Energy 2 project update

I hope everybody and their families are keeping safe and well in these strange times. Despite the lock-down the Committee’s work continues on planning ahead for when some form of normality returns but also several ongoing projects. The following is the first in a series of updates on the work in progress.

This year is the 35th anniversary since the Cornish Pilot Gig ‘Energy’ was built by the students at Falmouth Marine School’s Ponsharden Yard Workshops, under the guidance of boat builders Ralph Bird and Ted Pentecost. Titled the ‘Energy2’ Project the CPGA commissioned FMS to build a new Gig to celebrate the event. One of the key aims of the project was to engage with FMS and help promote traditional boat building skills to a new range of students. The Gig was started in September 2019 under the supervision of the College lecturers and local Boat Builder Andrew Nancarrow.

Unfortunately the Corona Virus pandemic resulted the School being closed in March and all work on the Gig has stopped, At that stage the Gig had passed the first inspection (first of 3) and was planked up with the ribs steamed in waiting for the Gunwales to be fitted. Whilst planning for the growth in the Sport and interest from potential new boat builders, both UK based and overseas, it was decided to use the
project see how practical it was for an Independent accredited Marine Architect or Surveyor to remotely measure the boat and report back to the Standards officers if the boat was within specification. Local Marine Architect Jack Gifford, who was already assisting the Association with updating the Gig plans, was asked to conduct the inspections accompanied by the Association Standards officers: Tich Preston and Fowey Boat builder Maurice Hunkin (‘The Gig Police’) Jack passed the boat for the first inspection, further inspections will be carried out once the Gig is fitted out followed by the final inspection once complete and painted. At that stage the Gig will be allocated its
individual registration number and disk.

Energy MK1

Images of the boat under construction can be seen at the FMS web site. Provisionally, depending on when the Marine School workshops will open again, it is hoped the Gig can be completed for 1 st October 2020 which also celebrates the 100th Year anniversary of the Falmouth Marine School. Once complete the Gig will be sold to a new Service Veterans Rowing Club being formed in Cornwall. The original plans for the June 2020 launch in Falmouth was to include a reunion of the original apprentices who built Energy, a row against the Energy followed by a traditional ‘shout’ at the Chain Locker pub. Once we are able to put some realistic dates in place, we will keep everybody posted, I’m sure  we will do the event justice!

Stay Safe
Shane Sullivan – Trustee.