Bristol Pilot Cutters were amongst the last commercial
sailing craft in the UK to be replaced by steam or diesel
vessels. They worked continuously in the Western Approaches,
in all weathers, delivering pilots to ships approaching
the notorious waters of the Bristol Channel. They earned
a reputation for immense seaworthiness and a sea-kindly
nature, almost unknown in modern yacht designs, and they
have since been used to explore some of the remotest parts
of the World, including the Polar Regions.
Cockwells Modern and
Classic Boatbuilding in Falmouth took almost 2 years to
build Merlin. Skilled shipwrights, riggers and sailmakers
have created a beautiful bespoke private yacht to the
highest standards. The construction of the hull followed
traditional methods, with an oak frame and larch planking,
all cut from the round in Cockwell’s yard in Ponsharden,
near Falmouth. The bronze fittings were cast especially
for the boat and all fittings and hardware are of the
highest quality. The build was featured over 7 monthly
issues of Classic Boat Magazine in 2010. Full details
of construction, including the Classic Boat Magazine articles,
can be seen at:
http://www.cockwells.co.uk/pilotcutter48.html.
Merlin’s spars
were made by Noble Masts in Bristol from Douglas fir and
her rigging was completed by Dennis Platten, a traditional
Bristol rigger. The gaff rig is powerful but easy to manage.
Her massive mainsail can be hoisted and lowered by one
person and reefed quickly with an Appledore roller reefing
system, perfected over 100 years ago. The boomed staysail
is self-tacking and the jib and flying jib can be controlled
easily from the cockpit. Once hoisted, the topsail needs
little attention. The long Bowsprit retracts to make the
boat easier to handle in harbour.
Spacious teak
decks and a comfortable cockpit area, protected by a surrounding
coaming, offer plenty of scope for relaxing. The 18”
bulwarks that run along each side, topped by lifelines
offer security whilst moving around on deck and in heavy
weather or at night, crew can clip-onto jackstays that
run along the deck for additional safety.
