The Flotillas
Sail and Oar
In time gone by, all small boats, whether used for fishing, as workboats, or for pleasure, were propelled by sail or oar. Small sailing dinghies have long had a tradition in racing and cruising but as the need for speed and the demand for a modern group of plastic racers developed many were dispatched to the bottom of the garden. Until a new romance of cruising close to wildlife in a more traditional life, playing Swallows and Amazons and making friends. These easy to rig and transport boats allow families to discover the less frequented waters of our "hidden haven". They are classic sailing dinghies and replicas of those old working boats.
The Sail and Oar programme this year will provide great opportunity to explore those secret places.
Within Sail and Oar - Gigs
Gigs have been around since the early 17th Century. The Cornish pilot gig was recognised as one of the first shore-based lifeboats that went to vessels in distress. Originally the boats were used as work boats and for taking pilots out to incoming vessels off the Atlantic. Today, pilot gigs are used for sport. They, along with Jolly Boats, Launches and other Gigs and Long Boats, are often rowed by teams of keen oarsmen and women, and also perform well under sail. All modern racing gigs are based on the ‘Treffry', however there are also some non racing gigs built which do not conform to this specification which would not be allowed to race in competitions. Gigs provide fun and sail training, but also great competition and team working.
The Sail and Oar flotilla will be divided into two groups which both include classic day boats, dinghies, Old Gaffer trailer section, longboats, gigs and skiffs. Sail and Oar One will be based at the Pembrokeshire Adventure Centre in East Llanion, Pembroke Dock. Sail and Oar Two will be based in Lawrenny.
Old Gaffers
A traditionally rigged group of vessels, often based on fishing and working boats of the late 19th and early 20th century and classic sailing yachts of that era.
The Gaff Rig features a four cornered main sail rigged fore and aft, enabling a large sail area with a relatively low centre of effort. This flotilla includes replicas and restored vessels together with those influenced by traditional boat building and the gaff rig. They often regarded as the most attractive group of vessels whilst in sail.
The Old Gaffers programme will include a race or two as usual. They will overnight at Neyland, Dale and Lawrenny.
Classic Vessels
The flotilla for Classic Vessels will be divided into two groups; Classic Vessels One will contain Classic Bermudans, Classic Motor Cruisers, Classic Sailing Cruisers and Large Traditional Vessels; Classic Vessels Two will contain Classic Bermudans and Classic Sailing Cruisers. Both will overnight in Lawrenny, Neyland and Dale.
Classic Bermudan
A forerunner to today's yachts, these Classic wooden yachts vary in age from pre war to the 1960's, pre war vessels known for their elegance, sparkling varnish, gleaming fittings and holystoned teak were the gentlemen's yachts, often competing in the great yacht races of the day. Latter vessels marked the development of the yacht as a family vessel, sturdy well found cruisers, popularising cruising with the wider community.
The Classic Bermudan programme will give plenty of opportunity to explore, intermingle and make friends.
Large Traditional Vessels
Ranging from Tall Ships to Sailing Trawlers, Cotters and Baltic Traders, previous vessels included the Jeannie Johnson, the Dunbrody on her maiden international voyage, Ruth, Josephine and our very own Keewaydin.
This year we are encouraging vessels to take on charters to, from and around the festival. We are also looking for partnerships with vessels to travel on coastal trips between Milford Haven, Tenby and Fishguard to expand Seafair across the County and to give people the opportunity to get afloat and to experience a voyage around the Pembrokeshire coast.
Classic Motor Cruisers
Classic motor boats can take all shapes and sizes, from James A Silver designs to Fairy Huntsmen and classics from the classic motor boat association, not forgetting traditional classics based on fishing and working craft. This is the first time that Seafair has welcomed these vessels to our festival, but we are looking forward to seeing these gleaming craft and putting together a program that they will enjoy in a flotilla of like minded people.
Classic Sailing Cruisers
The other New Flotilla for Seafair 2010 is "Classic Sailing Cruisers", this includes vessels built up to the 1970's, which to many was a golden age for cruising yachts. In the 60's and 70's young people with modest income were able to discover sailing and new more affordable boats were put on the market. Sea worthy, comfortable and quite fast, a new generation saw the day: Nicholsons, Hurleys, Sadlers, Achiles - elegant and modern plans by naval architects whose names have now become famous and have since given much pleasure to today's seafarers and adventurers.
ID: 1027 Revised: 12/05/2010