The East Anglian Film Archive, the first and largest Regional Film Archive in England, was established in 1976. Since 1984, EAFA has been owned and operated by the University of East Anglia, Norwich (UEA), to support research and work to preserve our moving image heritage. More than 250 hours are freely available online as examples of the wide range of film which attracts interest the world over.
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Pageant of Sail, Wivenhoe, Essex
A beautifully crafted film - much like the boats that feature, sailing on the River Blackwater in Essex, and the East Coast Old Gaffers' Race.
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Overview
Sponsored by the Wivenhoe Yacht Owners Association, the film opens with sailing boats on the water at Wivenhoe, Essex, whilst the greater part of the film shows the East Coast Old Gaffers' Race, on the Blackwater from Maldon. On a quiet and misty day, people watch from the beach. Any boating craft with a gaff rig is eligible for the Old Gaffers' annual race, though many of the vessels taking part are smacks - lovingly restored fishing boats peculiar to this part of the coast.
Wivenhoe Yacht Owners Association was founded in 1968, and this film was made shortly after that time. The film features members of the Ocean Youth Club, the Old Gaffers’ Association, and the Stone Sailing Club.
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