The Ration Book Games- London 1948

At Torre Abbey, Torquay there was a very nice exhibition of memorabilia relating to the 1948 London Olympics. This is Archie Lang's tracksuit. Archie was the Assistant Manager of the British Road Cycling Team. The course used was in Windor Great Park and the team got the silver medal.

Torquay was the venue for the Sailing in 1948 and the Olympic Flame burned for the duration. There were five classes of boat in the event - International six metre class, Dragon class, Star class, Swallow class, and Firefly.

A rule was introduced in 1948 to prevent women from taking part in the sailing events. Therefore, Dartmouth sailor Mrs. Ptritchard (in a boat crewed by her husband) was forced to withdraw from the national trials. Her Dragon class yacht Rhythm was borrowed by the USA team who won the Olympic gold medal.

Also on display are a Firefly from 1948 and a modern Finn class from 2012.