Looe Lugger Regatta

 

 

Each ship built was designed to be a little faster than her immediate predecessor. It was probably quite normal for anyone wishing to sail at top speed to use a lugger, it was the standard issue of the smuggler, being used for fishing by day, a good cover. Contrary to popular opinion by use of powerful burton halyards the lugger could sail even closer to the wind than the revenue cutters which the Customs Officers used. These were larger and heavier boats designed to be at sea for long periods. When rumbled the lugger would cut loose his booty and run before the wind, leaving the cutter for dead. Unable to catch the luggers the revenue eventually built six large luggers but could not handle the dipping lug as well as Cornishmen. So embarrassing was the unequal contest that the British Government of the day made a law which to this very day has not been repealed. In Britain it is not lawful to build a three masted Lugger. Anyone who has sailed with a Breton three masted 'Brisquine' such as the 'Cancalaise' sporting Breton standing lugsails will know the reason. The 'Our Daddy' is gaff rigged on her Mainsail and lug rigged on her mizzen. Popularly known as a 'Dandy Rig'. This arrangement gives her excellent close to the wind and fast sailing. In cruising mode she carries around 1660 square feet of sail and weighs about 28.75 tons. A very comfortable ship.