FOR the 18th year running, the East Coast Old Gaffer Association held their Swallows and Amazons weekend in conjunction with Walton and Frinton Yacht Club.
Sunny but blustery conditions on Saturday proved challenging for the fleet of 17 traditional sailing dinghies.
As well as the Old Gaffers’ Smacks Boats, there were entries from club members with a Jewel and a Winkelbrig and also a 9’6” lugsail dinghy to augment the smaller Little Gaffers.
The course for Saturday’s race was around Horsey Island in the heart of Arthur Ransome’s Backwaters - a spiritual home for these traditional boats.
The smaller dinghies found the conditions trying, with wind against tide so plenty of spray to get the sailors wet.
The visitors enjoyed the hospitality of the yacht club and provided entertainment in the evening in the form of live music.
On Sunday, another fine but windy day, the boats cruised to Witch’s Quay for a picnic before packing up and returning home.
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