On the Water 2

NEW

MAGAZINE

C O R N WA L L

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OCEAN LIFE

’S WALL CORN GAZINE MA ONLY ED

AT DEDICFE ON

TO LI ATER HE W T

ISSUE 2 | JULY 2015 | CORNWALL

Regatta Season Key events happening over the summer

Inside �is issue

Cornish crafts Meet the amazing builders of beautiful traditional boats

Buying a boat Everything you need to know

River pilots

Padstow

Helford’s best

The unsung heroes of our water ways

Visit the harbour town on the Camel estuary

An inspiring couple helping the village community thrive

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Beds • Carpets • Flooring • Garden Furniture • Lighting • Home Accessories • Restaurant

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Visit Our Magnificent New Furniture Showroom & The Brasserie Restaurant

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Open 7 days Mon - Sat 9.30 - 5.30 Sun 10.30 - 4.30

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Editor

Felix Rowe

felix.rowe@enginehousemedia.co.uk Telephone: 01326 574842 Features Writer

Mandy Milano

mandy.milano@enginehousemedia.co.uk Telephone: 01326 574842 Contributing Editor

Amber Key

amber.key@enginehousemedia.co.uk Telephone: 01326 574842

WELCOME TO

Design

Steve Mathews

steve.mathews@enginehousemedia.co.uk Telephone: 01326 574842 Design

Chloe Searle

chloe.searle@enginehousemedia.co.uk Telephone: 01326 574842 Client Liaison

Tracy Speak

tracy.speak@enginehousemedia.co.uk Telephone: 01326 574842 Client Liaison

Vicky Lomas

vicky.lomas@enginehousemedia.co.uk Telephone: 01326 574842 Production Manager

Joanne Stinton

joanne.stinton@enginehousemedia.co.uk Mobile: 07947 589559 Accounts Manager

Charlotte Forster

charlotte.forster@enginehousemedia.co.uk Mobile: 07714 718471

ADVERTISING CONTACTS Media Sales & Client Manager

Ian Grant

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Eleanor Mason

ellie.mason@enginehousemedia.co.uk Mobile: 07535 585613 Commercial Director

Jonathan Perkins

jonathan.perkins@enginehousemedia.co.uk Mobile: 07587 072706 Managing Director

Andy Forster

andy.forster@enginehousemedia.co.uk Telephone: 01326 574842 Mobile: 07711 160590

Regatta season has arrived as thousands head to the coast to take part in events and witness the spectacle. From Red Arrows displays and fireworks, to racing and rowing, expect plenty of organised mayhem.

To celebrate we take a look at a selection of the summer’s key events, including Falmouth Week and the Royal Fowey Regatta on page 10. We head over to the north coast for our destination port, beautiful Padstow, on page 16, while Amber Key samples the menu at one of Rick Stein’s Padstow eateries on page 56. Mandy Milano visits an inspiring family on the Helford helping to keep the community thriving on page 62.

Buying a boat is a big decision and often a daunting task. Thankfully, Simon Boote of Ancasta is on hand with some advice on page 22. We also celebrate the amazing craftsmanship across Cornwall with the start of our regular feature on bespoke boats and boards, kicking off with Cockwells of Mylor on page 42.

Amber meets Porthleven filmmaker and author John Boyle, who came face to face with Somali pirates, on page 40. And I catch up with river pilot Will Mitchell to learn about the unsung heroes who bring large ships in and out of port on page 18.

We hope you enjoy reading!

Felix

CONTRIBUTORS Simon Boote

On the Water is published by: ENGINE HOUSE MEDIA LTD Holbrook, The Moors, Porthleven, Cornwall TR13 9JX www.enginehousemedia.co.uk

ON THE COVER The Beneteau Swift Trawler 34

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Delivering the personal touch, because your needs are unique contact us today for professional advice from a fully qualified adviser

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JULY 2015 -- 3

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NE

C O R N WA L L

CONTENTS

W MAGAZIN E

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO OCEAN LIFE

’S CORNWALL NE AZI ONLY MAG

ED DEDICATON TO LIFE

THE WATER

ISSUE 2 | JULY 2015 | CORNWALL

Regatta Season Key events happ ening over the summer

July 2015

F E ATURES

Inside �is issue

Cornish crafts

Meet the amazin g builders of beautiful traditio nal boats

Buying a boat Everyth ing you need to know

River pilots

10

40

The unsung heroes of our water ways On the water 2 cover

Regatta season

Somali pirates

A selection of key events happening throughout the summer

Meet John Boyle, filmmaker and author of new book, Blood Ransom

18

Stunning seascapes

The unsung heroes of our waterways bringing large ships in and out of port

Bold new exhibition featuring three Cornish artists at John Dyer Gallery

22

Get in the know, with expert advice from Ancasta’s Simon Boote

The Bailey family explain why Falmouth Haven is their port of choice

Helford’s best

An inspiring couple helping the village community thrive

26/06/2015 18:26

50

At home A range of ideas for the house and home, from HomeShed and Happy Energy

26

Homeward bound

Visit the harbour town on the Camel estuary

48

River pilots

Buying a boat?

Padstow

FINAL.indd 1

62

Helford’s finest An inspiring couple help to keep the riverside village thriving

22

16

26

59

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10

42

6 News and views 35

Falmouth Marine School makeover and other news from the shore

16

Destination harbour We head to stunning Padstow, jewel of the north coast

30

Accessorise Get the right kit for a summer out on the water

42 Crafts of Cornwall Beautiful traditional bespoke boats from Cockwells

66

Expert advice Self build advice from Harris Begley Financial Planning

62

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NEWS

NEWS & VIEWS

Images courtesy of: Falmouth Haven

PHYSIOTHERAPY at Duchy Hospital

FALMOUTH Marine School makeover The exciting £3.6 million redevelopment of Falmouth Marine School nears completion this summer, providing state-of-the-art marine sector training facilities for students and local employers.

The redevelopment offers cutting-edge marine engineering workshops, complete with a high-tech commercial engine room and reconfigured marine biology laboratories, with additional tanks and equipment. The building includes a new open plan students’ union, workstations and a cafeteria with integrated library.

Head of West Locality for The Cornwall College Group, Peter Roberts, says: “This is excellent news for students and businesses across Cornwall looking to benefit from the planned expansion of the marine sector.”

Funding for the project has come from a range of sources including the Skills Funding Agency and the European Regional Development Fund.

To celebrate, Falmouth Marine School holds a Community Open Day on Saturday 11th July, 11am to 3pm, where visitors can feed the piranhas, help students to build a boat, have a go on a windsurf simulation and much more. Course information is also available on boatbuilding, marine engineering, watersports and marine biology.

Falmouth Marine School 01326 310310 www.falmouthmarineschool.ac.uk

LUGGERS of Looe In June, the south coast played host to the Looe Luggers Regatta 2015, when scores of Luggers descended to the town for racing in and around the bay.

Luggers are beautiful wooden vessels, traditionally used as fishing boats and instantly recognisable by their two masts and characteristic lugsail rig.

The biennial event is perhaps the best opportunity to see so many luggers in one place in the UK, including the occasional three-masted design. As well as racing, the regatta included the Looe Festival of the Sea and a Cornwall Good Seafood Guide Talk,

organised by Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Looe Marine Conservation Group, both promoting sustainable fishing and celebrating Looe’s fishing heritage.

Sunday night was capped off with a show-stopping performance of ‘Salt Road: An evening of stories and music about the sea’, by Kneehigh Theatre’s Anna Murphy and Bagas Degol, at the Millpool Centre.

Bring on the next meeting in 2017!

If in the excitement of the arrival of the summer sailing season, you’ve overdone it on the winches and are feeling the effects, then you might be interested to know that help is at hand. Physiotherapy can help get you back to your active self quickly.

At Duchy Hospital you can access a private physiotherapy appointment within one to two working days and do not require a doctor’s referral.

All Duchy Hospital’s physiotherapists are experienced, state registered professionals with easy access to specialist consultants and diagnostics if needed.

If you suffer from chronic tendon problems like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, tennis or golfer’s elbow the private hospital also provides Shockwave Therapy. This is a relatively new treatment, which delivers a radial shockwave through the surface of the skin to the injured tissue initiating an inflammation-like response accelerating the healing process.

Duchy Hospital 01872 226105 www.duchyhospital.co.uk

Visit South East Cornwall 01503 262072 www.looeguide.co.uk

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BERTH IN THE HEART OF FALMOUTH Falmouth Haven offers superb mooring and marina options in the very heart of Falmouth. Visit our website for more information or call today - 01326 310990

WWW.FALMOUTHHAVEN.CO.UK

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HARRIS BEGLEY FINANCIAL PLANNING

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Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it. For mortgages, we offer free consultations but a mortgage fee will apply at the application stage. Typically this is likely to be £495. Equity release is a lifetime mortgage or home reversion scheme. To understand the features and risks, ask for a personalised illustration. The value of pension and investments can fall as well as rise. You may get back less than you invested.

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28/05/2015 11:31

SHANTIES in Falmouth Mid-June saw the return of the raucous Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival, with an eclectic assortment of ensembles dotted around the town, from backstreet bars to the marquee at Events Square.

This fantastic aural folk tradition has stayed alive in Cornish taverns and has grown in popularity thanks largely to groups including, of course, The Fisherman’s Friends, who played the Skinner’s Stage on Sunday. Other acts to perform included the Cadgwith Singers and The Old Gaffers.

As usual, the weekend involved bawdy tales sunk with gusto, role-play, and plenty of audience participation (some decidedly more willing than others!). As well as many sing-alongs, revellers were also treated to a ‘how to play the bones’ workshop with Hans Weehuizen.

But the shindig wasn’t just an excuse for a knees-up. Last year, a whopping £10,480 was raised for the RNLI through bucket collections, an incredible target they hoped to smash this year.

Falmouth International Sea Shanty Festival www.falmouthseashanty.co.uk

PADSTOW TO ROCK SWIM

in aid of Marie Curie

This month’s destination port is stunning Padstow, where you can take a ferry across the Camel river to Rock. But many brave challengers are donning wetsuits to swim the one-mile crossing, in the annual Padstow to Rock Swim.

The event held on 12th July in aid of Marie Curie has been increasing in popularity over the last few years, with places on the challenge quickly selling out.

Elite swimmers must be able to complete the swim within half an hour, with nonelite swimmers given a full hour. For their efforts, the swimmers will be greeted with a well-earned pasty and bottle of water.

And luckily for them, the journey back will be less tiresome via the ferry!

Marie Curie Nurses care for terminally ill patients and their families. Every £20 raised will provide another hour of care and £180 pays for a nurse’s full shift.

THE VIEW FROM FALMOUTH HAVEN

UP THE CREEK WITHOUT A CARE

With cruising yachts visiting the marina from as far afield as France and the Azores, this summer we are reminded of what a great boating destination Falmouth Haven is. Even if your landfall is only for a night or two, it’s worth making time to explore some of the dramatic creeks and backwaters.

Tucked away beyond St Mawes is the Percuil River, a lesser-known tributary of the River Fal. Much of Percuil dries out but is stunningly beautiful and makes a hugely rewarding forage for shallow draught boats prepared to take ground (and be aware of the protected oyster beds).

On the edge of Restronguet Creek is The Pandora Inn. This stunning thatched inn dating back to the 13th century has its own pontoon and is

a popular destination. Dine al fresco right on the pontoon and savour the award-winning food on the water.

To the south west of Falmouth Bay, Helford River offers several sheltered mooring and anchorage spots. Head ashore to enjoy lunch at The Ferryboat Inn, proudly run by the Wright brothers and then walk off full tummies at the nearby subtropical Trebah gardens.

Note that the river is home to both oyster beds and areas of protected eelgrass, which must be avoided when anchoring. Happy creek hopping!

Falmouth Haven 01326 310990 www.falmouthhaven.co.uk welcome@falmouthhaven.co.uk

Marie Curie 01872 260500 www.mariecurie.org.uk/donate

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REGATTA SEASON

THE MAIN EVENT With regatta season in full swing, we welcome in some of the key festivals of the summer.

Many will brave the waters all year round, but we all know that the summer is when our rivers and ports really come alive. June kicked things off with the return of the mighty J-Class classic boats to Falmouth, as well as the considerably smaller, but equally arresting, luggers gracing Looe. And now with the height of summer upon us and the regatta season well and truly in full swing, there’s a whole host of events – big and small, ashore and afloat – to look forward to across the coast.

There’s nothing more spectacular than witnessing hundreds of vessels taking to the water, great sheets of canvas, a multitude of shapes and colours, flags and regalia on display. Whether a hardy sailor, a keen novice or a shoreline spectator, there’s something happening on every river, creek, estuary and waterway just waiting to be discovered. And the revelry continues well into the evening too, with the sky now becoming the backdrop for yet more heroics, from fireworks to aerobatics. Here’s a selection of just few treats in store.

WORDS BY

Felix Rowe

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Image courtesy of: Falmouth Town 11 -- JULY 2015

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REGATTA SEASON

FALMOUTH WEEK REGATTA A good place to start is Falmouth Week, always a highlight of the calendar, and the largest regatta in the south west – the week typically sees over 100,000 visitors flock to the town. In terms of variety of events, accessibility for all, and sheer scale, it’s a tough act to follow, with an incredible array of activity both afloat and ashore.

There’s a comprehensive sailing programme throughout the week, hosted by a different local yacht or sailing club each day, from Falmouth, Helford, Mylor, Restronguet, St Mawes and Flushing.

It’s fantastic to see so many clubs pull together in one single event.

The racing is divided into two separate courses, in Falmouth Bay and the Carrack Roads, with a diverse range of vessels taking part. Classes in the Bay Fleet include multihulls, IRC and NHC yachts, sports boats, Marieholms and FAY cruising yachts.

Meanwhile, the Carrick Fleet has classes for Flying Fifteens, International One Designs, Ajaxes, Cornish Shrimpers, Sunbeams, Falmouth Working Boats, Falmouth Gaffers, St Mawes One Designs, Cabin Yachts, and Dayboats. All bay fleets can take part in the Champagne Race on Thursday.

If you’d rather enjoy the action from the comfort of dry land, you can view much of the racing from many excellent vantage points in and around Falmouth, both sides of the river, from Restronguet to Pendennis Castle. Day and night the festivities continue across Events Square, The Moor and Prince of Wales Pier, from an action sports tour to dragon boat racing.

But wherever you might find yourself in and around the town, you’ll never stray too far from music and merriment.

The Outlaw Summer Market, featuring 38 artisan stalls, begins on Tuesday on The Moor, while the evenings promise everything from funk and soul to ska and Britpop to keep your toes tapping. What better way to enjoy a hog roast and cider than soundtracked by legendary country bumpkins, The Wurzels? And if that’s not your idea of fun, you’ll find something for you among the other acts throughout the week, including Toploader, Five, Freshly Squeezed and Oasis tribute Definitely MightBe. And with a Red Arrows display on Wednesday followed by fireworks on Friday, this is a week you won’t forget in a hurry.

Image courtesy of: Southwest Bars and Events

WHEN? 7TH TO 16TH AUGUST

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Image courtesy of: Falmouth Town

Image courtesy of: Southwest Bars and Events

Red Arrows

KEY EVENTS Fri 7th: Pink Wig Event (Events Square)

Boats by St Antony’s Lighthouse

Image courtesy of: Falmouth Town

The fireworks The carnival

Image courtesy of: Falmouth Town

Sat 8th: Carnival (The Moor >> Events Square) Sun 9th: The Wurzels Hog Roast and Cider Night (Events Square) Mon 10th: Toploader (Events Square) Tues 11th: Outlaw Summer Market begins (The Moor) / Jump & Jive (Events Square) Wed 12th: Action Sports Tour (Church Street Car Park) / Red Arrows (Harbour) / Definitely Mightbe, Oasis tribute (Events Square) Thurs 13th: Ska Night with Rudi’s Message (Events Square) Fri 14th: Fireworks (Town Centre) / 80s vs 90s Extravaganza feat. Five, Dr & The Medics, Phatts & Small and K-Klass (Events Square) Sat 15th: Pirates & Poldark Night with Freshly Squeezed (Events Square)

Tickets

Tickets for all events in Events Square are on sale now from www.seetickets.com Follow on Twitter: @EventsSqfalwk and Facebook: SW Bars & Events.

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Image courtesy of: Simon Boote

REGATTA SEASON

HELFORD RIVER REGATTAS WHEN? LATE JULY AND AUGUST

Rowing on the Helford

set of Carry On Henley with a bit of The Great British Bake Off thrown in for fun.

Port Navas Regatta starts the season and is centred on the village quay and the yacht club. It also has access to fields by the water, so has more of a village fete atmosphere. Last summer, Port Navas celebrated its 100th anniversary!

Helford Passage benefits from being held off the beach in front of the Ferry Boat Pub whilst Helford Village’s regatta is organised from the garden terraces

of The Shipwrights pub. All of which might put Durgan, which has no pub, at a disadvantage, but it’s the last regatta and the setting on the beach is stunning. Also being closer to the sea, it gets a rescue helicopter demonstration, not just the inshore lifeboat! Huge thanks go to the RNLI and RNAS Culdrose.

So if you’re in the area over the summer, check the dates and come and visit at least one of these regattas. But be prepared to take part and get very, very wet!

Image courtesy of: Simon Boote

Every year in late July and August, the four villages on the Helford organise four rowing regattas, which have become the high point of the river’s social calendar.

A huge draw for both locals and visitors, they follow a similar format of numerous rowing races in regatta dinghies, which start with a degree of seriousness (men’s singles; ladies’ singles and so on) and descend gradually (mixed pairs, mother and daughter) to chaos (no paddles, chancing balloons). It’s like being on the

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ROYAL FOWEY REGATTA WHEN? 16TH TO 22ND AUGUST from Newquay Zoo and Cornwall Wildlife Show, a ‘Spot the Stranger’ competition, crab catching, a sandcastle building competition and gingerbread decorating.

There’s also an annual procession involving the world’s largest pasty – a fascinating sight! Don’t miss the annual carnival procession or the wonderful music every night, whatever the weather, on Town Quay.

For the competitive there are sailing, raft, rowing, gig and swimming races. Expect plenty of great music too. And if you were

mesmerised by the Red Arrows at Falmouth, you’re in for a treat. Simply head out on the water early, raise your eyes to the skies on Thursday and await the spectacle, then don’t forget to toot your boat horn at the end. It’s always a memorable evening!

At Fowey, one fireworks display simply won’t do, so you can enjoy them on both Monday and Saturday over the river. Our favourite part is the torch-lit procession, which signals the end of the event before the fireworks. It’s truly lovely!

Fowey images courtesy of: Ken Jones for Fowey Royal Regatta

Make sure you’ve saved some energy for the Royal Fowey Regatta, which follows hot on the heels of Falmouth Week. And you surely need no excuse to visit stunning Fowey, about an hour along the south coast by boat. Vessels typically begin to arrive from Falmouth on the Monday.

This is a busy and popular regatta both on the water and on dry land, with lots of great events daily and plenty of visitors.

It’s also family-friendly, with lots on for children, including daily story times, a visit

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DESTINATION

Destination WHERE TO GO? WHERE TO MOOR? Contact Padstow Harbour on Channel 12 upon approaching the Camel estuary to discuss your requirements.

WHERE TO EAT? Try one of Rick Stein’s eateries, and check out Burgers & Fish, Cherry Trees Coffee House, The Cornish Crepe Company, The Old Ship Hotel, Paul Ainsworth at No 6, and The Harbour Restaurant at The Metropole.

WHERE TO SHOP? Boutiques and galleries abound. Roses & Rascals sells flowers and lovely baby and kids’ clothing, Gwyneth’s sells jewellery and accessories, and pop into Quay Art gallery on North Quay for fantastic originals and prints.

WHAT TO DO? Visit the National Lobster Hatchery on South Quay. Take the ferry to Rock. Cycle the Camel trail to Wadebridge. There’s an array of watersports to do in and around the estuary.

Foodie lovers visit Padstow Farm Shop and Stein’s Fisheries. Visit the Tourist Information Centre for more information.

WHERE TO FUEL UP? The Harbour Office can collect petrol from a nearby garage for a small charge.

PADSTOW Head up the Camel river to this historic harbour town.

If you’re exploring the north coast this summer, your passage won’t be complete without a stop in Padstow. Head about 1.5 miles up the Camel river and arrive on the western bank, opposite neighbouring Rock.

When navigating the river mouth, watch out for the Doom Bar, an infamous submerged bank of sand and the foil of many sailors over the years.

This historic fishing harbour has long been a popular tourist destination, with hordes flocking to enjoy fresh seafood and browse the independent shops. No doubt, Padstow’s profile has been bolstered by the patronage of Rick Stein, whose many fantastic restaurants, cafes, bakery and fishmongers are dotted throughout the town. But there are plenty of draws to this vibrant town.

Padstow, or Petroc-stow (Petroc’s Place after the Welsh missionary, St Petroc), was sacked by Vikings in 981AD, and is referenced in the Domesday Book, compiled shortly after William the Conqueror’s

arrival. The town has grown gradually and much seen today was built on reclaimed land. The Strand and the Inner Quays date back to the mid-16th century.

The harbour has acted as a home to fishing boats, a refuge from Atlantic storms and a busy cargo port. The arrival of the railway at the turn of the 20th century really put Padstow on the map, delivering its fresh fish to the capital’s Billingsgate Fish Market.

Benefits aside, the location historically had one fairly significant snag, being prone to flooding during spring tides. Thankfully the modern flood defences have solved this, and as a result the Inner Harbour no longer dries out on the ebb tide – perfect for visiting craft, of which there are many!

The harbour handles roughly 3500 visiting yacht nights in a year. And the Harbour Office’s team is on hand for visiting boats, either providing services directly or steering you in the right direction, covering everything from repairs

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Herring Gull waiting to steal people’s chips in the Harbour.

Padstow Harbour.

Image courtesy of: ic olas

utton

Image courtesy of: Olaf Tausch

“Padstow is increasingly becoming a foodie destination and you can guarantee the freshest fish”

to recommending a good lunch!

Upon arrival there’s a whole host of things to do, from visiting the pretty shops and boutiques, to dining at one of the many excellent eateries. Padstow is increasingly becoming a foodie destination and, of course, you can guarantee the freshest fish possible.

Keen anglers should visit Padstow Angling Centre on ‘The Drang’, on the edge of the quay where you can book fishing trips. Expert Ed ‘The Rockhopper’ Schliffke will impart his 40 years of knowledge of fishing on the north Cornwall coast to help you secure the best catch.

Many events are held throughout the year, from the ‘Obby ‘Oss festival on May Day to the Padstow Vintage Rally and Country Fair. But if you like nothing better than peeking round a stately home, Prideaux Place is a beautiful house, in the same family for an incredible fourteen generations. It’s occasionally used as a film location, largely

owing to Rosamunde Pilcher’s popular novels. Follow this with a fine artisan ale from The Padstow Brewing Company, an award-winning independent microbrewery.

Padstow is a perfect centre from which to explore north Cornwall, so if you’re staying for a few days or more, venture further afield. The Black Tor Ferry takes you the short over to Rock, a beautiful destination. Or on the western bank, cycle the Camel trail inland to Wadebridge and beyond. And Padstow is right on the South West Coast Path, offering stunning coastal walks. If staying a while, contact Harbour Holidays and book a cottage.

So Padstow is a thriving port of call. But don’t take our word for it, head down the river and see for yourself!

Padstow Harbour Commissioners The Harbour Office, Padstow PL28 8AQ 01841 532239 www.padstow-harbour.co.uk

WORDS BY

Felix Rowe

INFORMATION: Padstow Harbour Radio: VHF Channel 12 A navigation guide can be downloaded from the Harbour Office’s website.

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RIVER PILOTS

RIVER PILOTS

As luxury cruise liner Silver Whisper heads into Fowey, we catch up with river pilot Will Mitchell to discover how these mighty ships make it up the river.

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The crowds are out, lining the streets and esplanade, to witness the spectacle as Silver Whisper, a luxury cruise ship, heads down the Fowey river. It’s a stunning sight to behold as the 28,000-tonne, 186-metre liner turns around slowly at the mouth of the river, before gracefully gliding up the river aft-wards, with a tug at bow and stern. The whole activity takes about an hour.

Though not the world’s largest liner by today’s standards, Silver Whisper towers over all in sight.

Even the tugs, tiny in comparison, look down upon the yachts moored up along the river. It’s a marvel how such a huge vessel could make it up the channel, but she does so elegantly with

plenty of room still to spare.

It’s testament to the experienced river pilots and tug masters that the job is made to look so easy. They really are the unsung heroes of the waterways, quietly going about their business, safely bringing large liners and tankers in and out of ports all around the world every day.

I catch up with river pilot Will Mitchell, one of the team responsible for bringing in Silver Whisper. “A pilot is somebody who goes aboard and provides local knowledge and advice to ships’ masters”, Will explains. “Quite often we do take the controls ourselves, but the essential rule is: master’s orders on pilot’s advice.”

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RIVER PILOTS

“Each day has a different challenge, be it the weather, the tide...

You’re never bored being a pilot.”

Every waterway is unique, so having someone on board with an unrivalled understanding of the geography above and below water makes all the difference, particularly with larger vessels in smaller ports. “Local knowledge is vital. I’m there to keep the ship safe, safeguard the port’s infrastructure and protect the environment.”

The most important thing is the relationship between the pilot and the ship’s master. “We’re there in an advisory capacity and, as a pilot, it’s essential to show you are confident in what you are doing. You may not have met each other before and the ship’s master may not have navigated the river before. So they are putting their trust in you and your experience. Being authoritative and confident is crucial.”

Will went to sea at the age of 16 in the Merchant Navy, working his way up to become a Master Mariner and ship’s captain. Having grown up in Fowey, with a lifelong passion for the area, he returned to his roots, becoming a river pilot in 1999.

“Spend four months at sea, as a typical ship’s captain might, or go up and down the beautiful river and be home with the family in the evening? It’s not really a difficult decision to make!”

Will continues: “Working on the water, you meet a huge variety of people and nationalities. Each day has a different challenge, be it the weather, the tide, or simply looking out for all the other boats on the water. You’re never bored being a pilot.”

Will pilots ships of all shapes and sizes.

The sun deck aboard Silver Whisper The ship drops achor, luxury suites

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Will’s trusty companion Will Mitchell Ship carrying road salt

“Each ship comes with its own challenges to consider. Cruise ships are obviously very big, while many merchant ships have a deep draft and limited engine power. In Fowey, we pilot many ships loaded with china clay coming out of the port.”

Any vessels over 95 metres will need a tug.

The big cruise liners such as Silver Whisper require two tugs, and will often have two pilots on board the liner, one who takes charge and the other assisting and advising on distances and other considerations.

The tugs are managed by the Fowey Harbour Commissioners, and the river pilots and tug masters work seamlessly as one unit, communicating over the VHF. “It’s a close-knit team and having worked together over many years, it’s easy to anticipate each

other’s actions.” And Will is often joined by another fellow companion on his travels: a trusty dolphin. “The dolphin has done enough trips with me to be given a pilot’s authorisation,” he jokes.

Although it’s a beautiful day when Silver Whisper comes into port, conditions are not always so favourable. “Weather conditions are important, and sometimes there’s too much swell. In fact, one of the most dangerous parts of the job is often boarding the vessel, particularly in bad weather. In severe storms, ships will avoid passage up the river altogether.”

Silver Whisper is only in Fowey for a brief stop off, having travelled via various ports from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. And while the tourists disembark for a day

discovering beautiful Fowey, there’s just enough time to hop on board the mighty ship for a whistle-stop tour followed by a delicious five-course lunch.

Enjoying a glass of champagne in the Panorama Lounge, the realisation dawns that this is the finest view possible of the river, albeit only a temporary one.

Soaring several stories high, it’s the perfect vista from which to view both sides of the riverbank, looking upstream towards Daphne du Maurier’s house.

But there’s no time to get too comfortable as the tour begins. And having seen the lavish suites on board (each with personal butler service), outdoor swimming pool and jogging track, hot tub, casino and gym, it’s tempting to stowaway in one of the lockers ready for the next trip to the Baltics. Unfortunately the headcount soon thwarts this plan.

Today is one of several day stop-off calls to Fowey throughout the season for Silversea Cruises. Next year, you can join a cruise from Fowey to Montreal, calling in at several beautiful destinations on route, from Dublin to Iceland’s stunning capital city, Reykjavik.

If the arrival of Silver Whisper was impressive, residents of Fowey are in for a treat in August, with the arrival of The World, a palatial private residential yacht. At 43,500 tonnes, and over 196 metres long, it’s even bigger. To witness the spectacle, head down to either side of the river between 5th and 6th August. And when you do, spare a thought for those unsung heroes who bring her into port.

Silversea Cruises www.silversea.com

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BUYING A BOAT

“Owning a boat is and should be fun and by following a few simple tips you can ensure that it is!”

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BUYING A BOAT? Simon Boote of Ancasta International Boat Sales is on hand to guide you through the process.

You need a house, you need a car, you need a washing machine. But it’s fair to say that unless you live on St Michael’s Mount you probably don’t need a boat.

Yet millions of people own boats because it’s fun!

Boating owning is all about pleasure; leisure time with family and friends. It’s also one of the largest purchases you are likely to make, in one of the most unregulated environments you are likely

to encounter. The guiding principal is Caveat Emptor: buyer beware!

So there is every reason to follow some tips to make sure your boat ownership stays fun. We have lots of advice, but keeping it simple, here are three essential tips: ◆ Do your research ◆ Use a qualified broker ◆ Use a qualified surveyor and engineer

NEW BENETEAU SWIFT TRAWLER 34 PRICE: £164,924 plus tax

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BUYING A BOAT

Research Before you begin the processes of owning your own boat, get as much experience as you possibly can: sailing with friends and family, chartering boats, gaining qualifications and reading up. Decide what the boat has to do for you. Is it power or sail, new or used? Are you setting off on a world cruise or pottering on the Tamar? Do you want a day boat or a family cruiser? Is this the family holiday or your escape?

There are hundreds of different manufacturers and numerous different types of boats. Getting the right boat in the right location will maximise the fun and minimise the risk.

Boating is not cheap. Just like cars, boats depreciate, need maintenance and somewhere to park. So you need to buy the right boat, for the right price and understand the costs involved.

If it’s your first boat purchase, limit your downside. Make sure she’s desirable not just to you but to another buyer. Keep to well-known brands, go for the newest boat rather than the largest boat you can and make sure you have good title!

STOREBRO 475 COMMANDER

HALLBERG-RASSY

PRICE: £250,000 - Contact Falmouth

PRICE: £225,000 - Contact Falmouth

Use a qualified broker Of course, you can buy a boat privately, but this is a big, complex and potentially risky purchase. Unlike cars or houses, there’s no mandatory central registration. You are totally reliant upon the owner’s paperwork and honesty. So seek help, employing a reputable and professional yacht broker who is a member of the Association of Brokers and Yacht Agents (ABYA).

A qualified broker is ideally placed to help with your research, discuss your needs, make recommendations and show you numerous boats. They know the current market conditions and have a familiarity with similar boats and prices. They will be able to advise on what offers the vendor may accept. They should also be able help with berthing, finance and insurance.

A qualified broker is there to conduct (in the case of a used boat) a transaction between two private individuals and to protect the interests of both parties.

When a buyer has an offer accepted the broker will require a deposit, usually 10%.

Don’t hand money to an unqualified broker.

Make sure your broker runs a protected

SEALINE SC29 PRICE: £84,950 - Contact Mylor

client account and holds professional indemnity before transferring any funds.

Once a deposit is paid, the broker becomes a ‘stakeholder’ in the transaction with a legal responsibility to both parties.

Following successful survey results and your acceptance of the vessel, ensure you take out insurance cover. Upon completion, the previous owner must hand all the relevant papers over to the buyer. They must be originals, going back at least five years. Remember, good title paperwork is essential when you come to sell your boat.

A qualified broker will be fully familiar with all the paperwork needed to check that the boat has a clean and unencumbered title, including the trail to show payment of VAT where appropriate. The broker will ensure that the vessel meets with the EU’s Recreational Craft Directive requirements.

On completion, the broker ensures an exchange of title and funds, paying off any existing loan or other encumbrances.

This safeguard is absolutely imperative to both yourself and the vendor. In private transactions this is where it all has the potential to go seriously wrong!

BENETEAU OCEANIS 473 PRICE: £129,000 - Contact Plymouth

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NEW BENETEAU OCEANIS 45 PRICE: ÂŁ168,000

Use a surveyor In boat buying the emphasis is on the buyer to protect themselves. Unless you are a maritime specialist you will find it difficult to see all the potential problems that may exist with a second hand vessel.

When you make an offer, always make it subject to a survey and/or an engineering inspection to ensure that you are aware of the vessel’s condition.

Use a professional surveyor who is a member of Yacht Designers and Surveyors Association (YDSA) or another recognised body. The use of qualified marine engineers to conduct engine inspections is strongly recommend, especially when purchasing powerboats.

Owning a boat is and should be fun and by following a few simple tips you can ensure that it is!

Ancasta has been helping people buy and sell boats for nearly 35 years. If you have any questions, contact the team.

Ancasta International Boat Sales Sales offices in the West Country: Falmouth, Mylor, Plymouth and Dartmouth 01326 211007 www.ancasta.com

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FALMOUTH HAVEN

Homeward

BOUND

Accessible at all states of tide with fantastic shops, eateries and year-round attractions on your doorstep, Falmouth Haven is the home port of choice for many of Cornwall’s boating enthusiasts.

Falmouth Haven is perfectly positioned to enjoy world-class sailing waters while being mere footsteps from the centre of the historic town, with its many galleries, bistros and boutiques.

Accommodating boats large and small, Falmouth Haven has almost 600 deep water resident moorings and up to 100

marina berths for visitors. So whether passing through or making Falmouth your base, help is at hand.

We catch up with the Bailey family, who keep their Four Winns 268 at Falmouth Haven, to see why they have made Falmouth their home port of choice.

As the Baileys explain: “We have been

using the pontoons at North Quay for over 10 years, initially for short stays.

However, we’ve now secured a berth with Falmouth Haven Marina, so we can get on board really easily whenever we have a spare moment.”

But what’s the draw of Falmouth specifically? “Falmouth Haven Marina

Pontoons offering easy access

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The Bailey family enjoying life on the water at Falmouth Haven

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is centrally located to Falmouth town, which makes it easily accessible if we plan on visiting local attractions, shopping or dining in local eateries.” And in Falmouth there are plenty of dining options to choose from, whether stopping for lunch, tucking into a fresh seafood dinner after a sail, or enjoying a full Cornish breakfast ahead of a long voyage.

“Rick Stein’s Fish serves lots of his best seafood dishes. There’s an abundance of attractions within a short stroll from our berth” say the Baileys. “The National Maritime Museum Cornwall currently has a great Viking exhibition running which all of the family can enjoy; Pendennis Point offers a fantastic view of the Carrick Roads and St Anthony’s lighthouse; Trelissick and Glendurgan gardens are beautiful. Also there are some interesting boutique shops scattered throughout the town.”

As well as the many fantastic attractions, there’s also an eclectic series of events running whatever the season, both on land and afloat. “The town has a reputation for great festivals and events like The Tall Ships Regatta, Pendennis Cup and J-Class Regatta. Some, like Falmouth Week, Falmouth Classics, the Sea Shanty Festival

and Oyster Festival, happen each year.”

Choosing to berth your boat in Falmouth’s resident moorings represents great value for money too. “Falmouth Haven Marina is fairly priced… It has all the facilities and amenities that you need.”

These include fast WiFi, a mail handling

service, laundry room and modern shower facilities. So after an invigorating day’s sailing on the water, you can freshen up and head into town for a well-earned meal and a glass of wine.

As beautiful as Falmouth is in itself, it

also makes the perfect launch pad from which to discover the rest of Cornwall, as the Baileys explain. “The Helford River, St Mawes, Mevagissey, Looe, the Isles of Scilly, Newlyn, Mousehole and Lamorna Cove, the list is endless. Each has something unique to offer for anyone visiting. The Cornish coast is so breathtakingly beautiful that anywhere is going to be a winner.”

But there are other important considerations too, particularly when choosing your home berth. Naturally, you want to be able to use your boat whenever you like and while unfortunately we can’t control the weather, we can choose a location that’s functional any time of day. Falmouth Haven Marina is accessible regardless of the tide, which enables you to get more out of your beloved boat, without access being limited due to factors out of your control. So for more information or to discuss your requirements, give Falmouth Haven a call.

Falmouth Haven 01326 310990 www.falmouthhaven.co.uk

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! o g a e Hav

AT A GIG ROWING TASTER SESSION. From the shore you may have seen these beautiful wooden crafts glide gracefully through the water.

From inside the boat, six rowers will be puffing hard and feeling the burn.

To row well you have to dig deep, lie back and drive off your legs using your body as a lever. The best training for gig rowing is gig rowing: “Leaning is believing” is one of the more polite chants from Padstow Rowing Club Cox, Pete Warne.

It’s an incredibly physical workout that is matched by incredible natural scenery: it’s breathtaking, in every sense of the word. Sometimes when the water shines like a mirror, you might spot a seal or be followed by a curious dolphin. Other days the waves throw the boat so hard you have to concentrate

on finding the water with your oar, let alone pulling against it. There is a rush of adrenaline that drives you to fight the pain and to own the water. Whatever the weather, you will never sit in a gig boat on the water and wish you had stayed in bed!

Gig rowing is a very sociable sport and it’s accessible for all ages. In fact, many rowers join in their late 20s and row through to their 50s. Clubs are always looking for novices to join and offer ‘social rows’ for those who want to give it a go without the competitive edge.

Look out for more in our next issue.

The Cornish Pilot Gig Association www.cpga.co.uk

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SHOPPING

ACCESSORISE This month, it’s all about accessories as we showcase a fantastic range of hats, gloves, belts and bags to kit you out for the summer.

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1. HELLY HANSEN Logo visor Keep your head cool and the sun out of your eyes with this visor, the sailors’ favourite – Sleek and subtle. £15.00

2. HELLY HANSEN Crew belt

4. HELLY HANSEN HH umbrella

6. HELLY HANSEN K Voss mittens

A funky, hardwearing ladies’ textile belt with D-ring buckle. A quick way to add a bit of colour to your outfit.

Hopefully you won’t be needing one of these. But after all, this is England, so it’s always best to be prepared!

£15.00

£30.00

£20.00

3. HELLY HANSEN Sailing glove – short

5. HELLY HANSEN Logo cap

7. HELLY HANSEN W HH active bag

Durable short finger leather gloves for sailing in conditions where extra protection is needed (unisex). £20.00

Simple but stylish. Protect yourself from the sun with Helly Hansen’s most popular branded cap. £13.00

One for the kids – Stylish mittens with waterproof protection and fleece lined comfort (also available in blue).

8. HELLY HANSEN HH messenger bag

A classic shoulder bag design that quickly converts into a backpack for life on the go and on the water.

A classic, durable and versatile messenger bag to contain everything for a day out racing or cruising.

£40.00

£50.00

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SHOPPING

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Henri Lloyd

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1. HENRI LLOYD Plover belt

3. HENRI LLOYD Hayton overnighter

5. HENRI LLOYD Charleen belt

A quality belt, handcrafted in England, wear with a darker chino and let the Plover belt be the accent tone.

A sporty nautical take on luggage, featuring hardwearing straps and Henri Lloyd Union Jack branding.

This versatile piece will freshen up your spring look. Perfect with any outfit for any occasion.

£40.00

£100.00

£40.00

2. HENRI LLOYD Lillian holdall

4. HENRI LLOYD Ellis beanie

6. HENRI LLOYD Ebony sock

This beanie features a simple basket weave stitch with lambswool marled yarn, perfect for those colder days.

A subtle and feminine Polkadot sock, perfect for adding a touch of the nautical look (also available in navy).

£25.00

£8.00

A classic nautical bag of premium canvas cotton. A great size for last minute packing for a weekend away. £70.00

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Musto 5. MUSTO Evolution Coolmax trainer socks pack

1. MUSTO Evolution UV fast dry cap

3. MUSTO Evolution sailing short finger gloves

Featuring a reinforced peak, mesh side panels and internal mesh sweatband, to help keep you cool.

The ultimate sailing glove, offering luxury, durability, freedom of movement, and protection.

Warm and lightweight, these socks have a ribbed opening with support providing additional comfort.

£14.99

£49.99

£17.99

2. MUSTO Evolution 20L daypack

4. MUSTO Evolution sailing belt

A stylish, durable and versatile day bag, with a laptop pocket and an extensive organiser section.

A stylish heavy cotton canvas webbed belt offering additional durability, complete with D-ring loop closure.

£65.00

£14.99

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beautiful fused glass interior pieces, handmade at our cornwall studio. bespoke design service available. www.jodowns.com

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RIDE THE WAVE Cornish surfer and Finisterre ambassador Matt Smith

Visit Finisterre for the surfers’ choice of beachwear this summer.

Tom Kay founded Cornish brand Finisterre out of necessity. While the key surf companies continued with heads full of palm trees, white sandy beaches and tan lines, Tom was thinking about the practicality of getting changed in a blustery car park in Cornwall. 12 years ago Tom’s first product was a wind and waterproof fleece. It wasn’t sexy, but helped by a longer cut, it did allow him to get changed out of his wetsuit without catching a cold or surprising a passing dog-walker.

From here the brand grew, focusing on clothing that could enhance a surfer’s experience before and after surfing in the British Isles. Finisterre’s range has been caringly designed with durability, sustainability and practicality in mind. The core range of Merino base layers, waterproofs and insulated jackets has been expanded to include Merino wool jeans, knitwear, shirts and swimwear.

Over the last decade, they’ve worked tirelessly to source sustainable fabrics and, by operating a repairs service, have been able to learn from their mistakes. So, forget Malibu, Costa Rica and Bali. They’ve been done.

The water’s crowded and the coastline is littered with hotels. It’s time to go off grid and seek a little isolation and solitude in wild British corners. Shop Finisterre online or visit one of their shops in London, St Agnes, Falmouth or Braunton.

Finisterre Wheal Kitty Workshops, St Agnes TR5 0RD 01872 554481 www.finisterreuk.com

Images courtesy of: Al Mackinnon

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SHOPPING

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1. WOMEN’S SIROCCO BIKINI BOTTOM £35 2. MEN’S PETRICHOR JACKET £130 3. MEN’S COHO SWEAT £55 4. WATERPROOF DUFFLE BAG £150 5. MEN’S VENDAVEL BOARDSHORTS £75 6. WOMEN’S LANSALLOS DRESS £60 7. MEN’S RINSEY JUMPER £80 8. MEN’S NIMBUS INSULATED JACKET £165 37 -- JULY 2015

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Up to 20% off summer breaks

Free C re on Arram Tea ival Quot e Wate ‘On the r’ book when ing

Free mooring on our new pontoons for vessels up to 20 feet - direct access from the hotel!

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OU M L FA

Free y Entr

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IN MAR

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Sat 11th July 2015 11am - 3pm Feed the piranhas Build a canoe Hoist a sail Meet the sharks Service an engine Clean-up an oil spill Try a windsurf simulation

A fun day out for all the family. www.falmouthmarineschool.ac.uk

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FOOD SHOPPING & DRINK

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I.O.S Store designs and makes beautiful clothes in the Isles of Scilly.

You can take home your own piece of laid-back style.

For weathered local boatmen and visiting Scilly-lovers of all ages, a garment from the I.O.S Store is compulsory kit. The distinctive design with its two crossed oars has become something of a Scillonian uniform and is seen all over Cornwall; it’s also a real favourite with gig rowers.

The team designs and produces casual,

The distinctive design is favoured by gig rowers and locals alike

easy-to-wear clothing that’s both distinctive and hardwearing. Founder Terry tells me: “The key to the appeal is the great effort we put into each garment to make it look and feel like your ‘favourite old friend’ right from the outset. The beautiful colour combinations, the wash that we use to achieve that ‘lived in look’ plus all our

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Mandy Milano Georgia in her Scilly store

tabbing and subtle embroidery really make our clothing unique and special.”

Terry and wife Jane founded the I.O.S brand back in 1973 with a simple yacht logo printed on a navy blue tee, and the business has gone from strength to strength ever since, with locals and visitors alike loving the comfy relaxed feel and wonderful colours.

Now their daughter Georgia and her husband Adam have taken the reins, and you may well meet Georgia if you pop into the delightful shop on a visit to these stunning islands. The island shop and website are called 49 degrees because 49° 55’N 6° 19’W are the coordinates of the beautiful and iconic Isles Of Scilly. But the town centre shop on St Mary’s is better known locally as ‘the I.O.S Store’.

“It’s almost like joining a club, buying something from the I.O.S Store,” says Georgia. “Customers tell us that they have bumped into people all over the world wearing our brand, from Peru, Cambodia, Japan, Australia, even Everest Base Camp!”

49 Degrees St Mary’s, Isles of Scilly TR21 0PZ 01720 423288 www.49degrees.co.uk

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JO DOWNS REVIEW

n e v e l th or P From

TO PIRACY

John Boyle is a filmmaker and lawyer whose interest in the sea led him to write a book on piracy in the twenty-first century. w ords by:

Having produced all Seychelles tourism films for several years, plus three successful election campaigns for the President and government, when Seychelles became the epicentre of the war on piracy, John was ideally placed to produce a film for National Geographic on the subject.

“My connections opened the door to making a film about Somali pirates, and shortly after this was produced, Bloomsbury got in touch to see if I would like to write the book,” John explains.

Never one to turn down either a challenge or an opportunity, John set to work taking his interview-based approach and making it into

Skiffs with boarding ladders Captured pirates

Image: © Seychelles Police

Image: © EUNAVFOR

Amber Key

John Boyle doesn’t look like your average pirate-chaser. A former criminal defence lawyer, John sold his law firm 15 years ago to concentrate on underwater documentary filmmaking. He’s well-spoken, relaxed, and chatting in his spacious studio conversion which sits nestled into the hill in the village of Porthleven. His two dogs are at his feet and his team are working hard editing film, his other passion, at the desks.

The truth is that tracking down pirates for his new book, Blood Ransom, just published

by Bloomsbury, was something that John stumbled across through his international filmmaking connections.

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Suspected pirates captured

a story – the first of its kind: Blood Ransom tells the story of Somali piracy through the voice of its participants.

Crammed together in tiny open boats, these modern day pirates of the high seas set off up to a thousand miles from their home shores armed with ancient AK47s and rocket-propelled grenades. No-one knows how many simply die at sea.

When these modern day pirates hit the jackpot, they seize vessels, and crews, ransomed for millions of dollars. This is a war that’s estimated to cost the world economy $18 billion every year, affecting all of us in some way. There’s no such thing as local piracy when it’s on this scale.

“Through making the film, I already had many contacts able to help with the book,” says John. “And with the help of President Michel I was also given permission to spend a week conducting interviews with pirates in an African prison.”

John tells me that his sympathies when he began writing were with the Somalis, but that his views developed as he did his research. “If you can imagine, it’s a totally failed state; there’s no law and order, no infrastructure, and it’s governed by competing warlords. There’s been historic toxic waste dumping, which is Mafia-driven from Europe, and after the Asian tsunami, barrels of waste were washed up on Somali

Image courtesy of: John Boyle

Image: © EUNAVFOR

John Boyle

shores causing all sorts of disease and deformities in children. From small scale local piracy, fishermen and villagers heading to sea to protect their reefs and fish stocks from outside trawlers who were raping their seas, it has now developed into a full-scale, highly-organized criminal operation. Some of the pirates I spoke to even referred to it as ‘the firm’.”

John says that the biggest ransom ever paid was the 2011 ransom for the release of the Greek owned VLCC Irene SL, which, depending on the reports you read, achieved a ransom of $13.5 million for the pirates.

But you also hear the other side of the story from former hostages, and a President on the front line of the war against piracy.

John met politicians, a UN Security Council Ambassador, a hostage negotiator, prosecuting and defence lawyers, and a freelance security gun for hire in his mission to tell the whole story. His lawyer training led to a thorough investigation of all angles.

John went on patrol with the international naval force, local coastguards and air patrols.

He also visited the heart of the EU Naval Force’s operation. And he spent time on board a fishing trawler that had already been twice attacked by pirates and a Maersk container ship.

The result is a fascinating read. Piracy is often represented in a romantic way in

literature and local history, but it has always been a tough business: in the 1600s, Barbary Coast pirates would regularly plunder Cornwall, Devon and Ireland, taking slaves from unprotected coastal villages back to North Africa. According to Professor Robert Davis writing for BBC History: “In the late 1500s and early 1600s, there were around 35,000 European Christian slaves held throughout this time on the Barbary Coast, many in Tripoli, Tunis, and various Moroccan towns, but most of all in Algiers.”

These days it’s not about taking people as slaves, but for the ransoms they can attract.

As John puts it, “Until the failed state of Somalia is once more ruled by a strong government, and until poverty lawlessness and desperation are no longer the driving force, there will always be young men willing to risk their lives in small boats. And until then this couple of thousand rag tag men and boys will continue to range the Western Indian Ocean like hyenas of the sea.”

Blood Ransom explores it all, so, if you’re after some interesting reading this summer from a local man with an international flavour, this book has it all.

Blood Ransom John Boyle Published by Bloomsbury www.bloomsbury.com

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CRAFTS OF CORNWALL

MADE IN CORNWALL We celebrate the designers and craftspeople producing incredible bespoke boats right here in Cornwall. w ords by:

Feli x Rowe

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ANCASTA INTERNATIONAL BOAT SALES

CRAFTS OF CORNWALL

These days you’ll see many mass-produced, white, plastic vessels dominating the marinas and boating hotspots. And that’s no bad thing. Off-the-shelf boats certainly have their advantages, not least in durability, versatility, and bringing down the cost of production to make boating much more accessible for all. And while there are a few unsightly bathtubs out there amongst them, many others are things of real beauty.

But equally, it does mean that traditional, hand built wooden vessels – or simply unique, one-off craft of any description – are becoming increasingly rarer sights on our waterways. So, with this mounting homogenisation, it’s refreshing to know that there are still a few torchbearers dotted around dedicated to building individual classic designs that showcase the best of human craftsmanship; distinctive boats that hold the true value of form in equally high esteem as that of function.

Enter Cockwells of Mylor Creek Boatyard near Falmouth, builder of prestige motor launches, tenders, and traditional sailing yachts. Founder Dave Cockwell has been building boats since the age of 16, honing his craft at the historic Underfall shipyard in Bristol.

The team’s ethos is that a boat is far more than simply a vessel and this is immediately clear from the briefest look at its output.

These beautiful boats are not massproduced and churned out on a production line. Rather, each boat is lovingly and individually poured over and crafted with precision, from the drawing board to launch.

I catch up with Alice Préat of Cockwells

The St Mawes ferry

to find out more about the company’s approach. “Everything we do is custom and bespoke. Clients come to us when they want something unique. Often an offthe-shelf solution simply won’t suit their requirements. We can only do this because we work with any material, whether that be wood, carbon fibre or other modern composites.”

While heritage is undoubtedly at the heart of Cockwells, the team is certainly not stuck in the past. A key focus in on building traditional and classic boats but incorporating modern technology, practices and comforts. As with many of the best things in life, there’s a healthy, hearty nod to the past, while keeping a clear eye on the future.

Alice cites an example: “One of the most recent tenders we produced was built entirely out of wood. It had to look like something from the 1930s to complement the mother ship, but, of course, it would still need to incorporate modern mechanics and comforts, reach a speed of 35 knots, meet today’s safety standards and so on.” The dashboard in the tender was finished with vintage dials and maple veneer, to make the modern integrate with the traditional.

Other more recent innovations in similarly classically-styled tenders include the installation of joystick-operated bow thrusters, and other technologies to make the user’s experience more enjoyable.

“Doing something of this nature does bring certain challenges”, Alice concedes. “The first is to make sure that we build what the

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Unless stated otherwise, all images courtesy of: Cockwells

“With a Cockwells boat you get something full of character and craftsmanship”

Tender to Grace E Bare bones, a wooden hull being constructed

customer wants, working very closely with our designers in order to achieve it. It has to look the part, but it has to perform too.”

This begs the question whether some demands are simply impossible to achieve.

On the contrary, the team seems to genuine relish the challenge of overcoming obstacles. “Generally, everything is possible provided it’s within the law of physics!

Some challenges might take longer, but, at the end of the day, that’s what we’re here for. Everybody in the team can come up with solutions and we have the necessary skills and attributes to implement them.”

Throughout, the little details remain central to the bigger picture. Richard Worswick, owner of Ocean Fugue, a bespoke 39ft launch says: “I think with a Cockwells boat you get something full of character, craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a nice, solid feel. Dave’s boats have real style.” He continues: “Having Dave Cockwell build a boat for you is exciting. Building a new boat with him is

great fun – all the way from discussing the possibility of the boat to meeting the designer, Andrew Wolstenholme.”

Richard provides some insights into the individual nature of each project and personal time invested. “In the design process Dave’s input has been huge. He has a rare talent for practical design as well as attention to detail and aesthetics. I’m a big fan of natural materials and I think wooden boats have a certain feel in the water that plastic boats don’t have.”

As well as creating boats to new designs, Cockwells builds faithful replicas of classics. Polly Agatha, for example, is a beautiful replica of a Bristol channel pilot cutter, Peggy. Although based on a vintage design, she harnesses modern technology to great effect. The deck is constructed from plywood sheathed in epoxy, then 13mm teak, giving greater strength, stiffness and durability, enabling a modern deck system to be incorporated onto a traditional hull.

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CRAFTS OF CORNWALL

Pilot cutter Merlin Attention to detail

Image courtesy of: Michael Austen

Launch Farouk

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Owner of Polly Agatha, Kim Hartley, speaks fondly of the craftsmanship involved: “With a Cockwells boat, you get attention to detail, old-fashioned workmanship and skill in spade-loads. I sometimes think we’ve become a nation of fitters and installers with little real, true engineering left – but there are some pockets of artisans left practising proper craft and Dave Cockwell is one of them.”

Of course, it must be acknowledged that prestige does come at a price, and these are certainly premium vessels. One particular tender, commissioned to transport VIPs at the Monaco Yacht Show, undeniably beautiful though she is, would set you back the same as a very comfortable family house! But you do get what you pay for and the quality of finishes speaks for itself.

There are other ways, too, to experience the craftsmanship of the team at Cockwells.

If you want to breathe new life into an old boat, rescue a rotting hull, or convert

a working vessel into a family home, the yard at Mylor Bridge is well-equipped to make this dream a reality. Cockwells takes on refits and restorations, with projects including stripping out and refitting two Dutch barges into stunning luxury homes, and restoring Amokura, a beautiful 50ft classic yawl originally launched in 1939.

And with the team’s love of challenges, it’s perhaps no surprise that Dave is not one to be fazed by size or scope of a project.

In fact, complexity and uniqueness only seem to spur him on further. “Dave likes nothing more than to restore the boats that other builders tell him simply cannot be restored.” This is an attitude that must be celebrated.

Cockwells Modern and Classic Boatbulding Mylor Creek Boatyard, Mylor Bridge, Falmouth TR11 5NS 01326 377366 info@cockwells.co.uk www.cockwells.co.uk

Image courtesy of: Andrew Montgomery / Country Living

Boatbuilding, the traditional way

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EXHIBITION

Twilight at St Anthony

by Ted Dyer £1,450.00

A FEAST OF

colour

A Corner of Paradise, Durgan

by John Dyer £1,550.00

A trio of Cornwall’s finest artists showcase their works at a stunning new exhibition, Cornish Summer Treats at Falmouth’s John Dyer Gallery.

This summer brings a real Cornish treat as three of the county’s leading artists come together to exhibit a selection of stunning seascapes. Towards the end of July, John Dyer, Joanne Short and Ted Dyer present a vibrant array of their recent creations in Falmouth and online. This exhibition promises to be a special delight for fans of the artists and of the county itself.

Sub-tropical plants and flowers, the glorious coast, harbours and beaches will all be explored. Bright and bold canvases feature many beautiful landmarks from across the Duchy from the Lizard Lighthouse to St Michael’s Mount. As John explains: “Painting Cornwall is not just a process of recording what I see but for me it is a way of connecting to the place I call home, the place I find comfort in, the place I raise my family, the place I know and love.”

Among Joanne Short’s pieces on display is Blue Iris, St Ives, a stunning oil on canvas featuring her trademark curved lines and sense of energy. Joanne says: “I’m very excited to be showing this new collection of

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Moon Daisy Dance, Helford Passage

by John Dyer £2,950.00

The Liz ard Lighthouse Under a Full Moon

by Joanne Short £ 655.00 B lue Iris, St Iv es

by Joanne Short £ 795.00 Moonlit V oyage

by Ted Dyer £ 1,200.00

paintings which I feel capture the essence of Cornwall at its best. In the small series of iris paintings, the colours create the feeling of calm and tranquility of Cornish springtime.

I’ve enjoyed rediscovering the colour and light of beautiful places which come alive when the sun shines.”

Ted Dyer’s latest works include Twilight at St Anthony which provides another of his masterclasses in depicting reflected light. Ted gives some insight on his inspiration: “It is the mixture of warm days and long evenings that one remembers of summer – picnics, soft May and June grasses gently moving in the breeze and summer flowers catching the light. In this collection of work some of those thoughts and colours dominate: deep blue skies, special moons and shooting stars, shimmering light and a quiet contentedness.

A real celebration!”

John adds: “A painting tells many stories, each viewer takes their own personal story away and the energy captured in a painting keeps on giving, it never deteriorates as it reflects the viewer's own energy, past and

future. I love to paint, I love to dream and I love to bring joy to those that connect to my work. For this year’s summer exhibition I am painting all over Cornwall, travelling out to picnic and paint whenever I can. Sitting on a headland with my paints allows me to connect directly to nature and myself.”

And this exhibition is firmly rooted in a love of the Cornish coastline. Joanne says: “I feel privileged to live and work in such a special place; it is impossible not to feel the need to paint.”

For more information on the Cornish Summer Treats exhibition, keep an eye out on the gallery’s website, and a complimentary copy of the colour catalogue is available on request.

The John Dyer Gallery PO Box 285, Falmouth TR11 9AD 07773 397503 0208 133 4806 www.johndyergallery.co.uk sales@johndyergallery.co.uk

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HOMESHED

f o e m o h e th

COASTAL INTERIORS We head out to HomeShed in Falmouth to add a touch of coastal charm to our homes.

The real beauty of Cornwall is that you're never far from a stretch of incredible coastline, whether that be the spectacular cliffs and golden sands of the north or the delightful sub-tropical climes and sublime estuaries of the south. And each location offers its own unique charms, from the sailors' choice, St Mawes, to the beauty of Fowey and the coastal couture of Rock. The challenge is how to capture the essence and then interpret it in your own home.

Achieving the harmony between coastal chic and Cornish character is the mission of the design team at the HomeShed, a home interiors store just outside Falmouth, which has fast become one of Cornwall’s leading destinations for furniture and furnishings.

The impressive new showrooms include an eclectic range of classic to contemporary furniture in coastal design-led styles.

A living space can be dramatically transformed simply by selecting a few

individual pieces. The HomeShed design team is passionate about sourcing distinctive furniture from around the world to enhance the character of your home.

Their magnificent new room sets have been created to inspire, right down to the very last detail. Even the interior walls have been painted with Autentico Vintage Chalk Paint shades carefully selected to complement and enrich the furniture.

Lucie Howard, HomeShed’s Creative Director, explains: “We wanted to create a very different and unique shopping experience... The concept behind each room is that it appeals to individual tastes, so it’s always interesting to see which room set people will prefer.”

A key element of the new furniture ranges is that they are entirely bespoke and are available in a choice of over 30 paint colours, finishes and in a range of woods to suit your home interior colour scheme. So you can ensure your choice is truly unique to you.

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The Poldark room set with bespoke statement furniture HomeShed’s new coastal inspired showrooms

Lucie continues: “I love our library style ladder bookcase which features in the store in a weathered grey oak finish giving it a very dramatic impact. The same piece looks wonderful and completely different painted in an antiqued white, and, of course, in pine it then becomes a less expensive option.”

This versatility means that whether you are furnishing and accessorising your own home or a holiday hideaway, HomeShed has a furniture collection to suit the style and budget. And with the in-house design service, help is always on hand to select the ideal furniture, colour scheme, paint, flooring and window dressings for the specific property you are looking to furnish.

Everything you could possibly need to create the dream home, from floor to ceiling, has been considered and is available across the helpfully categorised departments: the LivingShed, CarpetShed, BedShed and GardenShed.

The CarpetShed offers a vast selection of luxury wool carpets and seagrass from

prestige brands: Brintons, Axminster, Kersaint Cobb and exquisite rugs by Calvin Klein. Alternatively, choose from Karndean & Amtico LVT luxury vinyl tiles, glossy wood flooring, natural stone or ceramic and porcelain tiles.

The LivingShed showcases luxurious leather and fabric sofas and dining furniture by leading brands Willis and Gambier, Harris Tweed by Tetrad, Blanc D’Ivoire and EgoItaliano. The extensive curtain and blinds department includes fabrics by prestigious design houses Sanderson, Morris & Co among others.

The BedShed features over 90 beds with bedframes and mattresses to tempt every budget, from space saving bunkbeds through to bespoke handmade mattresses

by Somnus.

The GardenShed features a wide selection of all-weather rattan garden furniture, while the finishing details for your home are provided by exclusive Danish design house Lene Bjerre. The gorgeous lanterns, mirrors,

voile curtains, ceramics and candles create stunning interiors and ensure that a visit to HomeShed will enhance every room, be it a Cornish townhouse, traditional stone cottage, or modern apartment. You'll even find a few things for the yacht.

With its chateau chic-inspired interiors, the new Brasserie licensed restaurant and bar within the HomeShed store offers an extensive menu including vegetarian and gluten-free options, all sourced locally using the finest ingredients from Cornish suppliers to ensure the tastiest, freshest dishes.

Headed by Sue Fergus, former owner of The Olive Grove, The Brasserie is the perfect venue to enjoy a delicious Mediterranean inspired lunch, brunch, breakfast or cream tea after a spot of retail therapy.

HomeShed Falmouth TR10 9DD 01326 377485 designteam@home-shed.co.uk www.home-shed.co.uk

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HEALTH

Loyvoeur skin Look after your skin this summer. Follow Duchy Hospital’s advice to stay safe in the sun.

The coast is always brimming with life this time of year, with regatta following regatta, and thousands flocking to enjoy the waters.

But whether paddle-boarding, sailing or cruising, being exposed to a fair amount of UV is inevitable. And the cool breeze can make you think the sun isn’t as strong as it actually is, so protecting your skin is especially important. We all love a golden tan, but getting painful sunburn just once every two years can significantly increase the risk of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. As Dr Lucke of Duchy Hospital advises, keep an eye on any moles, which could become cancerous.

Moles are made up of cells called melanocytes, which produce the colour in your skin. Some are present at birth, although most develop during the first 30 years of life and some fade away over time.

They can also respond to hormonal changes, for example darkening during pregnancy, increasing in number during teenage years, and disappearing in older age.

Most moles are completely harmless, but may be unsightly, affecting your confidence.

Moles can also be a nuisance if they

regularly catch on your clothing or if cut while shaving. Thankfully, Duchy Hospital offers mole checks with Consultant Dermatologists, who can surgically remove them under local anaesthetic. It’s normally a very simple procedure and regular appointment slots mean you can find a time to suit you.

While most moles are benign (noncancerous), in rare cases they can develop into melanoma. Melanomas usually appear as a dark, fast-growing spot, or a preexisting mole that changes size, shape or colour, and bleeds, itches or reddens. The main treatment is surgery, although this will depend on your circumstances.

If diagnosed and treated at an early stage, surgery is usually curative. Dermatologists at Duchy Hospital can assess an individual’s risk and use sophisticated Dermatoscopy to accurately and quickly diagnose skin cancer.

So, whilst enjoying yourself on the water, remember to stay safe in the sun.

Duchy Hospital 0800 9170022 www.duchyhospital.co.uk

WORDS BY

Dr Tom Lucke, Consultant Dermatologist at Duchy Hospital, Truro

PROTECT YOUR SKIN • Check every few months for new moles or changes to existing moles • Look out for moles with uneven colouring, an uneven or ragged edge, bleeding, itching, red, inflamed (swollen) or crusty moles and increases in size • Take extra care in the sun if you have a lot of moles or fair skin • Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm • Cover up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses • Use high-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF30), reapply regularly, particularly after swimming • Avoid using sunlamps or sunbeds, which give out UV rays

Felix Rowe

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Europe’s Largest Brokerage Network

Experience. Reach. Results.

For more than 35 years

The West Country’s Premier Yacht Brokerage

New Boat Dealer

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15 offices across the UK, France, Spain & Portugal. Contact your local office:

falmouth@ancasta.com mylor@ancasta.com plymouth@ancasta.com dartmouth@ancasta.com

60,000 visits on-line per month

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New Boat Dealer

New Boat Dealer

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Whether buying a new or used boat from Ancasta you can rest assured in the knowledge that our brokers are professional and experienced, but most of all they offer you total protection throughout the sales process.

Ancasta successfully negotiates the sales of hundreds of new and used boats every year making us the largest yacht brokerage in Europe with 15 brokerage offices and a dedicated after sales team.

Call +44(0)1326 211 007 or visit www.ancasta.com 26/06/2015 13:08

AT HOME Sleek wood pellet boiler Adding a touch of style

Positive

ENERGY

Contemporary style

Saving energy can do more than bring a smile to your face.

An efficient home is a happy one, making it a cosier place to return to after a day enjoying yourself with all the spare change that used to go on utility bills. And while saving money, you can rest assured that you’re helping the planet too.

There are many ways to make your home work harder for you. We catch up with Adrian Wright of Cornwall based Happy Energy, which provides a wide range of services and energy solutions.

With over 20 years in the industry, Adrian launched Happy Energy to help homeowners and businesses in Cornwall reduce the amount of energy their properties consume. Last year Adrian made the final of the UK Entrepreneur of the Year Awards and this year was named Entrepreneur of the Year at the prestigious Cornwall Business Awards.

Adrian says: “For many of us, heating and lighting is one of the biggest expenses we face. Thousands of properties across Cornwall are off the mains gas network,

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Clean energy

relying on electric, LPG or oil, making the cost of energy even higher. Happy Energy helps people make their property more energy efficient.”

So when it comes to making your home or business more energy efficient what things could you consider? Adrian gives us some handy tips.

Replacement/upgraded boilers

Insulation

Biomass boilers

Insulation is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to make your home more efficient – like wrapping it in a warm blanket. Without proper loft insulation, your hard earned money will disappear through the roof. Get the cavity walls insulated too, reducing heat loss by up to a third.

Biomass boilers burn logs, wood chips or wood pellets and are extremely efficient with low or zero carbon emissions. They can replace traditional oil or gas boilers and are ideal if not on the mains gas network, also protecting against fluctuating energy prices.

Properties fitted with them receive regular payments under the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI), so a large, detached house could earn over £20,000 across seven years.

LED Lighting LEDs are another great solution. Replacing traditional high-energy bulbs can cut bills by up to 90%, while enjoying a longer lifespan of up to 10 years or 30,000 hours per bulb.

Compared to modern systems, old style boilers are likely to need more upkeep and use more energy. So it’s worth considering the benefits of upgrading. A typical detached house with an old G-rated boiler could save around £370 per year by upgrading to an A-rated boiler.

Solar PV With Cornwall being one of the sunniest places in the UK, solar power is a great

renewable. The capital cost has reduced significantly in recent years, and Feed in Tariff (FiT) payments remain in place to provide income for generating power.

Air source heat pumps Air source heat pumps harness natural heat from the air, to provide heating or hot water. The system performs the same role as a central heating boiler, but uses ambient heat from the air rather than burning fuel.

Heat pumps are best suited to new build properties or for under floor heating.

With so many options to make your home more efficient speak to the experts to find out what works best for you.

Happy Energy The Innovation Centre, Trevenson Road, Pool TR15 3PL 0800 0246234 mail@happyenergy.co.uk www.happyenergy.co.uk

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Image courtesy of: Mark Ashbee

FOOD & DRINK

d o o f a e S

St Edmund’s exterior

MINI-BREAK Rick Stein has four restaurants in Padstow, all with a unique look and menu. Amber Key dines at St Petroc’s Bistro.

I arrive in Padstow in the evening for my weekday dinner, bed and breakast stay meticulously organised by the team at Stein’s. The agenda is as follows: arrive, get shown to the private carpark and my master room in nearby St Edmund’s House, then make my way to St Petroc’s Bistro which is tucked away on a hillside street away from the bustle of the harbour.

Having encountered traffic and taken a detour, I am only just on time. But from the moment I arrive, there’s an efficient, organised operation in action. My delightful waitress Verity makes the evening seamless from the moment she escorts me to my seat.

The fact that the restaurant is packed on a non-school-holiday Tuesday night in April

says all that you need to know about the Stein’s brand, which attracts devoted diners from all over the world. While most places in Cornwall are gently gearing up for a summer rush, at Stein’s the rush is all year round.

I opt for lemon sole goujons with salsa verde mayonnaise as an appetiser rather than olives – when in Rome and all that – with a lovely French white wine, Le Tuffeau Sauvignon Blanc. Happy with my choice, I wait for the starter to arrive and soak up the bustling ambience of chatter, laughter and clinking crockery.

There are two highlights of the evening and the first is the starter: baked scallops with a pumpkin seed, Serrano chilli and coriander sauce, served on a bed of local

seaweed (I took a snap, on the next page).

This was spectacular. I would love to know the inspiration for the highly orgininal, zingy green tapenade-style sauce indulgently placed atop each scallop.

The next highlight came as a side to the main. When a lovely fillet of hake with clams, asparagus, peas and parsley arrived, I was delighted, but it’s worth mentioning that St Petroc’s makes the most delicious side order of onion rings I have ever tasted.

This is an art – creating the ultimate light batter which doesn’t go soggy in the middle and ensuring the onion is cooked but not overcooked. Well, top marks St Petroc’s. (My waitress Verity didn’t raise an eyebrow at my choice; I suspect she

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Image courtesy of: Anna McCarthy

is greeted with these odd combination choices all the time.)

I was too full to sample dessert after a few too many onion rings, and after such wonderful flavours, I really didn’t need it.

I was now longing to head back to enjoy my room with its huge four-poster bed and roll-top bath.

The early night was well worth it, as the view from the double doors over a sleepy harbour as a spring dawn unfolded was not to be missed.

Rick Stein Riverside, Padstow PL28 8BY 01841 532700 reservations@rickstein.com

A room with a view at St Edmund’s House

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Self-Catering Holiday Cottages overlooking the Beautiful Fowey River.

Cottages to sleep from 2 to 8 persons with stunning views.

www.polruancottages.co.uk 01726 870582

If you have a cottage in this area and are thinking of holiday letting, please do get in touch. Alternatively if you have or are thinking of buying a second home in south east Cornwall but do not wish to rent it out and are worried because you are so far away, we will step in to help, making insurance checks or just to read the electric meter, giving you peace of mind someone is popping in to check the property.

The sailor friendly restaurant in Fowey with our crew room table that seats up to 10 and serving you the finest local produce with fantastic flavours, as well as brilliant local beers, wines and spirits

19 Fore Street, Fowey, PL23 1AH 01726 337076 • www.theglobefowey.co.uk • www.facebook.com/Globefowey

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26/06/2015 13:34

GREENBANK HOTEL

Quay

The new pontoons Delicious seafood on the menu

TO SUCCESS You can now moor up at Falmouth’s historic waterside Greenbank Hotel.

The Dutch settlers who arrived in Cornwall more than 400 years ago certainly knew how to spot a good location. The site where they built a quay, in what’s now Falmouth, is today The Greenbank Hotel. No surprise then that this iconic building enjoys glorious views out across the harbour.

So it’s only right that – in recently renovating The Greenbank – the owners have returned to its historic roots with the addition of pontoon berths for boats.

You can now sail up the river, moor up and

WORDS BY

Felix Rowe

walk straight into the hotel from its private quay to enjoy lunch after a morning out on the water. Berths are available for anyone using the hotel with vessels up to 20 feet.

As always, check the tide tables in advance as the pontoons will dry out at low tide. Then again, of all the places to find yourself marooned, you could do a lot worse than this stunning hotel, restaurant and bar! If you would like to stay overnight, simply contact The Greenbank prior to arrival discuss the arrangements.

And once you’ve moored up you’ll be

treated to a warm welcome, in the hotel’s stylish new restaurant. The Water’s Edge has recently been completely refurbished, with chic contemporary furnishings perfectly balancing the incredible views of the estuary.

General Manager Ben Young says: “There’s been quite a departure from our previous styling, but we’ve made sure everything’s remained characteristically Greenbank”.

New Head Chef Nick Hodges has complemented the styling with a menu which he says is about creating a fresh and honest approach to food, combined with great value for money. Ben says: “It’s simple really. We want to undersell on the menu and over-deliver on the plate.”

Sitting out on the terrace, enjoying the catch of the day while watching the gentle waterside comings and goings, we think those early settlers would have approved of this latest chapter in the history of The Greenbank.

The Greenbank Harbourside, Falmouth TR11 2SR 01326 312440 www.greenbank-hotel.co.uk

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LIGHTING CREATIVE LIGHTING FROM SOME OF THE WORLD’S FINEST DESIGNERS.

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Westcountry Watersports Mylor Yacht Harbour, Falmouth. TR11 5UF t: 01326 376363 e: wcws@wcws.biz 22/12/2013 09:38 26/06/2015 12:56

FOOD & DRINK

i

u

e

Penryn’s award-winning craft microbrewery is a rebel with a cause, supporting Falmouth’s Red Ensign AZAB race with its popular Sail Ale. Many sails were hoisted down in Falmouth in early June, as this year marked the eleventh Red Ensign AZAB yacht race.

The celebrated race to the Azores and back (hence AZAB), which first started in 1975, kicked off on 6th June from Pendennis Marina. This is the biggest ocean-bound race leaving from Britain this year, with around 70 yachts competing. The Azores and Back is a category 1 yacht race, celebrating its 40th year. Single or two-handed crews cover at

least 2400 miles of ocean in an assortment of vessels.

Every competing boat was fitted with a tracking device so that each leg of the race could be tracked online.

Sponsored by The Rebel Brewing Company, this year crew members received bottles of Sail Ale to quench their thirst, to be greeted by a marquee bar upon return.

Rebel initially made their flagship ale Sail Ale to welcome the tall ships in their regatta

The award-winning Sail Ale

last year. The craft brewery based in Penryn, Falmouth originally intended to make just three brews of the 4% ale to sell over an eight-week period. However, the delicate, refreshing mandarin flavour proved to be so popular that eight brews sold out in just six weeks!

Since then, Rebel has invested profits in a brand new high-quality brew kit. With 50 new sign-ups in the last month, the new kit’s quality speaks for itself. It has also increased the quantity of ale produced, meaning the brewery is set to take on new pubs, bars and restaurants to hoist the sails of this craft ale, and continue to grow.

Rebel Brewing is a multi award-winning independent brewery that produces a selection of classic English ales and craft world beers, from Surfbum IPA, a Californian style IPA, to Nightshade, the brewery’s take on a Dunkel Hefeweissen, a dark cloudy wheat beer. If you fancy checking out the delicious flavours yourself, you can book tours of the brewery and sample a few of the brews first hand.

Rebel Brewery Century House, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn 01326 617780 www.rebelbrewing.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

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HELFORD’S FINEST Mandy Milano meets Vicky and Hairy Harford, the couple behind Vicky’s Bread, The Shipwrights Arms and Helford’s village shop.

WORDS BY

Mandy Milano

This summer, I was delighted to head to Helford, or more specifically to the well known Shipwrights Arms, the pub that husband and wife team Hairy – a nickname from his boat-building days – and Vicky now run here. You might also know Vicky as the baker behind Vicky’s Bread, but there is more to this glorious, thoughtful couple who also run the village shop.

“We do everything together,” Vicky explains as I catch up with them in the bar of their wonderfully eclectic, colourful pub, the walls of which are covered in Vicky’s art.

“We balance each other’s skills so well, and we just said yes to everything, first when the shop closed and then again when the pub closed. But it all started with the bakery.”

Vicky was born and bred in Cornwall, near the Helford. She went to Truro School and then read Law at the University of Bristol. But the pull of Cornwall and Helford was too strong and she came home. “As a mouthy 24-year-old graduate, I was virtually unemployable, but I had always made bread, so I worked in Herbert’s bakery in Bristol for free for a month, and then did an intensive

artisan bread course at the French Culinary Institute in New York. I really loved the sourdough element.”

She continues: “Hairy managed to come out and join me for a while: it was great. Luckily he was as mad as me and thought that starting a bakery was a great idea! So, we started Vicky’s Bread. We use steam bread ovens to get our distinctive crust; the British taste is for pale bread. If I had my way we would bake the bread until it was almost mahogany colour – all the taste is in the crust.”

Hairy, who was a professional racing sailor and boatbuilder, was fitting kitchens, but decided it was time to help Vicky in running the bakery. So he gave up the day job and they bought the Helford holiday cottage business from Vicky’s mum; then the village shop closed.

“A village really needs its shop and pub to stay alive,” Hairy tells me. “So we decided to take it on. Neither of us had run a shop before, but we ripped out the interior and refitted it ourselves.” Vicky adds: “Every job we do ends up as an art project. Hairy builds everything and plans the space; I put the icing on it.”

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FOOD & DRINK

French stick fresh from the oven

Then the pub, which had been on the market for ages, closed. Windows boarded up, it began to deteriorate before their eyes.

With no pub, they were faced with a pretty bleak future for their beloved Helford, so they tried to persuade everyone they knew to buy the Shipwrights.

Finally, in desperation with Easter rapidly approaching, the couple begged a dear friend to buy the pub with the promise that they would run it for the summer. So with eight days until Easter, and with a fantastic team of helpers, they cleaned the pub up and reopened the bar for Easter.

“We were in tears when we opened,” says Hairy. “Every fisherman was in here and people who hadn’t been in the pub for 30 years came in to celebrate. I think we only had beer and rum on offer! It was a very emotional night.”

The rest, as they say, is history. Hairy and Vicky fell in love with the Shipwrights and stayed. Over the winter of 2012, with the help of great mates and the best tradesmen in Cornwall, the pub was completely redone - everything from a new roof to new loos.

Vicky created a huge tapestry and over 40 pieces of art.

Hairy says: “Why we do stuff is really important, it’s not just about the businesses or making money – for us it’s about Helford continuing to thrive. So we will never, ever

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The glorious Helford river Hairy manning the barbeque at the Shipwrights

close the pub. We serve food all day; people know we will never close.”

As for food, if it’s the best and Cornish then the couple uses it in the shop and the pub.

“It’s about promoting what is good. Cornish cheese is delicious, and Rodda’s butter and cream, great fish and shellfish as well as meat; we have some terrific local producers to choose from,” he says.

The bakery now employs 10 people, the Hairy’s stand which they built for the Royal Cornwall Show 2014

“Every job we do ends up as an art project.

Hairy builds everything and plans the space; I put the icing on it”

shop and cottages 14, and the pub 25 during the height of the summer. “I still do all the holiday cover and developing new products at the bakery. I have a wonderful team, and they know they can call me at 3am if they need to,” Vicky adds with a smile.

Pop in during the summer and you are likely to find Vicky and Hairy hard at work in the hut on the terrace, making delicious pizzas or cooking steaks and lobsters on the sizzling charcoal barbeque.

And, when they do have time off (not often) they will be nearby, on their sailing boat with young daughter Calypso, having sailed as far as Durgan to relax, swim and just kick back.

Vicky’s Bread vicky@vickysbread.co.uk www.vickysbread.co.uk The Shipwright Arms info@shipwrightshelford.co.uk www.shipwrightshelford.co.uk Helford Village Stores www.helfordstores.co.uk Helford River Cottages vicky@vickysbread.co.uk www.helfordcottages.co.uk

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ADVICE

FINANCING A SELF-BUILD If you’d like to build your own house, Harris Begley Financial Planning can help to guide you through the process.

If you can’t find the perfect property in Cornwall then another option is to build it yourself! But if you do plan to build the ideal home, perhaps near your favourite marina or yacht club, in a dream location with views to die for, then finding the right mortgage for your build is crucial to ensuring the success of the project.

And building your own house certainly has many benefits. Often when renovating a house, half the battle is navigating around all the obstacles already present.

So rather than trying to make an existing property work for you or your families’ needs, you can create something unique and bespoke, designed entirely for you, from the offset.

Building a house is an exciting and rewarding process. But it’s also a challenge, requiring patience and good planning.

Getting your finances in order is an important starting point for anyone embarking on a self-build project. A selfbuild mortgage differs from a traditional style mortgage in that the money is

released in stages as the build progresses.

However, there are different ways in which this money can be released and your choice of product will depend on your own particular circumstances. This is why it is important to speak to a self-build finance expert to discuss your options as early in your project as possible.

In common with the current mortgage market in general, there are fewer lenders available and fewer still that will lend for a self-build project. The amount you can borrow as a proportion of the cost for the land and the build is lower than it was two years ago. The criteria lenders apply are also more restrictive. Some will only lend on projects in their local area, or they may lend for only certain designs or construction types, while other lenders may require the build to be completed within a set timescale. And as if that’s not all, you also need to take into account the differences between lenders’ calculations of the affordability of your project and the way they treat your existing mortgage

commitments.

One of the key factors to consider is the release of funds from a lender throughout your project, so that you can pay contractors at various agreed stages.

Even if your mortgage is agreed, it doesn’t always mean that the funds will always be available when you actually need them.

Most of the lenders who support the self-build market release stage payments only after particular aspects of the work have been completed; so strong project movement is a must.

So there’s plenty to think about and getting your finances in place early can set the tone for the whole project. If you’re considering a self-build project and need help arranging a specific mortgage, contact Harris Begley Financial Planning.

Harris Begley Financial Planning The Regent Chapel Street, Penzance TR18 4AE 01736 366550 www.harrisbegley.co.uk enquiries@harrisbegley.co.uk

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