PearlyBooks

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The first deep-sea fishing boats of Cornwall, from around 1800 onwards, are generally regarded as being influenced by the three-masted Breton luggers that sailed over in search of new fishing grounds. However, fishing had been practised by Cornishmen for many generations before that, with mackerel and pilchard fishing being prominent. Inshore, lobster and crab fishing had also been popular for generations. This book looks at the development of Cornish fishing boats, from the lugger to Pilchard seine-net boats, once as prolific as the luggers and usually built locally, as were traditional lobster and crab vessels. These are discussed alongside more unusual boats, such as the St Ives 'jumbo' and the Mevagissey 'tosher'. It also encompasses Cornwall's once thriving illicit 'free-trade' and its relevance to the proud tourist attraction that Cornwall is today. After motorisation, the shape of the boat changed forever and the adaptation of old boats to accommodate engines is examined, as are the famous yards and boatbuilders of Cornwall, many of which are still operational. Bringing the story of fishing in Cornwall up to date, this book includes photos of existing boats gathered for the bi-annual Loe lugger regatta, as well as a wealth of photos and sketches of some of the earlier designs.