© Old Gaffers Association March 2012 THE Association for Gaff Rig and Traditional Boat Sailing The Old Gaffers Association: Formed in 1963 to promote Gaff Rig The first Old Gaffers race was held in the Solent in 1958 with only three boats, and has since been held annually with ever increasing numbers. As a result a similar race was held on the East Coast in 1963. Such was the success of this event that the committees of the two races joined together later in the year at the Little Ship Club at Maldon to form the OGA. There are now separate area committees organising events in various parts of the British Isles. The OGA also has branches in France, Australia, and Germany and we maintain friendly links with traditional sail organisations throughout Europe and Scandinavia who are all now running similar events. Membership of the OGA is open to anyone regardless of nationality. Our burgee of white gaff jaws (known as the pitchfork!) on a blue ground is a familiar sight and recognised everywhere. The lead given by the OGA encouraged designers to create new gaff rigged yachts, many of which are built in modern materials and it is an essence of the Association that, though 'old' is in the title, its sole concern is with the preservation of boats, in whatever material, with gaff or lug rig. It is the particular success of the Association that its presence has ensured the preservation of many fine yachts and working boats and also the building of new ones, specifically created to use the full virtues of gaff sail.