For 60 years Old Gaffers Association works to preserve traditional rigs across Europe. In 2025, from June 6 to 9, the collective is relaunching the fêtes maritimes de Saint-Malo, which will bring together some 300 boats. A major event that will place the corsair town in the history of classic sailing events.
Old Gaffers: a story born in England
Founded in 1963 in the United Kingdom, the Old Gaffers Association (OGA) was born of the desire to preserve and promote traditional rigs. At a time when the modernization of sailboats was gradually relegating these horn-sail boats to the status of souvenirs, a group of enthusiasts decided to join forces to bring them back to life. The OGA quickly established itself as a reference point for owners and sailors wishing to perpetuate this living heritage. The association set itself a number of missions, including promoting popular education about old rigs, organizing gatherings, encouraging the transmission of maritime knowledge and uniting old rig enthusiasts beyond British borders. From the outset, the OGA attracted interest from other countries, and its influence spread rapidly.
Setting up in France and the birth of the Saint-Malo festivals
In 1968, the French section of Old Gaffers Association was born under the impetus of François Gicquel and Roger Klippfell. As French sailors became increasingly enthusiastic about these yachts from another era, the French branch became independent in 1973 and became the Association Old Gaffers-Vieux Gréements de France. Saint-Malo, an emblematic port steeped in history, quickly established itself as a natural meeting place for these boats. In 1997, under the impetus of the OGA, the first maritime festivals were held in the corsair city. Inspired by other major nautical events such as the Semaine du Golfe du Morbihan or Brest 92, these festivals became a major rendezvous for lovers of nautical heritage. However, after several successful editions, the event ran out of steam and eventually disappeared from the calendar of major maritime gatherings.
2025: the grand return of old sailing ships to Saint-Malo
After years of absence, the OGA is relaunching the fêtes maritimes de Saint-Malo from June 6 to 9, 2025. To mark the jubilee, over 300 boats will be present in the old port, with crews from all over Europe: France, the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Italy and Spain. '' We're delighted to invite British and Irish Gaffers to join us at our big event from June 6 to 9 to celebrate our town's rich heritage with the traditional boats we all cherish we're looking forward to working with you," said Anne Métel, President of OGA France, at the association's annual general meeting.
A rich program of festivities
The Saint-Malo 2025 celebrations are part of a particularly busy nautical calendar. Just after the Semaine du Golfe du Morbihan (May 26 - June 1), they will precede the Fêtes du Millénaire in Caen (June 27-29) and the start of the Tall Ships Race in Le Havre (July 4-7).
On the program:
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Nautical parades and races in the bay
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Maritime heritage exhibitions
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Dinghy sailing and entertainment on the water
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Seafaring songs, folk groups and traditional dances
The old port of Saint-Malo will be the ideal setting for these festivities, with its rampart-lined quays and sheltered waters.
Facilities for participants
Several measures have been taken to encourage boaters to visit the region:
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Parking reserved for tractors and trailers for boats arriving by ferry
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Flotilla cruises from the Solent with possible stopovers before reaching Saint-Malo
With direct ferry access from Portsmouth, Saint-Malo is an ideal maritime crossroads for European old-riggers.
The rebirth of Saint-Malo's maritime festivals coincides with a revival of the Association des Vieux Gréements de France. Under the impetus of Anne Métel, the OGA is experiencing a resurgence of activity, marked by the arrival of young, enthusiastic volunteers. Last October, a first test gathering brought together 22 boats, including several emblematic figures of French nautical heritage: Le Grand Léjon, la Sainte-Jeanne, Saint Expédit and La Cancalaise. This success heralds a particularly promising 2025 edition.
