Photo of Mischief a newly built Bristol pilot cutter now sailing adventure tours off the coast of Scotland. Photo sent by one of my nephews who was lucky enough to be on board.
How much nicer is this boat than those Russian gin palaces so beloved of the rich and famous and the odd politician
Letter from Nephew....
Mischief weighed in at 27 tons. There were no winches, except an electric capstan for the anchor chain so all the sails needed a crew of three or more to hoist.
The sheets were pulled in heave ho style and then tightened using a block and tackle tied to the sheet one end and a large cleat on deck, the sheet then made around a cleat outside the cockpit and block and tackle removed for further use on the sheets or stored.
You can see it in the photo. A handy bit of kit I thought, you can pull ropes really tight.
The gaff is heavy and had two main halliards. The throat is a big leather and metal ring hauled up the mast while another team hauls up the gaff. I think there is a topping lift as well.
Two more halliards lift the boom off the crutch astern of the cockpit.
Before you do any of this you have to tighten the bowsprit, pulling it downwards using the block and tackle. This in turn bends the topmast forwards in readiness for the weight of the gaff and mainsail. Shrouds and stays keep the main mast rigid while four backstays compensate for various sailing conditions. See backstay in photo.
Alternatively, you can just fire up the engine, lift the anchor and cruise, all with a cup of tea in one hand and the tiller in the other.
But that ain't sailing.
The sheets were pulled in heave ho style and then tightened using a block and tackle tied to the sheet one end and a large cleat on deck, the sheet then made around a cleat outside the cockpit and block and tackle removed for further use on the sheets or stored.
You can see it in the photo. A handy bit of kit I thought, you can pull ropes really tight.
The gaff is heavy and had two main halliards. The throat is a big leather and metal ring hauled up the mast while another team hauls up the gaff. I think there is a topping lift as well.
Two more halliards lift the boom off the crutch astern of the cockpit.
Before you do any of this you have to tighten the bowsprit, pulling it downwards using the block and tackle. This in turn bends the topmast forwards in readiness for the weight of the gaff and mainsail. Shrouds and stays keep the main mast rigid while four backstays compensate for various sailing conditions. See backstay in photo.
Alternatively, you can just fire up the engine, lift the anchor and cruise, all with a cup of tea in one hand and the tiller in the other.
But that ain't sailing.
I know the coast of Scotland, are wonderful
ReplyDeleteThat is a real boat. I am terrified of water but that looks better than any other form of transport that I have been in. I know someone who would love this. I'll do a link if you don't mind.
ReplyDelete