Here is a rare treat, a 99 year old English pilot cutter, now lovingly restored as a yacht. We noticed Cornubia when we were walking the docks in Plymouth. Over the years we have seen many designs that claimed to be based on the pilot cutter concept but most had concessions to the world of yachting. So when we found out this was the real deal we looked a lot closer.
Take the retractable bowsprit. Thought these started with J-Boats or Sundeers? Think again. They have been around for hundreds of years, as have been short overhangs.
Piot cutters stood offshore in fair weather and foul, and a fast turn of speed was critical to gainful employment. So you can imagine our excitement when we noticed Cornubia had been hauled out!
We’ve got a high res slide show of her hull shape and rigging details. If you want to enjoy a fascinating slice of work boat history watch the slide show below.
[slidepress gallery=’cornubia’]
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 9, 2010)
June 10th, 2010 at 8:04 am
How do they drive those propellers ? One engine or two ?
June 11th, 2010 at 1:15 am
Howdy Fred:
Don’t know the answer. The website of her rebuilders indicates motor singular which implies some form of dual transmission. Their website is http://www.tnielsen.co.uk/cornubia.html.
June 10th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
that is certainly a purposeful and attractive vessel!!
January 4th, 2011 at 4:56 pm
Hi folks, just come across this thread looking for info on Cornubia…
Nielson also rebuilt Mascotte (www.sail-mascotte.co.uk) and she has a similar system, with single offset engine driving twin props via hydraulics, giving independent operation of the props for better manoeuvrability and more flexible accommodation layout.
Cheers,
Alex
October 29th, 2011 at 1:05 pm
What do you mean ‘those propellors’. There was only one. As a child I did my sailing apprentice on ‘Hirta’ as she was then. She only had one propellor and it was a goodly apprenticeship with no winches and learning to handle heavy rope, knot, splice and serve.
– The port quarter propelor made ‘Hirta’ a real handful in close quarters. When put astern to stop her, she whould shear hard to port. Canal workwith out a headrope well secured (we usually went through Starboard side to) was frightening for any other boats in the vicinity as she dived for the other side of the lock as she went astern to stop her.
– Happy sailing ‘Cornubia’. You looked after us, and it is wonderful to see that others are looking after you!
October 29th, 2011 at 9:21 pm
Hi David:
Cornubia has two props, driven off a single engine as I recall. No sport here.