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Newlyn skipper Ian Mitchell now works aboard the latest UK-built
catamaran, named Lowender, the Cornish word meaning festival.Many
expected him to move ashore after spending more than two decades
working as a successful fisherman and eventually skipper/owner of the
largest hi-tech fibreglass fishing boat in the UK - the 60ft Sowenna.
However,
his plans to own a faster and even higher-tech netter were laid more
than ten years ago. He says that 16 years ago, when he took ownership
of Sowenna, designed in the Westcountry and built for him at a boatyard
in Southampton, his thoughts of one day stepping aboard a catamaran
were few, if any. He is ranked among the top-netting skippers in Europe
and during his 16 years aboard Sowenna he's been ashore just twice, so
had plenty of time to ponder what was the best boat for him.
Often
fishing more than 100 miles from Cornwall, at times seeing his French
counterparts working aboard big catamarans, the die was cast that one
day he too might buy a catamaran.
He will work aboard Lowender
mainly from the Isles of Scilly with gill nets and/or line fishing for
quality white fish, while a new skipper has been appointed for the
bigger Sowenna.
Noted as leading builders of small fast cats,
Cheetah Marine, a boat builder based on the Isle of Wight and owned by
ex-fisherman Sean Strevens, built Lowender.
It is packed with
high-tech equipment, featuring the latest colour-screen 3D track
plotter - producing an estimated picture of the seabed - and reams of
added information.
All-electronic gear, supplied and installed
by Newlyn firm Mannel Marine, includes the new Olex colour-screen track
plotter able to build- up a data base of information from the echo
sounder and GPS navigators to build a 3D pictorial image of the seabed.
Even
such advanced electronic gear is now commonly found on some inshore
boats, explained the proprietor of Mannel Marine, Rhynhardt Mannel.
Data
is shown of two screens, and the Olex aboard Lowender is a step ahead
of others by containing new software modules adding information like
tidal variations, "so valuable to fishermen working in areas like the
Isles of Scilly where predicted tidal streams, as shown in documents
and charts, are often incorrect in real terms", says Mr Mannel.
"The
new software was developed by a person who operates in north Norway,
where the coastal regions are similar to those around the Westcountry,
where tide tables are sometimes way out. This new information is so
valuable and, of course, adds to the safety of fishermen."
Lowender
is bristling with the latest deck gear. An NH03 net hauler came from
Falmouth firm Spencer Carter Ltd, and a net clearing and flaking
machine was supplied by Cosalt International at Newlyn. All hydraulics
are powered by a small engine-driven power-pack designed and produced
by Spencer Carter - providing ample power to the haulers without taking
any from the twin Honda outboard engines.
Mr Mitchell's
extensive knowledge of big-boat netting has been extended to his new
catamaran, and an alloy shooting ramp leads nets safely over the stern.
His
thoughts have also been used to aid line fishing. A small
electric-powered submersible water pump delivers fresh seawater to a
tank where live sand eels are kept as bait, while all water overflow is
delivered safely back to the sea.
Cheetah Marine has produced a
top quality fishing vessel and the firm's standard of workmanship is
clearly visible on Lowender, where stainless steel was used wherever
possible.
The arrangement of the deck area has been carefully
thought out, and comfort in the layout of the forward wheelhouse is an
important point.
Cheetah Marine cats are growing in popularity
in the South West. The firm has six series of vessels with lengths
ranging from 5.5m to 9.95m.
Sean Strevens, boss at Cheetah
Marine, said: "Lowender has true offshore performance with rough
weather capability. Space, speed, style and comfort, coupled with good
fuel economy, remain essential in such boats.
"The 9.95m series
is ideal for extended cruising, patrol and heavy-duty workboat use. We
believe it is the ultimate under-10m catamaran. First built as a
commercial fishing boat and able to work safely in heavy seas, the
9.95m quickly proved that more days at sea meant more money in the bank.
"High-tech
lightweight materials used in its construction result in a weight of
only 3.5 to 4.5 tons, depending on the engines fitted, and she draws
only 40cm, so the hull moves economically through the water and creates
little wash."
Details of the Olex track plotter can be obtained
from Mannel Marine on 01736 333655 or 07792 346044, and information on
Cheetah Marine can be seen on the website www.cheetahmarine.co.uk
Article copyright WESTERN MORNING NEWS
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