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Luxury 54' (67' LOA) Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter

Annabel J is an interpretation of the legendary Bristol Channel Pilot cutter. Designed to patrol on station in the jaws of the Bristol Channel, these hardy cutters were necessarily fast, easily handled and seaworthy. Built in steel with wooden decks, Annabel J will look after you in style. Fitted out below decks in a beautiful deep mahogany, her interior is a haven of warm varnished bright work, elegant upholstery and cut glass.

With her pedigree of a working vessel she can stand a lot of canvas and is surprisingly swift, even in light airs. Annabel J is the ideal passage making boat for wanting those to go further afield or experience a channel crossing at impressive speeds. Skipper Phil is also keen to encourage potential voluntary mates who can sail regularly on ‘A.J.’

Annabel J Dimensions:
Length on deck   54ft
Length with bowsprit   67ft
Beam  14ft
Draught   7ft 10”
Engine & bow thruster 
Tonnage   38 tonne
Rig Gaff Cutter
Sails: gaff mainsail, gaff topsail, staysail,working jib, flying jib, jib topsail and storm jib.

Construction
Design inspired by the lines of surviving original Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Marguerite.

Built 1995 by AP Appledore (Falmouth)

Steel hull, teak decks and cockpit
 

Below Decks:
Beautifully fitted out in flame mahogany wood as elegant in style as a gentleman's classic yacht. Full standing headroom.

AJ sails with a skipper, a mate on some voyages, and 8 guest crew. Below there is a 3 berth cabin up forward and 5 berths in the saloon. There are double berths in both cabins but not private. Facilities -two toilets, shower, hot and cold running water and galley area. Navigation equipment: Radar, GPS DSC VHR radio, Sat Phone, Chart plotter.

Safety: MCA Code of Practice Category 2, up to 60 miles from a safe haven.

Skipper:  Phil Cogdell owns and skippers the boat. 

Voyage Fees include:  All meals, sailing tuition, waterproofs, port fees, pillows but please bring pillowcases and sleeping bags.

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

Sailing in Company at the Pilot Cutter Races

 Annabel J will be joining the Pilot Cutter World Championship in St Mawes in June. Sail to Cornwall along the South Coast and join this spectacular event organised by Classic Sailing purely for original pilot cutters and authentic replicas. The event usually attracts 8-11 pilot cutters.

See Pilot Cutter Review 2010

Isles Of Scilly

Skipper Phil has followed in Eves footsteps and is now a regular summer visitor to the Isles of Scilly off Lands End. In 2010 he has several Cornish Coast and Isles of Scilly voyages on his programme.
 

Solent Short Breaks

Skipper Phil is an expert on Annabel J’s home ground the Solent and being close to the South East he offers many excellent and convenient short breaks. There is good sailing at all times of year and on Annabel J you will stand out from the crowd.

Channel Islands

Guernsey is the capital of the Channel Islands Bailiwick and St Peter Port seems like a little piece of Monaco. With all the shopping tax free, it’s the perfect place to stock up on a few bargains.
Alderney is dominated by the massive Braye harbour, sheltered by the half mile long breakwater. Alternatively you can anchor off Sark which is straight out of ‘Treasure Island’. Getting to the interior is an adventure in itself. In common with many island communities, the island wildlife is in abundance with huge sea bird colonies lying just off shore. There are always the regular visits of basking sharks and dolphins as well as the local resident seals.

Brittany Specialist & beyond to Golfe de Morbihan

Further south Brittany beckons with the fabled port of St Malo and the Granite Rose coast to the west. Anchor amongst the Ile de Brehat in Brittany or sail up to Treguier and enjoy its Medieval Square and Cathedral. There are many small harbours with waterside restaurants in Brittany and will give you a chance to stretch your legs along beautiful beaches.

 "The cruise was a constant delight. I was instantly made to feel welcome and felt at ease." Robert Chester

For a detailed description of individual voyages please click on the voyage number below or to see all Annabel J's voyages 2010 Click Here 

What to bring

All yachts have limited storage space and Annabel is no exception.
Please limit yourself to one soft bag and no suitcases please.

Sleeping bag, (pillow is provided but you need to bring a distinctive pillowcase !)
Sun hat or bobble hat,
depending on the weather
Sailing gloves if you have them, any gloves are better than none
Warm clothes, lots of thin layers are better than one thick
None slip deck shoes or trainers and wellies
Swim suit, suntan lotion
sunglasses etc
Wash kit and towel
RYA log book, Passport and E111 just in case
Any medication must be brought the attention of the crew
Sea sickness tablets
Walking boots for going ashore.

Included
Meals and soft drinks taken on board, loan of good quality waterproofs, automatic lifejackets and safety harnesses are also included. If you would rather provide you own water proofs then please do.

Not Included
No trip to this area would be complete without visiting its superb pubs and restaurants. We may spend a couple of evenings and occasionally a lunch ashore. The cost of these meals taken off the vessel and all alcoholic drinks are not covered by your voyage fee. You must provide your own transport to the vessel and ensure that you have suitable travel insurance.

Drinking during the day is strongly discouraged, however once safely tucked up on a mooring for the night, one of the first jobs is to crack open a bottle and celebrate sundown after a lovely days sail.

AJ carries a reasonable cellar of goodies which can be purchased at modest cost or you can bring your own.