This film is part of Free

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.

Sponsored film 1968 11 mins

From the collection of:

Logo for East Anglian Film Archive

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.