OGA’s 60th birthday plans
The OGA (Association for Ga Rig Sailing) is planning its 60th birthday party next year, with a series of events around Ipswich and the River Orwell as well as a Round Britain cruise. Hosted by the East Coast OGA, up to 150 boats are expected at the River Orwell events from 2-6 August 2023.
The four days will encompass class racing, cruising in company, shoreside excursions and entertainment for all ages. The celebrations will be held in Ipswich Dock and Su olk Yacht Harbour, both on the Orwell.
The event will include the first Gaing 4.1 Championships for the Andrew Wolstenholmedesigned OGA dinghy, followed by the East Coast Areas’ Annual Cruise, to which all are welcome.
Coordinator Alison Cable said: “Between them, the River Orwell, Stour and Walton Backwaters provide sheltered sailing in most weathers and for the larger boats there are the open waters of the Harwich approaches. A range of sailing events will be organised to suit the di erent groups of boats and the conditions."
For those without a boat, the OGA is aiming to provide cruises on a local smack or Thames Barge.
The Round Britain Cruise fleet is scheduled to finish at Su olk Yacht Harbour just before the celebrations. Registrations are being taken and skippers are encouraged to o er crew spaces on one or more legs of the trip. Email oga60@oga.org.uk.
The idea was successful for the OGA’s 50th anniversary in 2013, when more than 200 boats took part in at least some of the round Britain challenge.
Alison said: “In 2023 we hope to repeat that success. We already know there will be celebrations in Cowes, Plymouth, Milford Haven and Dublin, as the fleet sails clockwise round the coast. Other gatherings will be decided as the event takes shape, culminating with a final party at Su olk Yacht Harbour on the first weekend of August 2023. We intend to make this final event suitable for all OGA members and boats from yachts to dinghies, and everything between.”
The round Britain fleet will assemble in Ramsgate on 27-29 April, ready to set o towards Cowes, to be there for the early May bank holiday. Then the fleet will head on to Pymouth for 10-12 May. There will be 10 days to get round Land’s End before arriving in Neyland Marina in Milford Haven for a gathering on 20-21 May.
Dublin Bay will be hosting an OGA party the following weekend. The Scottish area
OGA will host a party on 17-18 June, probably at Kerrera Marina or Oban.
At this point the fleet will probably split to go through the Caledonian Canal or round the top of Scotland, before rejoining to travel down the English east coast towards the jubilee party on the River Orwell.
The OGA is looking for partners and supporters for the Ipswich and Orwell events. Interested companies can contact Pete Thomas on pete.m.thomas@btinternet.com.
For further information see oga.org.uk