On Saturday, we had a day out on the Isle of Wight. It promised to be the last fine day for a while.
We caught a late morning ferry from Lymington, across the Solent to Yarmouth.
It was a pleasant surprise to find that the 19th Annual Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival was in full swing.
As the ferry neared the Island several beautiful old boats sailed nearby, but this elegant yacht from another era passed in front of our bows. What a sight!
Several old boats were out on the water, some were working craft with traditional red sails and others were wooden yachts, lovingly restored.
Interesting boats were moored in Yarmouth harbour as we approached. Flags and bunting adorned their rigging for the festival.
Driving off the ferry, we found that the small town of Yarmouth had been transformed. Stalls selling food, drink, crafts and "allsorts" lined the streets. Crowds of people massed around the town and the harbour, enjoying a Real Ale festival as well as the sight of so many historic boats out on the water.
We had another destination, but as we returned to catch the homeward ferry that evening, we were quite sorry to leave so soon. It seemed that Yarmouth was still celebrating and the night was young!
