Above: MASCOTTE. A 50 ton Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter. Built 1904. (Photo credit unknown)
Touring on the Sea
Touring by sea has many similarities with touring by Air. The sense of motion. Riding the weather. The horizon unfolding. Mind and muscle deployed. Sleeping well at night. The importance of the right set on the 'sail'.
Mascotte is a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter (Gaff Rigged). Mascotte is owned by Mark Tyndall, with whom I shared a house at University. Any historic sail boat is demanding in terms of technical care and experienced captaincy. Richard Clapham provided both.
This section shares 2,600 miles (4,100km) of touring and racing in Mascotte. None of these stories and photos would have been possible without the generosity of Mark, and the professionalism and patience of Richard, who referred to us seasonal visitors as 'guests' and therefore applied only verbal lashings; Richard died in 2019.
Mascotte is now based in Charlestown, near St Austell Cornwall. The owner, Mark Tyndall, is setting up Rich's Boat as a permanent memorial to Richard. Mascotte continues to preserve the spirit of historic working sail, and to ensure the knowledge and love endures.
Mascotte is a Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter (Gaff Rigged). Mascotte is owned by Mark Tyndall, with whom I shared a house at University. Any historic sail boat is demanding in terms of technical care and experienced captaincy. Richard Clapham provided both.
This section shares 2,600 miles (4,100km) of touring and racing in Mascotte. None of these stories and photos would have been possible without the generosity of Mark, and the professionalism and patience of Richard, who referred to us seasonal visitors as 'guests' and therefore applied only verbal lashings; Richard died in 2019.
Mascotte is now based in Charlestown, near St Austell Cornwall. The owner, Mark Tyndall, is setting up Rich's Boat as a permanent memorial to Richard. Mascotte continues to preserve the spirit of historic working sail, and to ensure the knowledge and love endures.
Richard Clapham - Master Mariner
Above: Richard Clapham; Master Mariner of historic working boats.
Sunrise off North Cornwall during a BCPCOA Race: Barry-Falmouth Summer 2014
Sunrise off North Cornwall during a BCPCOA Race: Barry-Falmouth Summer 2014
Above: 2020 - Mascotte arrives at her new home in Charlestown, Cornwall. (Photo: James Pearce: Published in Classic Sailor)
Mascotte - A Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter (1904)
The Bristol Channel has a history of maritime activity. In the days of sail it was potentially dangerous. The funneling effect, at times strengthened by westerly winds, gives a tidal range of 12metres (40feet) at Springs, and a maximum speed of 6 knots. The risk demanded skilled pilots. By 1900 Barry, in South Wales, was handling 3,000 movements a year, mainly coal. The demand supported high fees. There were several significant families who kept a tight grip on the supply of expertise. Mascotte was built by Tommy Cox in 1904. She is the largest remaining cutter of her type.
Pilot boats would sail out into Irish Sea, their licensed ports shown on their sails. Mascotte was certified for Barry (By) and Newport (N). Speed and robustness counted towards getting to the incoming ship first. The Pilot would get aboard, and his two lads would then head back to port, ready to pick the Pilot up, and head back out to sea again. Hard work, in all weathers, but very profitable. Tommy Cox had paid for his boat within 2 years.
The fine quality and Edwardian grandeur of the interiors below deck is reflective of how successful the Pilots were.
Today Mascotte remains in exceptional condition thanks to her owner, and the expert care of Tommi Nielsen’s yard in Gloucester, where she was fully restored in 1994 and continues to be regularly dry-docked and maintained. Mascotte will be available for day sailing from Charlestown, and exclusive private hire via Airbnb,. She sleeps at least 7 guests.
Pilot boats would sail out into Irish Sea, their licensed ports shown on their sails. Mascotte was certified for Barry (By) and Newport (N). Speed and robustness counted towards getting to the incoming ship first. The Pilot would get aboard, and his two lads would then head back to port, ready to pick the Pilot up, and head back out to sea again. Hard work, in all weathers, but very profitable. Tommy Cox had paid for his boat within 2 years.
The fine quality and Edwardian grandeur of the interiors below deck is reflective of how successful the Pilots were.
Today Mascotte remains in exceptional condition thanks to her owner, and the expert care of Tommi Nielsen’s yard in Gloucester, where she was fully restored in 1994 and continues to be regularly dry-docked and maintained. Mascotte will be available for day sailing from Charlestown, and exclusive private hire via Airbnb,. She sleeps at least 7 guests.
The pictures below introduce Mascotte. POINT to a picture to read the caption. CLICK to enlarge.
The Tours and Voyages
The other pages in this section cover 5 tours or aspects of historic boat sailing, as experienced by The Journeyman Balladeer.
The map below shows the "Adventures in the WesternSeas and Islands off Scotland". My sketches of Mascotte are set using Affinity in a map drawn using Wonderdraft.
The map below shows the "Adventures in the WesternSeas and Islands off Scotland". My sketches of Mascotte are set using Affinity in a map drawn using Wonderdraft.