gales. Current owners of ‘Robinetta’ Alison and Julian continue to cruise in ‘Robinetta’. Follow her blog here. ‘Robinetta’ spent her war years at Beaumaris on chocks in the open,… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Sinking of the 'RMS Leinster', 1918](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/leinster/): Tim Magennis of the Dublin Bay OGA reflects on the worst Irish Sea disaster which occurred on October 10, 1918. No more efficient system of transporting mail across the Irish Sea in the century up to the end of World War 1 could have been conceived than that carried out by the City of Dublin Steam Packet Company, in it’s time the oldest steamship packet company in the world. And no more timely and well-run ship existed at the time than the company’s ‘RMS Leinster’, under the command of Captain William Birch, holder of the fleet’s senior title of Commodore.… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Loss of ships on the Kentish shore, 1703](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/losses-kent-1703/): The English East Coast town of Deal was well known to mariners in the 18th and 19th centuries. In this extract, Daniel Defoe describes the disastrous loss of ships in the great storm of November, 1703 following a summary of shipping on the Kentish shore. Deal is famous for the road for shipping, so well known all over the trading world, by the name of the Downs, and where almost all ships which arrive from foreign parts for London, or go from London to foreign parts, and who pass the Channel, generally stop; the homeward-bound to dispatch letters, send their merchants… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Naval security, Portsmouth, 1727](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/portsmouth/): This extract combines an evocative view of Portsmouth from the open sea, painted by Dominic Serres in the 18th century and a description of the naval security of the harbour by Daniel Defoe, written in 1727. First fortified as long ago as 1417, following an attack by the French in the Hundred Years’ War, Defoe compares the strength of the fortifications at Portsmouth with those he had seen in Tilbury. The situation of this place is such, that it is chosen, as may well be said, for the best security to the navy above all the places in Britain; the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Bishop Rock and Wolf Rock: on passage to Scilly](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/bishop-rock-wolf-rock-scilly/): Many ships have been lost off the westernmost rocks of the Isles of Scilly, one of the most well known disasters being the loss of Sir Cloudesley Shovel’s squadron of the British Fleet in October 1707, when the only warning light was on St Agnes. 1300 men and four ships were lost. Following reports on the dangers to shipping, proposals to build a lighthouse on Bishop Rock were agreed, it being the most westerly danger. With the full force of Atlantic gales, up to 30 per year, this was a most hazardous and challenging operation, and it took two attempts… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Sandhamn sailing regatta, 1930](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/sandhamn-1930/): This Pathé archive has evocative footage of yachts, with English commentary, racing at an international regatta in Sweden 1930. Participants include Uffa Fox on ‘Vigilant’ who has taken 17 days to sail to Sweden from Cowes via the Kiel Canal. The archive opens with the title: “Sandhamn. European Sailing Regatta. Yachts from all Countries make striking pictures at Sweden’s ‘Cowes’.” Amongst the footage of sailing yachts, we see King Gustav V of Sweden arriving to watch the regatta and Prince Olav of Norway on his boat (later King Olav V). Created at the beginning of the 20th Century by the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Aground on the River Ore, 1923](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/clytie-1923/): This post is an extract from the log of ‘Clytie’. Her owners, Clifford and Daisy Paterson, grandparents of the current skipper, were anchored in the River Ore, Suffolk in 1923. ‘Clytie’ was built the previous year at Eversons Yard (now Woodbridge Boatyard) on the River Deben. She is LOD 30′, LOA 34′ 1923 Aug 29th We awoke to a welcome quiet, without the usual sound of a furious Wind. After breakfast we set sail and at the beginning of the flood we sailed up the very winding channel to Iken. The wind soon assumed its accustomed vigour and very bad weather… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: homeward bound](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/homeward-bound/): After the Jubilee Party celebrations on the River Orwell, boats taking part in the Round Britain Challenge had not yet quite completed their circumnavigation, which had technically started in Ramsgate, with some boats joining the fleet further south and westward. After departing Suffolk Yacht Harbour on Monday 7 August, a few joined the Jubilee Cruise and stopped overnight for the beach barbecue at Stone Point whilst most continued south. On Monday evening, ‘Bonita’ reached her home berth on the Swale, finding a mooring buoy covered in weed after three months neglect. ‘Hilda’ and ‘Recipe’ returned to Ramsgate, completing their Round Britain… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- ['Fanny of Cowes': still racing at 150 years old!](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/fanny-cowes/): ‘Fanny of Cowes’, one of the founding boats of the OGA in 1963, was originally built as a working boat in 1872. Built by John Watts of Cowes in 1872 on the present site of Ratsey and Lapthorn’s Sailmakers, ‘Fanny of Cowes’ was a copy of ‘Star’, the champion Itchen Ferry boat in the 1860s. ‘Fanny’ was originally owned by the Poskins family in Cowes and first registered as a fishing vessel in 1902, until 1920 when she was sold. She then had various owners until 1938, laying neglected on the beach during the war until in 1946 she was… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: Lowestoft to Ipswich](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/ipswich/): Still challenged by unfavourable winds and rain several of the RBC60 fleet decided to spend a few nights in Lowestoft to await a weather window for their passage to the River Orwell. One skipper commented: “Give yourselves a treat and stop at Lowestoft RNSYC Marina it has the best Club House ever full of some great Arts & Crafts design, predominantly CF Voysey, great staff, fantastic menu and real ales. I don’t want to leave!” The party in Ipswich was calling though and despite the weather, the fleet departed Lowestoft on Tuesday, heading south in what was to be quite… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [The first OGA East Coast Race, 1963](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/east-coast-race-1963/): The first East Coast Race, held on 20 July, 1963, attracted 27 starters on a calm day off Osea Pier. The winner of the race was one of the oldest entries, ‘Fanny of Cowes’, still winning races 60 years on. But with wind and tides against them, most of the fleet retired leaving only seven finishers, with the last of the fleet arriving at 1.30am. The OGA60 Dartmouth Gin Jubilee Race is on Sunday 6, August 2023. The East Coast old gaffers race is something that should have happened before. Sailed for the first time this year, it produced the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [The traders of Yarmouth, 1727](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/yarmouth-2/): Daniel Defoe describes the fishing fair and other trading activity in Yarmouth, during his travels in Norfolk. He is most complimentary about the townsfolk and likens the town and its quay to Marseilles. Defoe provides us with figures as evidence to the wealth of the town, particularly the import and export of herring, wool, timber and sailcloth both across the North Sea to close neighbours, the Dutch and places as far afield as Norway, the Baltic, Naples and Venice. [Yarmouth] is plac’d on a peninsula between the River Yare and the sea; the two last lying parallel to one another,… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: towards the River Orwell](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/river-orwell/): The fleet is making good progress south in rather grey weather with the famous challenges of east coast mud when entering or leaving harbours. ‘Moon River’, ‘Indian Runner’, ‘Recipe’, ‘Bonita’, ’Hilda’, ‘Letty’ and ‘Susan J’ have all left Scarborough today, with ‘Minstrel’ enjoying some time ashore and ‘Onward of Ito’ staying to sort out some engine fuel supply issues. ‘Bonita’ reports on her passage from Blyth, calling at Whitby and meeting up with other members of the fleet in Scarborough. We left Blyth early this morning, about 4.30, to catch the tide. Our all weather crew are D and Hugo… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Smacks leaving Great Yarmouth, 1896](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/great-yarmouth-1896/): In this tiny fragment of late 19th century film footage, we see smacks leaving Great Yarmouth. Shot with one of the earliest cine cameras, first developed by Birt Acres and Robert Paul, this evocative clip was part of a presentation to the royal family in July 1896. Many restored smacks continue to sail on the East Coast of England today as captured here by Sandy Miller in Mersea Week, 2018. Birt Acres developed one of the earliest cine cameras, and pioneered the idea of ‘actuality’ and ‘documentary’ films. This rare footage gives us a glimpse of the fishing fleet leaving… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Passage to Yarmouth: reflecting on bygone days](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/yarmouth/): Mike Sparkes, Archivist and Skipper with the Norfolk Wherry Trust contributed this article, reflecting on planning a passage to Yarmouth by sea. It is based on his experiences in handling the wherry ‘Albion’, the last remaining working wherry still sailing and extensive research into the maritime history of the Broads. Going to Yarmouth by road or rail can often be relaxing and fast (usually  from Norwich it takes no more than thirty minutes). The only downfall is that summer traffic queues into Yarmouth by road or Autumn leaves or snow causes cancellations by rail! A passage to Yarmouth by boat is… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: departing Blyth](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/depart-blyth/): Our cover photo shows ‘Letty’ in Whitby. She departed Blyth, Northumberland with the OGA60 Round Britain fleet on passage south to the Jubilee Party in Ipswich starting on 3 August. We enjoyed the NE area OGA Party Port events, despite almost constant rain. There was a very informative guided tour of the club lightship (LV50) which dates from 1879. She is heavily built of wood, with iron strapping to enable her to withstand the worst weather in exposed locations. Her first posting was to the Seven Stones rocks off Lands End. She gave service as a lightship until 1952 when… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: Cowes and Eastbourne](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/dover-eastbourne/): In this update we hear that two boats have completed their circumnavigation as well as the first boat travelling up from the Solent to join the OGA60 Jubilee Party on the River Orwell, 3 – 6 August. Two members of the OGA60 Round Britain Cruise fleet have completed their circumnavigation. Having departed Cowes in early May, ‘Swift II’ and ‘Step Back in Time’ had to shelter in Dover before finishing in Cowes on 24 July. ‘Swift II’ was built in 1980, a classic Kim Holman/ Don Pye design Bermudan sloop rigged Twister with strip plank hull, teak on oak. Skipper… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- ['Maluka' wins Sydney to Hobart Race, 2016](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/maluka-sydney-hobart-2016/): This contribution from Australia was sent to your Editor by long-standing OGA member, Bill Gale, also a member of SASC. It recounts the pedigree and success in the Sydney to Hobart Race, 2016 of 30’ gaff cutter, ’Maluka’, built 1932. We publish this account as ‘Maluka’ is brought to England and is sailing in the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race. Photographs by John Jeremy, SASC. My father, Cliff Gale, designed ‘Maluka’ a lengthened ‘Ranger’ for the Clarke brothers as an ocean cruiser. She was built in 1932 by the fabled Billy Fisher at Botany Bay and fitted out by the Clarkes who… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [An Ancient Mariner’s view of Northumberland](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/northumberland/): Solent Gaffer, John Lowrie, contributed this memory as the OGA50 Round Britain fleet rounded the north of Scotland in 2013. My father’s first boat was a gaffer called ‘Viking’, in which he sailed up and down the Northumberland coast. As you may imagine, with a name like that, she was built in Norway to the traditions of Colin Archer. My earliest memory is sitting, not at my mother’s knee, but at her foot. She’d sit on the weather rail, with me baling out the clinker bilge using a wooden-handled galvanised scoop. In those days there was plenty of scope for… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: from the River Tay to Blyth](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/tay-blyth/): Our cover photo tonight captures the lovely scene of ‘Bonita’ anchored at Holy Island, photographed by D Beckett. Several members of the OGA60 Round Britain Cruise fleet have enjoyed spending time at Holy Island as they make passage south towards Blyth after the stormy party weekend on the River Tay. There were one or two problems with anchor chains dragging though and ’Susan J’ reported she “. . . is safely anchored at Holy Island now. Berwick inshore lifeboat, managed to free the length of multiple buoy lines from the prop, after cutting us free. No need to return to… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Three score and ten](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/sea-shanty/): This post has the words and a recording by ‘The Longest Johns’ for a sea shanty about a storm off the east coast of England, where many hundreds were lost from the fishing fleets. It has a particularly chilling chorus . . . Me thinks I see a host of craft spreading their sails to lea,As down the Humber they do glide all bound for the northern sea,Me thinks I see on each small craft a crew with hearts so brave,Going out to earn their daily bread upon the restless waves ChorusAnd its three score and ten boys and men… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: on passage to Blyth](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/towards-blyth/): By Monday evening, many of the OGA60 Round Britain fleet were enjoying the sail south to Eyemouth, with passage plans towards Blyth for the party planned for 21 – 23 July. ‘Moon River’ has reached Amble while ‘Susan J’ reported passing St. Abbs Head, our cover picture for today’s post, in company with ‘Indian Runner’ during “a cracking reach at 7+ knots across the Firth of Forth”. They are now in Eyemouth with ‘Windbreker’ and ‘Minstrel’. ‘Letty’ reached nearly 10 knots sailing in company with ’Onward of Ito’. ’Onward’ is now anchored off Holy Island in company with ‘Bonita’, ‘Recipe’,… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Grace Darling: a gallant rescue, 1838](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/grace-darling/): A dramatic, well-documented rescue takes place on the Farne Islands, off the Northumberland coast, 7 September, 1838. The rescue of just nine survivors by lighthouse-keeper, William Darling and his daughter Grace had a profound effect on maritime rescue facilities around the coasts of the UK. Young Grace’s legacy helped galvanise support for the RNLI, founded in 1824, and continuing to save lives at sea today.  The 400 ton paddle steamship ‘Forfarshire’ was on passage from Hull to Dundee carrying 60 crew and passengers. She struck rocks near the Longstone Lighthouse, in a northerly gale when her engines failed. Breaking in… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [‘Silver Cloud’ sails to Sunderland, 1876](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/silver-cloud-sunderland/): In this post, we meet William Forwell, clergyman of Dundee, who had ‘Silver Cloud’ built for him by A. Burn, Montrose, in 1876. Between 1876 and 1878 he sailed south from Dundee down the east coasts of Scotland and England, thence from Dover to Calais, returning by roughly the same route accompanied by his 14-year old son. In this extract, he enjoys his passage along the rocky coast from Warkworth to Sunderland. Lo, the zephyrs fan the waters, a glorious westerly breeze. We leave the harbour by 3.30. Sunrise on a summer sea is simply indescribable. The grandest language, the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: a stormy weekend in Dundee](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/river-tay/): The OGA60 Round Britain Cruise fleet enjoyed a blustery weekend on the River Tay, hosted by the Scotland Area of the OGA. ‘Windbreker’, ‘Bonita’, ‘Onward of Ito’, ’Moon River’, ‘Susan J’, ’Minstrel’, ’Recipe’, ‘Lahloo’, ‘Indian Runner’, ‘Hilda’ and ‘Letty’, were joined by local boat ‘Clearwater’. The fleet was beset with extremely challenging weather, difficult harbour entrances and stormy overnight moorings but that did not dampen their enthusiasm for the weekend of events. These included a tour of ‘RSS Discovery’ in Dundee with buffet supper, visits ashore to sample the famed Arbroath ‘smokies’ and joining in with the activities organised by… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: south along the east coasts](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/east-coasts/): The fleet continues to make passage south on the east coasts of Scotland and England, scattered from Lossiemouth to Whitby . . . most will be spending the weekend on the River Tay for the second ‘gathering’ in Scotland, 14 – 16 July. Today’s cover photo shows the two bridges spanning the Tay. Furthest north, ‘Lahloo’ left the Caledonian Canal this week and is enjoying being back in salty water.  We leave Inverness in torrential rain and arrive at the delightful Lossiemouth in full sunshine. ‘Lahloo’ feels at home in this Cornish like harbour, although the serious looking military boats are… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- ['Silver Cloud' sails from Dundee to Berwick, 1876](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/silver-cloud-dundee-1876/): In this post we meet William Forewell, clergyman of Dundee, as he departs on his voyage, 1876 with his 14-year old son as crew. Their plan is to sail to France and back, which takes them two years. The clergyman had ‘Silver Cloud’ built for him by A. Burn, Montrose to his own specifications, gleaned by comparing local boats. She was half-decked, just 19’ overall with 7’ 9” beam. Sailing south from Broughty Ferry on 18 May, he reflects on the craftsmanship of his helm and anchor, as the tiller splits and the anchor drags. We then read of his… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: on passage for the Tay Estuary](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/towards-tay-estuary/): With all the boats through the Caledonian Canal, they’re on passage down the north east coast of Scotland along with the four who sailed ‘over the top’ and have ‘turned the third corner’. The next ‘Party Port’, hosted by the Scotland Area of the OGA, is on 15 – 16 July on the River Tay Estuary with events in Dundee and Broughty Ferry.  On 7 July ‘Hilda’ and ‘Susan J’ arrived in Whitehills, near Banff after sailing in company from Lossiemouth. The Whitehills Harbour Trust was established in 1895 to build and manage the Harbour which is still owned by… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Infamous rocky hazards: Bell Rock and Isle of May](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/bell-rock-isle-may/): On passage south from Aberdeen, Scotland, there’s two infamous rocky hazards off the Firths of Tay and Forth. Before the days of modern seamarks and navigation aids, the notorious Bell Rock and Isle of May claimed numerous lives as ships foundered on the treacherous rocks. In this extract, Claudia Myatt reflects on her passage south in ‘Witch’, during the OGA50 Round Britain Challenge, 2013. Bell RockAt sunset on Monday, 1 July, ‘Witch’ was heading south across the wide mouth of the Firth of Forth, on passage from Peterhead to Eyemouth. Sunset is late in these waters; by about 9.30 the sun was dropping behind the silhouette of Bell Rock lighthouse, close on our starboard… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: Portsoy to Peterhead](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/portsoy-peterhead/): On Saturday 1 July, we heard that ’Swift II’ “is tucked up in Inverness Marina with a gust of 31 knots.” ‘Bonita’ had also taken shelter there, awaiting a crew change but once Tim arrived and the forecast improved, they set sail for Peterhead. Still in the Caledonian Canal, ‘Lahloo’ wondered if she’s ‘tail end Charlie’, but ‘Letty’ had only just caught up with the fleet after fitting her new propellor in Kerrera. She’s reached Fort Augustus. We hear from ‘Barbarossa’ that diesel is only £1.22 per litre at Seaport Marina, Inverness, where she’ll be until Wednesday 5th July. Meanwhile… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [From the Tyne to Arbroath, 1923](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/from-the-tyne-to-arbroath-1923/): This post includes another extract from ‘Cruises of the Joan’ where we find skipper, W.E Sinclair, describing his journey north from the Tyne 100 years ago in his yacht ‘Joan’. He’s keen to keep away from the ‘smoky steamers’ and their harbours, steering carefully through the Farne Islands to reach Berwick, where he’s stormbound for a fortnight, but enjoys the ‘fresh and interesting place’ away from the smoke and grime. After moving northwards again, and resting in Granton with fellow sailors for a couple of days, he continues on passage across the Firth of Forth and River Tay to Arbroath.… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet reaches the east coast of Scotland](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/east-scotland/): Today’s update finds several of the OGA60 Round Britain fleet making progress down the east coast of Scotland, some having gone ‘round the top’ whilst others used the Caledonian Canal. The cover photo is of the cable-stayed Kessock Bridge [Bluewave42, English Wikipedia] carrying the A9 trunk road across the navigable Beauly Firth just after the final lock on the Caledonian Canal. Opened in 1982 it replaced a ferry and saved road travellers a 20-mile detour. Due to crew changes and delays in the canal, some are waiting in port for a few days. ’Cygnet of London’ is in Tayport, Dundee and… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Ordering a herring boat, Voe, Shetland, 1881](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/herring-voe-shetland-1881/): East Coast Gaffer, Sarah Adie shares some fascinating insights into her family’s involvement in the Shetland herring industry. Her great grandfather set up T M Adie & Sons in the 1830s, and the extracts from Letter Books as TM endeavours to purchase a new smack, give a sense of the urgency of his work at a time of change from sail to steam. The extracts and images are published with permission from the Shetland Museum and Archives. Shetland Museum and Archive Contributed by Sarah Adie, OGA East Coast member and Shetland Museum and ArchivesShetland Museum and Archives
- [OGA60 fleet: canals & the midnight sun](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/canals-midnight-sun/): In this post we find members of the OGA60 Round Britain Cruise fleet and friends scattered from Orkney and the northeast coasts of Scotland to the west coast, in transit along the Caledonian Canal and locking up the Kennet & Avon in England! Furthest north, enjoying the longest day and overnight sailing in the midnight sun are ‘Minstrel’ and ‘Susan J’ in Stromness, Orkney. The cover photo was taken by the crew of ‘Susan J’ rounding Cape Wrath on their passage north. Having left Orkney yesterday, we hear that ‘Onward of Ito’ has already arrived in Portsoy ready for the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [RNLI: two archive films, 1940 - 1950](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/rnli-1950/): Some of the OGA60 Round Britain fleet are visiting Portsoy this weekend for the Traditional Boat Festival. The cover photo for this post is taken from the OGA50 Round Britain Challenge in 2013 when ‘Witch’ was towed into harbour by the Fraserburgh Lifeboat having fouled her prop on fishermen’s creels. Watch these two archive films to discover developments with lifeboats around the UK coasts in the 1940s and 1950s. We see lifeboatmen in action, with women taking some roles on the beach to launch and recover boats. The RNLI has also provided assistance to members of the RBC60 fleet. In… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: 'over the top' or Canal?](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/canal-closure/): Four of the OGA60 Round Britain Cruise fleet are making good progress ‘over the top’ whilst the rest of the fleet is deciding how to deal with the challenge presented by the failure of Gairlochy Swing Bridge on the Caledonian Canal. The gear system has failed which means it cannot be opened, allowing only 3.2m air draft and no certainty as to when it may re-open . . . ‘Onward of Ito’ has sailed to Orkney and enjoying the evening in Stromness tonight, wondering where everyone else is. The fleet has become quite scattered, numbering only four currently going ‘over… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Caledonian Canal, Scotland](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/caledonian-canal/): Originally cut to link Scotland’s east and west coasts by men with an eye to trade, the Caledonian Canal remains a masterpiece of engineering and design. It may also be seen as early ‘social engineering’, encouraging would-be emigrants to remain in the Highlands. Linking Inverness on the North Sea east coast with Fort William on the west, the Canal provides both a short cut and potentially safer route for vessels avoiding the treacherous Pentland Firth and Cape Wrath on the north coast of Scotland. It’s an interesting journey, the Caledonian Canal, linking the lochs of the Great Glen: Loch Lochy,… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet departs Oban](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/depart-oban/): After an excellent weekend of racing, socialising and a parade of sail in Oban, staying at Kerrera Marina, the OGA60 Round Britain Cruise fleet has departed. Skippers and crews are making passage either ‘over the top’ or through the Caledonian Canal, but there may need to be some changes of plan . . .  Jo and Paul towed ‘Titch’, a Memory 19 up to Scotland from Suffolk to join the OGA60 Round Britain party in Oban. They put her in the water at Largs and sailed to Oban. However, like several others in the fleet, their planned passage  through the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [‘Memories’ by Robert E. Groves, 1933](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/memories-groves/): In this short poem by Robert E. Groves, regular contributor to ‘Yachting Monthly’, yachtsman and artist, we read his reflections on cruising memories off the west coast of Scotland in the Hebrides. His Albert Strange designed yawl, ‘Sheila’ was built for him in 1905. As by my fire I sit and dreamI sometimes fall a-musingOn joys and pleasures I have seenIn happy days of cruising. Alas! how surely time doth slipFrom clutches unavailing,‘Tis years since last I saw my ship,And with her went a-sailing’. In waking dreams I still beholdThe distant islands glooming,And see them bathed in sunset gold,Across the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet and friends gather in Oban](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/oban/): President and Acting Secretary of the OGA Scotland Area, Julian and Alison Cable organised an excellent event in Oban over the weekend 16 – 19 June 2023. They sailed their boat ‘Robinetta’, a 22′ 6″ tabloid cruiser, built in Birkenhead, 1937, round from Gareloch to join the party. Several other local boats also met the RBC60 fleet in Oban for the weekend including ‘Ferryman’, a Tormentor 5 tonner built after World War 2 in an attempt to reduce the cost of yachts, ‘Macaria’, a beautiful gaff yawl built 1922 by Dickies of Tarbert, sailed by father and son and classic Bermudan… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Cruising the Shiant Islands in ‘Sheila’, 1910](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/shiant-islands-sheila-1910/): Originally published in ‘Yachting Monthly’, May 1933, this extract is from a series of articles by Robert E. Groves, regular contributor to the Magazine, yachtsman, soldier and artist. He recalls a most enjoyable sail to the Shiant Islands in perfect weather conditions across the challenging waters of the Minch around 1910. Robert E. Groves sails single-handed in ‘Sheila I’, the little yawl of four tons built for him at Port St. Mary from the design by Albert Strange. She’s a fine seaboat, as was often proved on many a strenuous cruise in the wild waters on the west coast of… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet arrives in Oban](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/oga60-oban/): The OGA60 Round Britain fleet will be berthed in Kerrera Marina, just off Oban for the weekend ‘gathering’ 16 – 18 June, 2023. Several boats have already arrived including ‘Letty’, ‘Susan J’, ‘Indian Runner’, ‘Bonita’, ‘Recipe’ and ‘Hilda’. ‘Cygnet of London’ is hoping to reach Kerrera by Saturday, having left South Wales earlier in the week and ‘Onward of Ito’, having left Belfast on Monday has reached Gigha, with the skipper Martin commenting “Great sailing today are we in the Med.?” He’s hoping to be in Kerrera by Friday. Several Scotland OGA members are joining the RBC60 fleet in Oban… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [A gentleman’s yacht: ‘Robinetta’, 7 June, 1938](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/robinetta-tobermory-1938/): Denys Rayner designed ‘Robinetta’, his 22’6″ micro-yacht, in 1936 and had her built in the Wirral. He sailed her to Scotland in the summer of 1937 where she overwintered in the Clyde. By 1938 his wife was pregnant with their first son and he went cruising with two friends. They took the boat from Largs through the Crinan Canal to Skye and then home to Liverpool. 7 June, 1938 saw them leave the safety of the Crinan sea lock and head through Dorus Mor, home of the dreaded Correyvrekan whirlpool to Tobermory in high winds and heavy seas. We have… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet on passage to Oban](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/passage-oban/): The OGA60 Round Britain fleet is on passage to Oban where they will be joined by local Gaffers as well as some travelling from further afield. The President and Secretary of the North West and East Coast Areas will be joining the party. Organisers from the Scotland Area of the OGA, are on their way in ‘Robinetta’ from Gairloch. East Coast members, Jo and Paul have towed their Memory ‘Titch’ up to Largs from Suffolk and your Editor is arriving by camper van on Friday, also from Suffolk. We hear from ‘Cygnet of London’ that she has now left South… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Demise of the 'sgoth Niseach'](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/sgoth-niseach/): Ideally suited to fishing in Scottish coastal waters, working in the North Atlantic can be unpredictable, with danger never far away for fishermen seeking whitefish from the long-line ‘sgoth Niseach’. These clinker built skiffs, peculiar to the Ness area of northern Lewis, off the west coast of Scotland could not compete with steam-powered vessels and only one remains today, SY233 ‘Jubilee’. For Atlantic fishing a large decked boat would be required, not less than 46′ in keel, 56 – 60′ overall, beam from 16 – 18′, lug-rigged foremast to lower, foresail dipping lug when at sea, which could be converted… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet explores the west coast of Scotland](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/west-scotland/): In the last update, many of the fleet were in Cambpeltown and we catch up with them as they explore a variety of routes through the islands on the south west coast of Scotland on passage to Oban. ‘Lahloo’ has spent some enjoyable time in the Clyde and having passed Cumbrae Elbos is waiting in Largs Marina for a crew change before heading for the Crinan Canal to reach Oban. ‘Minstrel’ and ‘Indian Runner’ also intend to use this ‘most beautiful shortcut in the world’. ‘Charlotte Elizabeth’, ‘Recipe’, ‘Hilda’ and ‘Moon River’ have sailed from Campbeltown to Gigha, planning to… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Locking through the Crinan Canal](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/crinan-canal/): The Crinan Canal, described as ‘the most beautiful shortcut in the world’, crosses the narrow strip of land at Tarbert, Argyll & Bute at the northern end of the Kintyre peninsula. Did you ever arrange to meet someone at Tarbert in Scotland, and find there’s more than one? In this post we take a look at the Gaelic origins of the town’s name, bring a slideshow and commentary of OGA50 Round Britain Challenge boats passing through the Canal in 2013 and take a brief look at some facts and figures. In Scots or Irish Gaelic, ‘an tairbeart’ translates to ‘the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet reaches Scotland](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/oga60-fleet-reaches-scotland/): With plenty of photos today, including our cover photo of Ailsa Craig in the Firth of Clyde, several of the OGA60 fleet are now in Scotland. Skippers and crews enjoyed exploring the sights of Belfast, including the Titanic Exhibition, ‘Onward of Ito’ will remain in Belfast Marina for a week, ‘Hilda’ is still there and ‘Barbarossa’ intends to leave tomorrow. ‘Letty’, ‘Moon River’, ‘Oystercatcher’, ‘Indian Runner’ and ‘Minstrel’ have left Bangor taking berths in Campbeltown with the weather on passage reported by ‘Moon River’ as “very pleasant here, warm, sunny and some breeze. Yesterday the sea state was smooth.” ‘Susan J’… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Royal Yacht sails on the Clyde, 1923](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/yachts-clyde-1923/): This post includes a Pathé Gazette newsreel showing evocative footage of yachts racing on the Clyde in 1923, including the King’s yacht, ‘Britannia’. The silent movie opens with ‘Speed, Grace and Beauty. King’s yacht “Britannia” defeated for first time after long run of success. On the Clyde. Scotland.’ Created at the beginning of the 20th Century by the Pathé brothers, the newsreel was the world’s first televised news platform. Pioneering the technology and methods of cinema, British Pathé stayed at the forefront of filmed news for decades. Releasing three newsreels a week during that period, British Pathé was the way… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Campbeltown to Belfast without any charts, 1923](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/joan-1923/): In this extract from ‘Cruises of the Joan’ by W E Sinclair we hear about the skipper and mate’s passage from Campbeltown to Belfast 100 years ago, without the benefit of any charts. The article is illustrated with a photo of ‘Master Frank’ an Isle of Man longliner, home port Ramsey and still seen sailing in the Irish Sea. I felt a considerable pleasure in merely writing home to tell them to send letters to Belfast. The other man was jubilant but kept himself in hand. There was nothing much in the job, but we felt like a couple of… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet reaches Northern Ireland](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/northern-ireland/): Our cover photo today is Fair Head, most northerly part of mainland Ireland. Since the last update, we hear that the steel-hulled ex-lifeboat from the Netherlands, ’Hilda’ is still in Portaferry, Strangford Lough whilst several boats were stormbound and thus forced to drink more Guinness in Ardglass: ‘Indian Runner’, ‘Letty’, ‘Barbarossa’, ‘Oystercatcher’ and ‘Moon River’. ‘Swift II’ and ‘Step Back in Time’ have also been stormbound in the Menai Strait, North Wales with north-easterly winds and gusts of 27 knots forecast. Today, Saturday 3 June, ’Indian Runner’, ‘Oystercatcher’ and ‘Moon River’ are all now in Bangor, making safe passage from… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [A hazardous sail from Peel in ‘Sheila’ c.1910](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/peel-ardglas/): Originally published in ‘Yachting Monthly’, May 1933, this extract is from a series of articles by Robert E. Groves, regular contributor to the Magazine, yachtsman, soldier and artist. He recalls experiencing ‘a bit of a dusting’ in his Albert Strange yawl, ‘Sheila I’ whilst setting out to sail single-handed from Peel on the Isle of Man to Ireland around 1910. The illustration shows ‘Sheila’ in the renowned overfalls of Strangford Lough. That it was probably injudicious to set out at all, in the face of such weather warnings as my barometer had given me, I am bound to admit. But… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet: N Wales, Ireland & Isle of Man](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/irish-sea/): Recent updates from the Round Britain Cruise fleet find them scattered across both sides of the Irish Sea, some visiting the Isle of Man whilst others are continuing to sail up the coast of Ireland or are on passage through the Menai Strait, North Wales, having decided not to cross to Dublin Bay last week. ‘Oystercatcher’, ‘Moon River’, ‘Minstrel’, ‘Barbarossa’ and ’Letty’ left Carlingford Lough and sailed to Ardglass, where they’re enjoying a pint or two of Guinness ashore. ‘Indian Runner’ is hoping to join them later, but “likely to be a late arrival in Ardglass. We have had some propeller… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Explosion on the Calf of Man, 1852](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/explosion-calf-of-man-1852/): This extract is from the Illustrated London News, 8 January 1853 and reports on a horrific shipwreck and explosion with the loss of 35 lives when the ‘Lily’ with her cargo of gunpowder foundered on the northern point of the Kitterland, 29 December, 1852. The violent gales, rising occasionally into hurricanes, blowing from the southward and westward from Friday night to Monday afternoon, have done great damage by sea and land. Many vessels have been seen, dismasted, and in distress, drifting down the Channel; and the fragments cast upon our shores indicate great losses at sea. A life-boat bearing the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet on passage to Scotland](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/depart-dublin-bay/): Having left Poolbeg, Dublin, the majority of the Round Britain Cruise fleet took berths at Howth and then departed north on passage to Scotland on Tuesday morning. By the evening some were spotted entering Carlingford Lough. Members of the fleet include: ’Barbarossa’, Susan J’, ‘Indian Runner’, ‘Letty, ‘Lahloo’, ’Moon River’, ‘Minstrel’, ‘Recipe’ and ‘Hilda’. ‘Onward of Ito’ remained in Dublin, awaiting crew, intending to depart tomorrow. A new member, ‘Oystercatcher of Glenarm’, left her home port in Carrikfergus last week to join the Round Britain Cruise in Dublin Bay and is now sailing northwards again with them. The three smallest… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Galway hooker: Dutch & Irish connections](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/galway-hooker/): In 2023, the OGA60 Diamond Jubilee celebrations took place in Dublin Bay. 14 boats competed for the prestigious Asgard Trophy on 27 May. The winning boat was ‘Blát na hÓige’, a Galway hooker transported overland to compete, launched into the River Liffey with her mast re-stepped and the boat re-rigged all in time for the race. Read the full report on afloat.ie. Ten years previously, ‘Cine Mara’, pictured here in a photo by Alistair Randall is a replica Galway hooker, built in steel and launched, 2012 to undertake the OGA50 Round Britain Challenge in 2013. Her skipper and builder is… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Cruise of ‘Joybird’, Portree to Howth: 1911](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/joybird-1911/): In this extract from the cruising log of W. F. Thompson, we join him sailing with his wife on their six-ton yawl without auxiliary power, in the summer of 1911. Having taken shelter from gales in Portree, Isle of Skye they resume their passage south, passing the most westerly edge of Britain at Ardnamurchan to spend Coronation Day, 22 June in Oban at the Great Western Hotel. From here they head south to reach Howth, Dublin Bay, despite an injured back and some stormy weather. At the end of the season, ‘Joybird’ is ‘hauled up on to her winter perch… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet gathers in Dublin Bay](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/gathers-dublin-bay/): The next party for OGA60 Round Britain Cruise boats is this weekend, hosted by the Dublin Bay OGA. In this post we hear from some skippers already in Ireland and bring an update on those still on passage from South Wales. Sadly, we hear today, that the newest boat in the fleet ‘Peggy’ has decided to retire from the RBC and is returning to Neyland, her home port, having reached Arklow earlier in the week. As the OGA60 party starts, look back to OGA50 in June 2013 when the OGA Round Britain Challenge fleet also gathered on the River Liffey.… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- ['Maybird' completes Round Ireland Race, 2018](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/maybird-1937/): In this post we bring an extract from Winkie Nixon’s reports on the 1937 gaff ketch ‘Maybird’ competing in 2018, along with a video link to show her restoration. When the 1937-vintage Tyrrell of Arklow-built 43ft gaff ketch ‘Maybird’ skippered by OGA Dublin Bay member, Darryl Hughes finally crossed the line at Wicklow to record the longest-ever time for a Volvo Round Ireland Race, little did her crew of eight expect that their unique achievement would bring them popular fame. But the fact that they kept gamely battling on against a wide variety of difficult sailing conditions, which had made the 704 miles course very… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Race report: ‘Maybird’, Round Ireland Race, 2018](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/maybird-vrir-2018/): In this post, skipper Darryl Hughes reports on the achievements of ‘Maybird’ in the 2018 Volvo Round Ireland Race: she is the oldest boat to complete the race in its history, the only gaffer to finish and took the longest time to complete the course in 2018.
- [OGA60 fleet departs Neyland](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/depart-neyland/): After an excellent welcome from the Bristol Channel Area OGA in Neyland, Milford Haven, seven boats from the OGA60 Round Britain Cruise fleet left on passage to Ireland and North Wales on Sunday 21 May: ‘Bonita’, ‘Indian Runner’, ‘Susan J’, ‘Lahloo’, ‘Barbarossa’, ‘Minstrel’ and ‘Moon River’. Four more left today: ‘Hilda’, ‘Recipe’, ‘Swift II’ and ‘Peggy’. With the fleet on passage to Ireland, for the next ‘gathering of gaffers’, hosted by Dublin Bay OGA, we hear that Richard, skipper of ‘Lahloo’ has already left Arklow for Poolbeg as they need some urgent repairs to the mast. Mike, skipper of ‘Bonita’,… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Pilots in the Bristol Channel: 1930s](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/bristol-channel-pilots/): The tidal range of the Bristol Channel has always been a challenge to shipping approaching from the Atlantic, and conditions were hard for the pilots and their crews, with occasional loss of life. We have recollections by two Bristol Channel pilots from Pill, working the pilot skiffs during the early part of the 20th century. Several pilots and hobblers, the boatmen who took the mooring lines, lost their lives in this service. However, their losses were remarkably low, considering the conditions they suffered, and were probably no more than those of other occupations during the 19th century. The testimony as… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Round Land’s End in a ‘tubby little ship’: 1946](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/round-lands-end-in-a-tubby-little-ship-1946/): This extract is from an article by Audrey Faith Parker, ‘An eventful trip in a Tubby Little Ship’, originally published in Yachting Monthly, November 1947. Departing on a voyage from Beaumaris to Weymouth just after the war, Audrey recounts a challenging passage as they attempt to round Land’s End in ‘Robinetta’. Current owners of ‘Robinetta’ Alison and Julian continue to cruise in ‘Robinetta’. Follow her blog here. The morning of Saturday June 8, was beautifully calm with a good forecast. The many Londoners who set out in summer clothes with no umbrellas to watch the Victory procession will remember how… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60: crossing to South Wales](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/south-wales/): Most of the OGA60 Round Britain fleet have arrived in South Wales. ‘Cygnet of London’, ‘Lahloo’ and ‘Susan J’ are exploring the area around Dale whilst others are berthed in Neyland. Single hander, ‘Charlotte’ crossed the Bristol Channel overnight and is arriving in Milford Haven today. Welcomed by the Bristol Channel Area of the OGA, the fleet is enjoying the opportunity to relax after the long passage from Cornwall. In this post we bring extracts from some skippers’ logs and social media channels. ‘Susan J’ makes landfall SW Pembrokeshire, Wednesday 17 May, after pleasant sail until dawn, then no wind.… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Through Jack Sound with 'Vivian', 1886](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/jack-sound/): After a detailed description of the sail plan for the Swansea Bay pilot boats, Eden Northmore-Jones tells the tale of a spring cruise in ‘Vivian’, with the owner and one of his grooms, named Jack. They set out from Carmarthen, bound for Cork, but revise their course to take shelter in Dale, then visit Solva and St David’s Cathedral on the South Wales coast. They tackle Jack Sound and find the return passage much less of a challenge. A rig little known, as I believe, but one which there is, in my opinion, none handier, is that peculiar to the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet reach Milford Haven](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/milford-haven/): Three OGA60 boats rounded Lands End and were sailing overnight across the Bristol Channel estuary on Tuesday in beautiful weather conditions. ’Indian Runner’, ‘Recipe’ and ‘Susan J’ reached the South Wales coast mid-afternoon on Wednesday. ‘Susan J’ anchored at Dale, intending to explore the offshore islands and river, hoping to make Neyland by Friday. ’Indian Runner’ and ‘Recipe’ arrived into Milford Haven reporting good conditions for the passage and plenty of dolphin dancing under their bowsprits.  The rest of the fleet left Falmouth, Newlyn and St Michael’s Mount, where they were berthed or anchored overnight on Tuesday. ‘Bonita’, ‘Moon River’,… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Last of the Severn sailing coasters](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/severn-trow/): This is an extract from a fascinating memoir of the days of the sailing coasters in and around the Severn Estuary. Edmund Eglinton, born in 1902, was 13 when he began to sail on the trows and ketches of the Bristol Channel in 1915. His memory of those sailing voyages is immensely detailed and fascinating for anyone who has sailed in this area. The problem of shifting sand and mud-banks, the ferocious tides and unpredictable weather are all here – when sailing was about carrying goods from port to port without the aid of engine power. It includes stories of… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [‘Out punt!’: the Bristol pilot’s call](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/out-punt/): Captain George Buck recollects two night watches, five miles southwest of the Wolf Rock, waiting for an expected ship from Gibraltar. Despite the regulations over the display of pilot flags, lights and flares, contemporary accounts indicate these were at times ignored in order to gain advantage over other pilot cutters seeking a ship in need of their service. Flags, flares, lights and the puntOn station the cutters were required to display a pilot flag which in 1849 became the white over red flag still in use today. At night an all round white light was displayed supplemented by a kerosene… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Smuggling on the Cornish coasts](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/rum-running/): Tales of Cornish smugglers sit alongside those of notorious highwaymen and outlaws throughout England’s history of crime and punishment.  A certain folk hero status may be assigned to the smugglers of Cornwall. Were they the free traders of their day, or common criminals out to trick the excise men for no more than personal gain? The isolated coves to north or south, with wild, windswept, sparsely populated moorlands separating them from rich trading routes to France and beyond, makes Cornwall one of the most active area for smuggling in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Jamaica Inn, built in 1750… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 Rounding Lands End](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/lands-end/): The OGA60 Round Britain fleet has left Falmouth and Newlyn, heading for South Wales. We hear from several skippers and crew of an early start in good weather as the wind has shifted slightly for the passage ‘round the corner’. The next planned rendezvous is in Neyland, Milford Haven.Looking back to OGA50, the fleet had a very different tale to tell in these waters where they had been stormbound for several days. Follow the RBC60 fleet on the live tracking map. Our cover photo this morning is from ‘Susan J’ as she passes Longships Lighthouse, “F3 NE making 4+ knots… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet reach Newlyn](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/newlyn/): Northerly winds have forced the OGA60 Round Britain Cruise fleet to wait a couple of days before setting off towards Milford Haven. Five boats have arrived in the fishing port of Newlyn where they’ve had a warm welcome. The rest of the fleet is now in Falmouth, with ‘Onward of Ito’ doing two long overnight passages over the weekend from Gosport where he was awaiting new crew. ‘Peggy’ has now left Plymouth after her extended stay and joins the fleet in Falmouth. ‘Louisa May’ remains in Dartmouth, testing out the options for an outboard. Fleet update: Monday 15 MayNewlyn: ‘Bonita’,… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Watch the wall my darling while the Gentlemen go by!](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/smugglers/): Where there are isolated coasts, there has always been smuggling. In this post we bring a couple of smugglers’ tales in poetry and film. Where does the word ‘smuggler’ originate? The Danish have ‘smugle’, Swedish ‘smug’ with Anglo-Saxon ‘smugan’ and Icelandic ‘smug’, all meaning variations on ‘lurk, creep and hole’. Adam Smith, the 18th century economist advocating free trade describes a smuggler as “a person who, though no doubt blameable for violating the laws of his country, is frequently incapable of violating those of natural justice, and would have been in every respect an excellent citizen had not the laws… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet continues westward](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/westward/): In this post we hear from ‘Louisa May’, towed in by the RNLI earlier in the week and OGA60 Round Britaiin skippers take advantage of the ‘weather window’ to continue making good progress west. ‘Onward of Ito’ has new crew and departed Gosport early on Saturday, hoping to reach Plymouth or beyond by sailing through the night. ‘Cygnet of London’ left Dartmouth and enjoyed the sail to Plymouth where Sharon has to take her leave and return to work. Young Gaffer, Will Thomas, takes her place as crew. ‘Charlotte Elizabeth’ has stayed in Falmouth with ‘Swift II’, ‘Indian Runner’ and… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Newsreels of Newlyn, Cornwall: 1937 and 1946](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/newlyn-cornwall/): In these two short snippets from the Pathé film archive, we see nine Newlyn fishermen petition the Minister of Health at Westminster and a post-war ‘cinemagazine’ painting the picture of Newlyn as a typical fishing village. The London crowds welcome the fishermen in their small boat, ‘Rosebud’ as they arrive in Westminster to petition the Minister of Health. They have sailed from Cornwall and up the Thames to Westminster. Why? The fishermen took a petition to the Minister of Health, campaigning against the demolition of their cottages in a government housing scheme. They’re welcomed by Londoners on the dockside. Created… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 Falmouth bound](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/falmouth-bound/): ‘At last, wind behind us!’ is the caption for today’s cover photo. Taken by Nick Ward as he departed Plymouth sailing ‘Swift II’, a 30′ classic Bermudan sloop rigged Twister built 1980 with a strip planked hull, teak on oak. Having been battered and bruised as they sailed towards Plymouth, most of the OGA60 RBC fleet departed Plymouth today after the wonderful welcome from South West Gaffers in a safe haven. Sadly, the postponed Parade of Sail had to be cancelled on the orders of the King’s Harbourmaster (see log extract below). We hear from ‘Onward of Ito’, awaiting arrival… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 safe haven in Plymouth](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/safe-plymouth/): Having been battered and bruised as they sailed towards Plymouth, some of the fleet turned back to take shelter in Dartmouth, Exmouth or Salcombe. Finally, most of the fleet arrived for an excellent welcome from many local boats at the party organised by South West Gaffers. Along with arranging visits, talks, dinners and live music, SW Gaffers helped visiting skippers to find local assistance for repairs where needed. A calm evening in Sutton Harbour Plymouth, #OGA60 fleet resting after a battering crossing Lyme Bay. ‘Lahloo’ has dried out and is ready for tomorrow’s run to Falmouth. Much debate about the… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Red Trawlers of Brixham, 1933](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/trawlers-brixham/): This Pathé archive footage of the Brixham Regatta, 1933 opens with a title screen ‘The Red Trawlers of Brixham – famed in song and story – make glowing picture as they strive for championship at the regatta. (Under the flag of the Royal Thames Yacht Club).’ In black and white with soundtrack, there are various shots of large trawlers sailing off Brixham, Devon. The ships are competing in their annual race, providing for us 90 years later, some evocative shots of these old sailing vessels. There’s also close-ups of men on board hauling in ropes.  Created at the beginning of… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 Plymouth bound](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/plymouth-bound/): Today we bring extracts from several skippers’ logs as they attempted to reach Plymouth on Tuesday 9 – Wednesday 10 May. Severe storms battered the boats as they made passage from east and west along the south west coast. The #RBC60 fleet is assembled in Plymouth after some challenges crossing Lyme Bay, huddled together under a looming sky! Richard Bailey, skipper, ‘Lahloo’ , Cornish Crabber 26, built 2012 We have had a really challenging couple of days, so we are all pretty tired. Today we set sail from Brixham, aiming for Plymouth. But in the afternoon we were suddenly struck… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [Sailing with Kings](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/britannia/): Built by D&W Henderson of Partick, Glasgow for Prince Edward, crowned King Edward VII in 1902, ‘HMY Britannia’ was designed by the Scottish naval architect George Watson. The Prince of Wales demanded the ideal racing yacht, within the limits of its class. His brief to Watson was that he should be able to enjoy a hot lunch on board whilst racing. Originally gaff-rigged, she became the first of the J-Class yachts on conversion to a Bermudan rig in 1931. Following her launch in April 1893, the first Captain, John Carter of Wivenhoe drew most of his crew from Wivenhoe and… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OGA60 fleet on passage for Plymouth](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/cowes-plymouth/): We bring the second part of Ben Collins’ report, along with an update on the fleet’s positions as they sail westward, departing Cowes Sunday 7 May. Today’s illustration shows a sunny scene of gaffers passing the Needles. Sunday morning brought a promising forecast, ‘Getting brighter later’! The pontoon was soon a hive of activity. ‘Bonita’ had crept out at night ahead of the fleet. Now crews were bundling down their awnings, checking their ropes and twitching their engines. Some boats  jostling for position to get out of their chocks. Others more relaxed holding back to await the ebb tide. Mid-morning, I… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
- [OOGA60: Westward ho!](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/westward-ho-2023/): Ben Collins, Solent member of the OGA sailed ‘Little Stint’ across the Solent to meet up with the RBC60 fleet in Cowes for the party weekend, Saturday 6 May. We publish the first part of his report here, along with a sketch of the rather damp pontoon that greeted him. Look out for a brighter sketch on the next post. Like a few other ageing ‘Old Gaffers’ I know, I no longer had a ‘Gaffer’ to prove my credentials. Would turning up in my ‘Bermudan’ make me a gate crasher to the party? I shouldn’t have worried! Even the grey… Read More »Changing times for Harwich

## Pages

- [Contact us](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/contact-us/): We look forward to receiving contributions from fellow sailors. If you’d like to provide feedback or contribute some ‘tales of sail’, please contact us using the form below.
- [About](https://www.sailing-by.org.uk/about/): The idea behind ‘Sailing by’ was conceived in 2012 by two members of the Old Gaffers Association (OGA), Beverley and Frank. They were interested to explore and share some of the historical ‘snippets’ and ‘tales of sail’ connected with places people sail to today. In 2013, the OGA celebrated its 50th anniversary and the blog was launched in March 2013 to coincide with the OGA50 Round Britain Challenge undertaken by some OGA members. The blog was relaunched in April 2023, ten years later, to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the OGA when another OGA60 Round Britain Cruise fleet departed Ramsgate,… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
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