The Pilot Cutter Review returns for its 20th year with passage racing, harbour races and social gatherings between Fowey and St Mawes in Cornwall. Traditional pilot cutters from around the UK will gather for a long weekend of competitive sailing and shared seamanship in one of Britain’s best sailing areas.
Pilot Cutter Review: Best Places to Watch from the Shore
Friday 29th May
You can watch the Pilot Cutters depart Fowey at around 10am. You’ll get a fabulous view from the South West Coast Path on either the Polruan or Fowey side, or watch the start line from Polruan Castle. The Pilot Cutters will sail into St Mawes Bay during the afternoon (timing depending on how well they’ve done with the given wind!) and drop anchor. They will arrive over a couple of hours and the best vantage point will be St Mawes Castle.
Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May
All racing in St Mawes bay will be best viewed from St Mawes Castle.
Saturday races at 11am and 2pm.
Sunday racing will be from 10am.
Pilot Cutter Review Itinerary: for the Boats
Thursday, 28th May 2026
On Thursday evening the cutters will sail into Fowey Harbour, no set time. But they will raft up on the pontoon opposite the RNLI Lifeboat.
Fowey Harbour Gathering at 19:30
The pontoon beside Prime Cellars will be made available to Pilot cutters with the kind permission of Fowey Harbour Commissioners. Cutter Owners will cover their own berthing fees.
Evening Briefing at The Gallants Sailing Club
The Gallants Sailing Club Welcome and Briefing for sailing to St Mawes on Friday
Menu for supper
Buffet Style Curries, pay before helping yourself.
Friday, 29th May 2026
The Pilot Cutters will depart Fowey by crossing the Royal Fowey Yacht Club race start line at about 10 am.
Passage Race: Fowey to St Mawes
Leaving Fowey at 10am subject to shipping movements.
The St Mawes Pier and Harbour Company will kindly allow free anchoring in St Mawes Bay, while ensuring Pilot Cutters don’t obstruct ferry routes.
There will be a dedicated waste bin on St Mawes Quay for Pilot Cutter. Please do not use any other waste bins.
Weekend Race Briefing at Bohella Bar, St Mawes at 18:30
Race Briefing in Bohella Bar from the Race Officer of the St Mawes Sailing Club
Decide who would like to do a Saturday Cruise in Company
A NEW option to sail together for those not wishing to race.
Participants will choose where to sail to for a lunch time anchorage on the Saturday. Sailing to the Ruan Pontoon for a Pilot Cutter Evening
Donna Kebab Super Choices
Order on WhatsApp 0044 7485 938 841 by Tuesday 26th May
Bohella Donna Kebab – £11
Succulent shaved donna kebab, served with a fresh salad of white cabbage, red onion, tomatoes and parsley, with mint yoghurt & topped with chilli sauce and garlic mayo.
Garlic Chicken Kebab – £11
Tender garlic-marinated chicken, served with white cabbage, red onion, tomatoes & parsley salad with mint yoghurt & topped with chilli sauce and garlic mayo.
Halloumi Kebab – £11
Grilled halloumi , served with white cabbage, red onion, tomatoes & parsley salad with mint yoghurt & topped with chilli sauce and garlic mayo.
Allergens information
If you have a food allergy, or intolerance, please speak to a member of staff when placing your order.
Order on WhatsApp 0044 7485 938 841 by Tuesday 26th May
Saturday, 30th May 2026
Two races, weather permitting:
- 11am
- 2pm
Races in St Mawes Harbour and Carrick Roads
The plan is to aim for two races in this iconic location.
Saturday Optional Cruise in Company
A NEW option to sail together for those not wishing to race.
Participants will choose where to sail to for a lunch time anchorage. Sailing to the Ruan Pontoon for a Pilot Cutter Evening
Saturday Evening at Ruan Pontoon
Truro Harbour Commissioners will set aside a pontoon at Ruan. Pilot Cutter Owners will handle their own berthing fees.
Please ensure no over rafting.
Sunday, 31st May 2026
More Racing in St Mawes Harbour and Carrick Roads
10 am or later.
We’re looking at holding one or two more races depending how many were run on the Saturday.
Prize Giving at 18:30
We will wrap things up with a prize giving ceremony at St Mawes Sailing Club Bar.
FREE BUFFET
We will also be encouraging the participants to attend the excellent Free buffet in the St Mawes Sailing Club on the Sunday evening after the Prize Giving.
Thank you to our Sponsor
We are very grateful to our sponsor who has helped with the food and prizes for the Pilot Cutter Review.
- Keynvor Morlift Ltd, Specialist Marine Contractors providing Offshore Marine Services in the UK.
I look forward to welcoming you to the 20th Pilot Cutter Review
Fair Winds
Adam
Attached and linked, Please read.
Pilot Cutter Review Racing
NOTICE OF RACE & SAILING INSTRUCTIONS
from St Mawes Sailing Club
OGA Handicap
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pilot Cutter Review?
The Pilot Cutter Review is an annual gathering of traditional pilot cutters involving racing, passage sailing and social events in Cornwall.
Where is the Pilot Cutter Review held?
The 2026 event takes place between Fowey and St Mawes in Cornwall, including racing in Carrick Roads.
Can non racers take part?
Yes. The 2026 programme includes an optional Cruise in Company for those who prefer sailing together rather than racing.
When is the 2026 Pilot Cutter Review?
The event runs from Thursday 28 May to Sunday 31 May 2026.
