Brian Nobbs Cornish Pilot Gig Builder
Brian builds and repairs traditional Cornish Pilot Gigs, at his workshop near the Devon/Cornwall border. Construction methods and materials have remained almost unchanged for over a hundred years.
After serving a traditional five-year apprenticeship as a shipwright on the Thames and in London docks, Brian, his wife Ginette and their young daughters moved to their Devon smallholding in the 1980's.
For several years, Brian has been an avid follower of Cornish Pilot Gig Racing, particularly on the Isles of Scilly. His ambition to return to his work roots and build traditional pilot gigs was realised in 2004, when his first gig "Ginette" was built; completed just in time for the World Pilot Gig Championships on the Scilly Isles.Since then she has been crewed, with considerable success, by the Tamar & Tavy Gig Club, much to the delight of Brian and all concerned.
Every gig that Brian builds has a story; each build takes around four to six months and during that time, the gig becomes almost part of the family. The launch of a new gig is a major occasion - often gigs are launched at the World Championships on Scilly, where the local vicar blesses new vessels.
Brian enjoys the challenge of refurbs and repairs - his large, well-equipped workshop is rarely without a project through the winter. This can be anything from a tidy-up and repaint through to major repairs - boats are occasionally damaged in the chaos of competition, and one recent repair was to a vessel that had been swamped, filled up with seawater and sand.
Gig Clubs, please note: We undertake repairs and refurbishments
- Does your boat need skilled and experienced attention?
- Repairs and refurbishments expertly undertaken.
Give Brian a call to discuss your requirements on 01566 784 677
For further information:
If you, or your club, are interested in having a pilot gig built to race please contact:
Tel: +44 1566 784 677 | email: info@pilot-gig-builder.co.uk