Falmouth Marine School commissioned to build a new Cornish Pilot Gig

Boatbuilding history ‘reenergised’ with new Cornish gig

To celebrate the 35th Year anniversary of the building of the Pilot Gig ‘Energy’, the Cornish Pilot Gig Association (CPGA) have commissioned Falmouth Marine School to build a new Cornish Pilot Gig.

The original Gig Energy was built by Falmouth Marine School Apprentices in 1985 under the supervision of Cornish boat builder Ralph Bird, a founding member and Chairman of the CPGA. 

The CPGA said it was the ideal time to recreate the magic of that moment and has asked Falmouth Marine School to jump aboard the project. 

CPGA Trustee and Chairman Shane Sullivan said: everyone was “delighted to work with Falmouth Marine School on this historic project”.

“Our mission is to uphold and enable the specification, heritage and rowing of the Cornish Pilot Gig,” he continued.

“This project meets these aims exactly and helps promote and maintain the skills for future Gig Builders.”

The Energy 2 build will begin in September and will be completed in July 2020 by the students under the supervision of the College lecturers and boat builder Andrew Nancarrow.

Steve Taylor, Team Lead from Falmouth Marine School commented: 

“We are extremely excited about this project. The students will work on it throughout the academic year applying the skills and knowledge they develop on the boatbuilding course.”

In 2020 Falmouth Marine School will be celebrating 100 years of providing training for the boatbuilding industry, an integral part of the maritime history of Cornwall.

“This is the perfect project leading to our anniversary,” Commented Bob Harris, Head of Falmouth Marine School.

“It will require the learners to manage the project from start to finish under the guidance of the Association and our Tutors.  Live projects are a fantastic way to support our learner’s careers as boatbuilders and this project is extra special given the history.”