The year 2022 saw most of the world return to normality after two years of being battered by the gales of Covid. It was a great year on the water, with some classic regattas recording their best ever entries. More than that though, it was the feeling that the usual relaxed bonhomie had returned to sailing. So what of 2023? Well, more of the same, we hope. There are, as always, a number of centenaries and other landmarks that will create pockets of focus here and there, among them the centenary of Alfred Westmacott’s iconic Sunbeam class and the OGA (the Association for Gaff Rig Sailing) at 60.
The OGA’s 50th was a big one, and it seems the 60th is going to be as well, and in similar vein. Up to 150 boats are expected to attend events on the River Orwell, on England’s east coast, from 2-6 August. These four days will encompass class racing, cruising in company, shoreside excursions and more, centred around Ipswich Dock and Suffolk yacht Harbour. Events include the first Gaffling 4.1 Championships for
