Hesper.
Hesper was built in Queek Quay, Cornwall in 2004. She was built by world renowned Pilot Cutter shipwright Luke Powell. Luke has gone on to build 9 of these beautiful cutters. Eve of St. Mawes, Agnes, Lizzie May, Hesper, Ezra, Freya, Amelie Rose, Tallulah and Pellew all are great testaments to Cornish boat building and the West Country.
Hesper was built for long distance cruising. She has been up to Greenland, down south to the Azores, and as far east as Sweden. She has summered in Scotland, and been to France (what a charmed life!). She was designed to be sturdy, and to take care of the people on board.
Her recent build lends herself to a cozy, safe and comfortable sailing experience on board.
About Isle of Scilly Pilot Cutters
Before the Bristol Channel Pilots, and before the Falmouth Pilot Cutters came the Scilly Pilots and they renowned cutters. Fast, stable, kind- they were from another time in pilotage. Before the rules changed, and the ships came to the pilots, there were the men and boys from the Scillys. St. Agnes and her sisters born men and boats that carried there cargo, people to trade ships. The Scilly’s acted as a tollbooth in the mid 1800’s, the first pilot to reach the ship got the contract, and thus the legend of the Isle of Scilly Pilots began. These boats were meant to last far after their human cargo quit. Unfortunately when the industrial revolution started, the rules changed, and the Falmouth Pilots/Bristol pilots took over, forcing the proud Isle of Scilly crews to revert to daffodil farming, still to this day the Isles greatest export.
Built: Gweek Quay, Cornwall UKBuilder: Luke PowellLOA: 60’LOD: 44’Beam: 13’6Draft: 7’6”Displacement: 25 Tons
About your host
Captain Tom Hollyday
Owner, Canvas + Pine Sailing Expeditions
Captain Tom has spent the last decade working in the traditional boat industry from Maine, Key West, San Diego and Panama. Tom started from a unique path- as a ticket booth kid selling tickets, and worked his way up. From selling charters to cleaning heads, Tom has a great background and drive for what it takes to run a small, bespoke expedition company. Canvas + Pine Sailing Expeditions combines several of Tom’s great passions- providing excellent service and a great culinary experience aboard a traditional sailing vessel.