Preview: Slow August – Lights Airs for the “Gaffer Race” on Martha’s Vineyard

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When race day comes and there’s hardly a breeze? Relax and enjoy the view. The Pat West Gaffer & Schooner Race” is hosted each October by Gannon & Benjamin Marine Railway in honor of Pat West, who was a beloved sailor and character on Martha’s Vineyard.

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16 Responses So Far to “Slow August – Lights Airs for the “Gaffer Race” on Martha’s Vineyard

  • Woody Bowman says:

    Lovely to see video of my little catboat, Julia Lee, under sail and moving along smartly. I have only one other video of her, and that’s at quite a distance. Thank you! And, of course, a treat to see all of the fleet.

  • David Rawls says:

    Boys and their boats! What a respite!! Thanks

  • Ulrich Kuntze says:

    Finally I have seen the secondary (or primary?) use of a bowsprit and its stays. It is the best and secure method to climb on board, if You have fallen from a relatively hight boarded ship. No ladder needed.

  • Peter Willcox says:

    Or, as Niel Young says: Start off slow and fizzle out alltogether….

  • Andy Bullock says:

    Seeing the catboat moving beautifully in next to no wind, driven by its massive gaff sail, was a lovely sight.

  • Thomas Dilworth says:

    I’ve been stressed lately, living on my boat in a boatyard up here in Bellingham, Wa., trying to complete too many tasks in too little time.. But watching this video has renewed my enthusiasm to get this boat back in the water. So after I press send I’m gonna climb down that ladder and wrangle that cutlass
    bearing out.

  • Captain Keith Korporaal

    Captain Keith Korporaal says:

    Early Sunday morning here, watching this video in the cockpit. Just a great way to start the day… in the boatyard here in Port Townsend 😊, looking forward to the relaunch. Thanks so much!

  • charles parker says:

    By far Kathleen is my favorite. But then again I’ma catboat lover…

    • Michael Davidson says:

      Just gorgeous! It reminds me of when I visited Gannon and Benjamin same calmness in the Harbour. Stayed with Ross for a week and got to really get to know the works. They are such a great bunch of people down to earth and we all had a grand time. Dreams are Real!
      Thanks OCH FOR MAKING THEM COME TRUE
      Michael Davidson S/V Starlight

  • Jeff Patrick says:

    Lovely! Especially liked seeing the kids jumping off the bow sprit then quickly clambering back aboard. So much energy!

  • Rod McLaren says:

    Capricious indeed. It keeps us humble. We recently completed the 13th Elbow Run under similar conditions for an entire week. Thank you for the lovely video.

  • Philip Myer says:

    Very slow and gentle, beautiful boats, dark colours are hard on the seams of wooden boats.

  • Bruce Cresser says:

    Happy to see they included the kids in sailing and letting them be kids.

  • Andrew Blodgett says:

    Just about to leave work for the weekend and wondering “Isn’t OCH going to kick off Slow August yet?” Perfect.

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