A NEWLYN skipper has been pipped to the post in the annual Fisherman of the Year competition.
David Stevens of the Crystal Sea was the runner-up in the closely contested commercial fishing competition at the Fishing 2010 exhibition held in Glasgow.
The inaugural three-day event sought to find the UK's most experienced and proficient commercial fisherman through a series of challenges against the clock that tested their skills and practical knowledge.
In an incredibly close competition, David was just beaten by John Buchan from Peterhead in Scotland.
He said: "It was challenging and a lot of fun because we all know each other so well. John and I have known each for years. I have not been there for 15 years but it was an excellent show and I enjoyed the competition."
One of the organisers, Graham Duncan of Crew 2 Crew, said David was a truly amazing competitor and showed incredible practical skills and knowledge of the fishing industry. He said: "In the semi-finals on Friday he only lost by less than one second. He was by far the fastest splicer in the competition.
"In the final he lost the practical part of the competition by an even smaller margin than the semi – it was a photo finish with only thousandths of a second in it.
"He was magnanimous in defeat and even though he had to rush to get his flight back to Cornwall, he took the time to congratulate John Buchan, the winner. He was a worthy finalist and a credit not only to Cornish fishermen but to all fishermen in general."
David was rewarded for his success with clothing and an engraved crystal trophy.
Article copyright THE CORNISHMAN
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