Up to 30 historic sailing vessels will be in Ipswich this weekend, 16 - 17 August.
The Old Gaffers, a type of vessel with "square" sails and similar to the Thames Barges, are members of the East Coast Region Old Gaffers Association who are holding their annual regatta in Ipswich. The vessels, some dating from the 1800s, varying in size from just 10ft to 60ft in length, will be arriving throughout Saturday and should all be moored in Ipswich's Haven Marina by mid-afternoon.
The Old Gaffers Association was founded in 1963 to protect these important heritage craft. Nationally the Association has around 3,000 members. Visit The Old Gaffers Association website www.eastcoastclassics.co.uk (opens in a new window) for more information.
Coinciding with the arrival of the vessels, a "Waterfront Wander" guided walk, led by Ipswich Blue Badge Tourist Guides, will start at 2.15pm leading from the Tourist Information Centre, St. Stephen's Church, down to the Waterfront. There is no need to book and the cost is just £3 per person (£2 concessions). Further details of the walk are available from the Tourist Information Centre: 01473 258070 tourist@ipswich.gov.uk.