Eve of St Mawes - Our 1st Pilot Cutter

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Eve of St Mawes: Our First New Pilot Cutter

'Eve of St Mawes' was the first pilot cutter to be designed and built as a new wooden vessel by Luke Powell of Working Sail.  To really make his mark in the boat building industry, Luke took a real financial gamble by building the hull and rig to the design that he wanted with no compromise, before he went looking for a buyer. I think it is fair to say Luke chose us, as much as we chose the perfect charter boat for 'hands on' sailing. We wanted a vessel that would keep lots of willing crew very busy; was a working boat, not a precious luxury yacht, and most importantly she had to be once seen, not forgotten. Luke wanted his first creation to be seen and sailed by as many people as possible out on the water. Adam and Debbie then worked with Luke to design the interior layout specifically for charter guest crew, based on their extensive experience of large sail training yachts and traditional sailing ships.

Traditional Construction from Lofting to Caulking

Using traditional construction methods and materials Luke created a hull shape and rig that we couldn't resist. The keel, stem and huge raked sternpost was Ekki - a deep red hardwood. The frames were grown oak and steamed frames between, and the carvel planking was larch - all copper nail fastened. The mast was douglas fir, hand selected from Mamhead Forest in Devon.

Only 38ft on deck but 51ft overall she was the perfect 'little ship' to launch our ideas for Classic Sailing in 1997. Her distinctive blue hull matches the vivid colours of the Cornish seas we sail, and Eve looks perfectly at home in the historic fishing ports and coves of Cornwall, Brittany and Isles of Scilly.

For design inspiration Eve owes her heritage to the pilot Cutters of the Isles of Scilly. Rugged and versatile craft built to withstand the rigours of the Western Approaches in comfort and safety; these little ships were fast, weatherly and immensely strong.

Although built and launched new in 1997 many people mistake Eve for an old boat; such is the sense of history within her solid new timbers. Constructed entirely traditionally from the best materials available - Oak, Ekki and larch, Eve was built to last. She has been admired, photographed and written about countless times. 

" Nobody would have guessed this as a brand new vessel. The feeling of history inherent in these vessels was present in Eve" Classic Boat Magazine article on Eve of St Mawes 1997  

What is She Like to Sail ?

A hard working and plucky ship earning her keep, Eve offers block and tackle sailing on an intimate scale. On deck you have a boat only 38’ long that beginners can throw around easily for RYA teaching, but the beauty of a bowsprit is that she can also spread her wings.

Under full canvas from overhanging boom to bowsprit cap she becomes a 51’ cutter – able to set 5 sails, keep experienced sailors very busy and create quite a spectacle around the small ports and harbours of Cornwall, Brittany and the Scillies.

Eve is large enough to accommodate 6 in comfort and carry enough resources to sail independently of marinas, yet small enough to do some serious creek crawling. She fits perfectly into the secluded anchorages and out of the way corners of her playground.

Leaving only the sparkling wake behind her makes you realise the full potential of traditional boats like Eve of St Mawes and the ethical forces behind them. 

"Eve is a beautiful boat, outside and in, and the all wood construction adds a charm distinctly lacking in most modern boats - real character " - Rob. 

Eve of St Mawes Dimensions:
Length on deck 38’
Length with bowsprit 51’
Beam 12’
Draught 6’ 2”
Engine 42hp
Tonnage 14
Rig Gaff Cutter
Sails: gaff mainsail, gaff topsail, staysail, working jib, flying jib, jib topsail and storm jib.

Construction
Built and Designed by Luke Powell, Working Sail.
Launched April 1997
Ekki keel, oak frames, larch planking, Douglas Fir Mast and bowsprit.

Below Decks:
6 single berths with reading lights
Headroom—some low beams
Large oak dining table & serious cooker.
Hot and cold running water
Shower and WC
Full size navigation table
Radar, GPS, DSC VHF
Safety: MCA Code of Practice Category 2, up to 60 miles from a safe haven.

Skipper
Debbie has a commercial Yachtmaster Certificate, has worked as a landscape architect, taught outdoor pursuits, sail training on large yachts and tall ships. She enjoys sketching and block print making.

Voyage Fees include:

all meals, sailing tuition, waterproofs, port fees, wildlife guides were arranged, pillows and pillowcases.

Involvement level: full hands on sailing, navigation if you wish and washing up.

Eve of St Mawes lots of information pdf

St Mawes - Home of the Pilot Cutter

The seafaring village of St Mawes offers a commanding view of the approaches to Falmouth, which is why in the 1870's it was once home to many of the registered Falmouth Pilot Cutters, as it gave them a distinctive head start if a ship was sighted off the Lizard. Within St Mawes there are those families who's relatives sailed or built the original pilot cutters, so it is not surprising that Eve was adopted instantly by the local community in the port she proudly calls home. You always get a warm welcome back in St Mawes village and the locals are keen to know where you have been.

'Number 8' - Our Pilot Cutter's Tender

On shorter voyages and our well loved SAIL-WALK-ROW voyages, Eve tows a 15' wooden dinghy called "Number 8."  Built by Famouth Marine College and famous local gig boat builder - Ralph Bird, she is an authentic replica tender of a 1880's St Mawes based pilot cutter Vincent (registration number F8). The lines were taken from the original templates found in Frankie Peters Boatyard in St Mawes. With Number 8 we have many rowing epics with Eve's guest crew, and with 13ft gig boat oars all seven crew can get to the pub stylishly with zero carbon footprint, or row silently up a tidal creek looking for otters, egrets or curlews.

 "Throughly enjoyed the holiday. It was a real escape. I pretend I'm on the boat at home. I haven't slept so well for a long time! " Liz L