THIS year will be the 80th anniversary of the renowned The Cock o' the Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Race, inaugurated to commemorate the days when these famous crafts sailed from Barry and competed to be the first to land a Pilot on ships inbound to the ports of the Bristol Channel.

The finest sailing craft of their day, most are well over 100 years old and have been preserved with such dedication that they are still able to deal with the rugged conditions found in the Channel.

The competitive spirit amongst the crews who sail them today is as hard as in the days when their livelihood depended on keeping them at sea in all weathers.

Ships due to take part are Agnes, Mascotte, Dolphin, Olga, Jan Roelan, Alpha, and the Peggy and should make a wonderful sight off Barry.

By courtesy of Associated British Ports, it is planned that some of the boats will lock in on Friday, April 29 at 2pm, to lie on Enterprise Quay overnight before the race. It is a rare opportunity to see close up these beautiful crafts which are a big part of Barry's Maritime history.

The race itself, will start at noon on Saturday, April 30, from a line outside Barry Harbour. The footpath around Nell's Point will provide a perfect vantage point to see the start from 11.30am onwards.

From Barry, the boats will race around Lundy Island some 60 miles to the West, then back to Barry arriving late Sunday or Monday depending on the weather conditions.

The race this year, is being sponsored by Simon Winter Marine and as is usual the fastest in the fleet will be presented with the much coveted Barry Yacht Club Burgee emblazoned with a cockerel which is traditionally flown at the masthead, a signal to all that this boat is the fastest in the fleet for the current season. Hence the name of the race.

The race will be managed by Barry Yacht Club, with race organisers Roger Donkin and Brian Dotchon.

By Howard Lavis.