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Thursday, 7 September 2006

Sad day for the Trewarveneth PZ196

Recently moved to the North Quay for repairs, the Trewarveneth PZ196 took water and failed to float. Onlooking, ex-skipper Roger Nowell once held the port record with the Trewarveneth.Harbour master Andrew Munson uses the Chickadee to tow the oil-boom around the sunken hull to contain a small amount of fuel oil that has leaked from the vessel.

The Trewarveneth spent the last few years of her working career as a gillnetter.
As one of the biggest spring tides for 50 years approaches all of the netter fleet are in port.


Tuesday, 5 September 2006

Pollacks!

Now, safely moored against the fish market, the Ocean Harvester after she took water this morning on the North Quay - luckily the damage appears not to be too bad!So what are the gulls so excited about?
Here is the freshest pollack to hit Newlyn market tonight!Quentin Knights aboard Sea Spirit, proud owner of MSC tag 13 holds a gleaming line caught pollack.and, here is a close-up Quentin's tag 13!
In order to maintain the highest quality for his customers, Quentin takes slush ice to sea in insulated bins.Meanwhile, over the other side of the harbour, a yacht on the hard by the net lofts seems to be inhabited by some interestingly attired crew?!!

Monday, 4 September 2006

Fresh paint galore!

Out in the bay the fresh breeze is not bad news for all - on Sunday local windsurfers were out in force.
Can't be long before the Ripple gets wet?
The 'Dom Bosco' on the hard to get her sheathing and antifouling.
Beamr Saphire's new paint job gleams in the evening sun.
Out on the new pontoons, skipper/owner Twinkle takes time out to admire the skills of a dying art form - those of local signwriter Cyril Nicholas in action.
.....one stroke - maximum coverage.....
An artist's palette, oil paint, a mahl stick, a steady hand and a true eye - all that is needed. The bow of a trawler is no place for vinyl signs - which are largely replacing the signwriter's skills today.
Young Roger Nowell's new inshore stern trawler 'Imogen' gets her new numbers and name from master craftsman, Cyril Nicholas of Squirrel Signs. Cyril also takes commssions for signs, portraits ansd murals and can be contacted on 01736 787487.

The return of the Dom Bosco

After a hard day's graft the most effort required upon leaving your boat is a gentle stroll up the ramp from the new pontoon berths.
The new mooring berth for the lifeboat will result in an even faster response time to a shout. Presently, the Penlee boat is undergoing repairs which may even result in the replacement of a main engine.
The Dom Bosco will soon be back in action around the Wolf again.
The Barnabas is now looking for work - we hope she will soon be gainfully employed giving a wide range of people a taste of life aboard an 18th century fishing lugger.

Tuesday, 29 August 2006

Fun, fish and festivity - Fish Festival is here!

Despite a dodgy forecast, the sun shone to allow a selection of local musical talent to entertain the crowds 'en pleine'.
Each year more and more fish is cooked.
Even Nathan from Seafood Cornwall gets in on the act - he fries a mean sardine!
Carol Trewin's superb new book, Cornish Fish and Seafood just arrived from the printers - a must have read and beautifully illustrated. Cornish Fishing and Seafood has been written with support from Cornish fishing businesses, at sea and onshore, so that profits from sales can help the Duchy Fish Quota Company to keep Cornish fishing quota in Cornwall. Nick Howell demonstrates to a fascinated audience how the dorsal fin of a tuna can be recessed beneath the skin for high speed travel!

There were several excellent displays for the public to admire.
Marisco were among many who offerred visitors the chance to test taste - here Anchovies in brine are being sampled.
Its that kind of day when the youngsters get roped in to help Dad out!

Nick's tuna is now on its way to the auction hall.
For Robin Turner to auction.
John Lansley from the Cornwall Fisheries Resource Centre demonstrates to a youthful audience the finer points of a dover sole.

Robin Turner's traditional fish auction is massively popular and one of the highlights of the festival every year. Gourmet asian cooking tempted many to tantalise their taste buds!

Over in Penzance wet dock large blocks of wood mysteriously appeared at the entrance.
At anchor off the back of the North Quay the Ibis, orginally built for the Lakeman family of Mevagissey in the fifties.


Out in the Bay, The MCA tug Anglian Princess, going through her weekly fire monitor maintenance put on a dazzling display for visitors to the festival.

Wednesday, 23 August 2006

Old & new, new old!

The Cornishman gets a new set of wheels in time for the Fish Festival this weekend.
A beautiful sight after the heavy showers earlier, and a historic moment as the St Ives lugger, Barnabas sets sail for the first time since her refit.A happy looking crew ease the Barnabas towards the dock gates in Penzance.

Time to overhaul the scallop dredges aboard the King Challenger.
Running repairs to the tug, Southern Cross whom met a heavy swell off Lands End the previous day.
No, it is the new Nellie! - just about to pick up her 3m beam trawls from the old stone quay after her annual paint-up.