Bristol Channel vs. Milford Haven

[KochADV]

Hi all,

I have a local question.

I bought one of the old Milford Haven Pilot Boats. My understanding was that they travelled from Milford Haven out into the Bristol Channel to deliver the pilots. However, locals don't like me calling my boat a "Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter".

Is this because exiting Milford Haven you are already out of the channel? Or other reasons?

Would love ot understand this.

Thanks! If there are any Milford Haven guys here would love to hear from you.

Many thanks,

Rich

 

[Purple Velvet]

Milford Haven is near the Pembroke coast and not in the Bristol channel nor near it, unless I have misunderstood your question?

 

[KochADV]

Milford Haven is near the Pembroke coast and not in the Bristol channel nor near it, unless I have misunderstood your question?

No not at all. I have drawn a rough line on google maps. I assume Bristol Channel is on the easterly side of the line(?)

 

[Purple Velvet]

No not at all. I have drawn a rough line on google maps. I assume Bristol Channel is on the easterly side of the line(?)

 

[Dellquay13]

I keep my boat in Milford Marina. Apart from the most diehard pedants, most of the berthholders (and fellow Dale YC members) I talk to consider that we are so close to and affected by the BC that we are still in it, until we get round the corner past Skomer, possibly even past Ramsey sound and St David’s Head into the St George’s Channel.

As for a BC pilot cutter, isn’t that quite a specific and historical type of boat? Maybe people aren’t keen on your use of BCPC because it relates to those old sailing boats, not your steel boat?

There are a couple of ex port authority pilot boats around here, (one is a liveaboard with a foredeck garden) and they may not be that type of boat.

Edit to include Wikipedia link to BCPC sailing boat

Bristol Channel pilot cutter - Wikipedia

I have a vague memory of rafting against a historic BCPC in the Milford lock some years ago. It had been based in California, and was working its way back across here in a bigger passage, the American owner was excited to be heading into the BC on his travels, given his boats provenance.

 

[KochADV]

I keep my boat in Milford Marina. Apart from the most diehard pedants, most of the berthholders (and fellow Dale YC members) I talk to consider that we are so close to and affected by the BC that we are still in it, until we get round the corner past Skomer, possibly even past Ramsey sound and St David’s Head into the St George’s Channel.

As for a BC pilot cutter, isn’t that quite a specific and historical type of boat? Maybe people aren’t keen on your use of BCPC because it relates to those old sailing boats, not your steel boat?

There are a couple of ex port authority pilot boats around here, (one is a liveaboard with a foredeck garden) and they may not be that type of boat.

Edit to include Wikipedia link to BCPC sailing boat

Bristol Channel pilot cutter - Wikipedia

I have a vague memory of rafting against a historic BCPC in the Milford lock some years ago. It had been based in California, and was working its way back across here in a bigger passage, the American owner was excited to be heading into the BC on his travels, given his boats provenance.

Yes you could be right. Mine is an ex port authority boat from 1972 "Llanreath". Served until about 2006. Not at all a classic wooden sailing cutter which you are referring to, but I like to think she has some history in her.

Your point is taken, and I agree. For me when people ask me where the boat comes from, pretty much everyone knows the Bristol Channel, not as many know Milford Haven.

Appreciate your response

Cheers

 

[Dellquay13]

Yes you could be right. Mine is an ex port authority boat from 1972 "Llanreath". Served until about 2006. Not at all a classic wooden sailing cutter which you are referring to, but I like to think she has some history in her.

Your point is taken, and I agree. For me when people ask me where the boat comes from, pretty much everyone knows the Bristol Channel, not as many know Milford Haven.

Appreciate your response

Cheers

I think I remember the Llanreath working the Haven, it might be a sister boat to the Llanstadwell which was here in the marina for some years after its retirement.

 

[KochADV]

I think I remember the Llanreath working the Haven, it might be a sister boat to the Llanstadwell which was here in the marina for some years after its retirement.

Yup. That is the one. I believe there was hubberston built in the 80s on the same plans. All still around

 

[Tamar]

I suppose you could call it a Pilot boat? Most People would then know what you are talking about

 

[KochADV]

I suppose you could call it a Pilot boat? Most People would then know what you are talking about

True.. but the area it operated it in is quite special. That would be lost.

 

[oldmanofthehills]

True.. but the area it operated it in is quite special. That would be lost.

Pilot boat ex Bristol Channel?

 

[Dellquay13]

Perhaps ‘Milford Haven Pilot Boat’ is the most accurate name. It was commissioned by the harbour authority, it spent its working life in the haven (before heading to Scotland) and since MH is outside the IMO boundary of the BC (although geologically part of the BC tidal region and well inside the area of influence) calling it a BC pilot boat (or cutter) isn’t right.

The current pilot boats St David’s and Ramsey are much faster boats


These are likely to be retired in the near future as the Port Authority has announced in the last few weeks the imminent arrival of a new style aluminium/ jet propulsion heavy weather Pilot boat.

 

[Boathook]

This is a Bristol Pilot Channel Cutter

 

[KochADV]

View attachment 208166
Perhaps ‘Milford Haven Pilot Boat’ is the most accurate name. It was commissioned by the harbour authority, it spent its working life in the haven (before heading to Scotland) and since MH is outside the IMO boundary of the BC (although geologically part of the BC tidal region and well inside the area of influence) calling it a BC pilot boat (or cutter) isn’t right.

The current pilot boats St David’s and Ramsey are much faster boats
View attachment 208167

These are likely to be retired in the near future as the Port Authority has announced in the last few weeks the imminent arrival of a new style aluminium/ jet propulsion heavy weather Pilot boat.
View attachment 208168

Yup that is her!! What a mess she was when I bought her. Long way to go. In 2026
- repaired the gardner
- replaced hydraulic steering
- Lots of cleaning, garbage remove, leak fixing, basic electrics

Right now she is in troon getting the wheelhouse deck join fixed. The steel rail and about a foot of aluminium has to be replaced.

sailed her 4 hours in 1 year of onwership. The things we do.

Photo is of her in troon harbour