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.