Displaying items by tag: Pilot cutter

2nd November 2016

Tyrrell Pilot Cutter Brings Added Maritime Heritage

The Tyrrell Yard in Arklow in the 1960s, with a variety of craft under construction, including a pilot cutter. And just to add an extra something special, it’s highly likely that is Francis Chichester’s Gipsy Moth III nearing completion at the centre of the photo

The long-lived boatbuilding name of Tyrrell of Arklow carries a resonance far beyond the shores of Ireland writes W M Nixon. In its impressive history, the dominant figure was Jack Tyrrell himself, whose own experiences of seafaring infused all the vessels he created, particularly those he also designed.

“Sea-kindly” would be a description which would spring readily to mind. But Jack Tyrrell well knew that merely creating a boat which was comfortable at sea was not enough – somehow he had to provide his customers with boats which were both sea kindly and yet efficient to run, with a good turn of speed when required.

Thus he acquired a formidable reputation for easily-driven hulls which could keep the sea in all weathers, and for a long period in the middle of the 20th century, Tyrrell of Arklow pilot cutters defined the type. And just as the sailing pilot cutters of former years proved themselves ideal for conversion to no-nonsense cruising yachts, so the fully-powered Tyrrell pilot boats gave themselves readily to conversion into seaworthy motor-cruisers of character when their working days were done.

This 45-footer is a classic example for sale on Afloat.ie boats for sale dept with Crosshaven Boatyard. And it speaks volumes for the Tyrrell reputation that she has spent all her life in Cork Harbour. In other words, she was built in 1971 to be the Cork Pilot, and as soon as word went out that she was to retire upwards of 20 years ago, she was snapped up by a discerning local enthusiast who set about turning her into the dream motorcruiser.

This is a vessel for the dedicated owner. Her price of €29,950 reflects this, as it’s effectively a deposit, while the ongoing payment system is to be found in giving more attention to the maintenance than would be required with a modern glassfibre vessel which would initially cost several mutliples more. Yet thanks to this special vessel, we are able to run this historic photo of the Tyrrell yard in Arklow at its busiest in the 1960s, and I’m virtually certain that’s the Robert Clark-designed Gipsy Moth III nearing completion at the centre of the photo. Six years later, this Cork pilot boat went forth from the same place – details here.

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.