Sum up of 2025 Pilot Cutter Review
Historic Pilot Cutters show their paces at 19th annual review, sponsored by H Tiddy.
The 19th Pilot Cutter Review was held from the 29th May to 1st June and enjoyed excellent but varied sailing conditions over the course of the event. Tallulah is pictured above and she is the only St Mawes based boat and was built at Gweek at the head of the Helford River. The furthest afield participant was Jan Rolan from Holland.
The boats gathered at Fowey where 42 sailors met up prior to the passage race the next morning to St Mawes. Pilot cutters vary in size and design so there is a handicap system and on handicap Marian was the winner with Eron Mor first across the line.
After a Friday evening social event there were two races on Saturday, both won on handicap by Eve of St Mawes. This was a popular result for a boat based in St Mawes for many years. In the evening and overnight the boats were moored on a pontoon in the Truro River near Smuggler's Cottage. Here the races were discussed and 're-run' many times over.
The final race on Sunday was held in very windy conditions which is what pilot cutters were designed to handle in their stride. The winner was Alpha.
Overall the 2025 Pilot Cutter Review did much to keep alive the traditions of the sailing ship era, as well as providing a wonderful sight for spectators ashore and afloat. Next year will be the 20th such event and promises to be just as entertaining if not more so.