Autumn 2007
Well we had a very full summer. How do we fit it all in! The pilot cutter revue was a flying success. St Mawes is such a lovely place. To see eleven cutters at anchor off the harbour, with sails up, was like going back in time. I don't think that there has been such a gathering of pilot cutters for eighty years or more! A great feeling of camaraderie between the boats, It feels that this is the beginning of something big, that will grow year on year. There are plenty of new cutters coming on the scene, so in a few years the fleet could be doubled.
Sailing to Ireland was wonderful, I sailed Agnes with my seven year old daughter and sister. We sailed in company with Hesper, cruising down to the south west, and to the Fastnet rock, sailing around it with the few racing boats that made it there, they didn't stand a chance against us on such a windy day!
Then on to Baltimore and the surrounding Isles, where we were well entertained by friends that we made in the aria.
Back at work 1st September. I have taken on more shipwrights, so things are going at a fair pace. We have pulled Tallulah out of the building shed, for rigging and final fit out. The rig will be in by Christmas and all is well in hand for her launch in April 2008. Already we feel she can't wait for her shake down, and the beginning of many happy years sailing. Another one to add to the fleet at St Mawes next June!
The building shed is now in use building vessel No. 7 a 44 foot sister to Ezra, the Scottish boat. Her London owners chose this hull shape as she is very roomy for her size, and ideal for her chosen life as a charter vessel, based in Poole on the south coast of England. This new cutter is yet to be named. Started in September, and framing up through the early winter. Planking in the new year of 2008, She is due to launch, and sail away in spring 2009. So when Tallulah launches in the Spring, Number 7 should be well advanced.
WINTER 2007
We were very busy this last winter working on Tallulah. The hull was started in September, she was all planked up with deck beams by mid February. With decking, bulwarks and coamings on in the Spring. She has gone well this one, a beautiful drop of planking, clean boards not a knot in the whole boat! The two inch Oak top planking went in beautifully, Oak is a wonderful wood, after steaming it is so pliable, tucking in under the counter with such ease. Its a joy to plank in Oak!
During the summer months we will be fitting out her interior, engine cabins and bunks. She will be taken out of the construction shed in the Autumn for her rig to be set up.
This will then liberate the space for the construction of the next vessel. Which will start at the end of this year. Another forty four footer, which appears to be a popular size with our customers. These vessels are not too big to handle and yet provide a large space internally.
Agnes has a full summer planed this year. It starts with the St Mawes Pilot Cutter Championship on the 8th of June. Where she will meet her sisters ships again, always a splendid sight. Several Bristol Pilot Cutters are planning to come along. This is an event we hope will build year on year.
Then the Looe Luggers race takes place, a festival loved by all. A great welcome is given by the locals, to all the visiting boats and crews who are guaranteed a real festive atmosphere.
After that its back to here home port of Falmouth before embarking for the Isles of Scilly where she will wait for a fair wind. Agnes will be crossing the Celtic Sea this August, flying the flag for Working Sail. She will visit Cork and then sail along the southern Irish coast to Baltimore where she will meet up with friends. Then she will pass the Blasket Islands, and cruise the west coast to Galway. This is an area that has a great tradition of wooden boats. So Agnes should be well received, where the sight of a big cutter like her, sailing in through the islands should turn a few heads.
