Cutter Pilot

Rarely sailing ship of this size has been as fast using traditional materials, such as wood. The cutter is a well defined genre since the 18th... more

by The Collectioner

Title

Cutter Pilot

Artist

The Collectioner

Medium

Painting - Gouache

Description

Rarely sailing ship of this size has been as fast using traditional materials, such as wood. The cutter is a well defined genre since the 18th century, with a massive but streamlined hull, a single mast and especially a completely disproportionate rigging. The traction power on these sailboats earned them what was originally a "cutter" in English before becoming a generally accepted term ("cotre" in French). Harbour Pilot ships had the specialty of depositing on board the pilot who was to guide the merchant ships at the entrance of the passes, ports, in the danger zones. The Marie-Fernand (here) had a fatal destiny before being recovered and rebuilt. It stands now as a perfect example of pilot ship from Le Havre, probably originating from a fishing boat, but over-rigged to fulfill its functions. These lively and agile ships had been nicknamed by their captains the "channel swallows". Built by Augustin Normand and Bristol, these French and English pilot cutters were reconverted to regatta, in which they excelled. The cutter Jolie Brise, also preserved, has won the Fastnet several times in a row.

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February 23rd, 2017

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