The First Peel Sea Fest - a Roaring Success

The 26th of July heralded the start of the first, three-day, Peel Sea Fest.

Peel, Isle of Man, whose maritime heritage dates from the Neolithic, through Vikings, to the present day, boasts a sheltered harbour and a vibrant town, everything about which seems to connect with the sea.

Peel Sailing and Cruising Club, a busy and welcoming sailing club and great local facility (the club is also shared by The Moddey Dhoo, a local motorcycle club, named after the legendary black dog of Peel Castle), launched the first Peel Sea Fest this year; a gathering for vessels of all shapes and sizes and three days for members, guests and the public to see the spectacle of the colourful vessels, take part in treasure hunts, quizzes and boat trips and immerse themselves in Peels deep rooted maritime heritage.

There was always something happening; entertainment came from a great Ceilidh band and the Star Shanty Singers. A special beer ‘Jolly Roger’ was brewed for the event, and named for the club Commodore Roger Cave, by the local brewery Odin, and very good it was too…

Prizes were awarded for the best presented boat, going to Wendy and John Duncan’s ‘Wren’ a beautiful gaff rigged cutter. It’s not all about traditional boats, however; “Peel Sea Fest is for everyone.” Roger Cave told me “It is an annual festival for boats of all types and ages, a chance to gather in the company of all the different folk who enjoy the sea, there was even the possibility of a visit from an electric rib currently rounding Britain, all boats are welcome…”

The East Down Yacht Club even timed their race from Northern Ireland to Peel to coincide with the festival.

A prize is given to the vessel travelling the furthest to the Sea Fest, this year’s winner was Graham on Felinheli sailing from Porth Penrhyn with a distance of 84 miles.
Who will travel the furthest in 2025? Festival committee member Pam Moxon said “it is great to see boats come from far and wide to join in our festival, we hope the numbers will grow next year.”

The Club opens it’s bar daily from 12.00 and all are welcome “we are all volunteers” said Sue Tayler “we are very proud of our active and friendly club and we are looking forward to Peel Sea Fest welcoming more boats, owners and visitors next year.”

The whole town seems to join in the spirit of the festival, talented knitters had festooned the town with colourful creations, there were displays by the Manx Wildlife Trust, a hand built wooden Manx skiff was on display (the first of many) and live music abounds in local pubs and bars.

It was incredibly refreshing to attend a boating event where the theme is the enjoyment of boating, the sea and the food, drink and conversation, what the Irish visitors would call the Craic. No headline corporate sponsors or multi-million-pound racing yachts just lots of folk enjoying the Island, the town, the company, and the sea.

Next years Peel Sea Fest’s dates will be released soon, come along and join in the fun.