Historic Channel Crossing by ‘Nor Nour’

Although this very same crossing had taken place in the 19th Century, by Scilly boatmen lured by the prospect of illicit trade in contraband alcohol and tobacco, this was the first successful crossing by a gig this century.  There had been four previous attempts; one by a Truro gig, two attempts by Serica of St. Mary’s, and the St. Agnes gig Campernel was frustratingly forced to turn back within sight of the French coast.  Research had revealed that the 19th Century smugglers, using natural resources to the full, were aided by sail and Nour Nour was to be similarly rigged.  The motivation was not only purely that of challenge and adventure.

Leon Pezzack, a telephone engineer on St. Mary’s in his early twenties and a keen rower, had assembled seven like minded rowers together and each agreed to pay £50.00 (an average months salary at the time) for a share in a new St. Mary’s gig.  The shareholders also raised money lifting potatoes, cutting wood etc.  Organisations such as the local Rotary Club contributed generously and in addition the idea of a sponsored cross channel row was borne.

Much activity then took place in deciding the optimum design for a fast gig.  Measurements were taken of the Shah on St. Agnes and the other island gigs and the aim was for a light boat of good quality elm with a length of 30’ 10” and a beam of 4’ 10”.  Gerald Pean of Looe, who was rebuilding the Dove from Newquay at the time, was commissioned to build her and much debate then followed as to her name.  Archaeologists had discovered a Roman village containing flints and other artefacts on an island off St. Martins on the Eastern Isles and known as Nour Nour.  Nour Nour it was.

The first major outing for the new gig was a sponsored row to Sennon, staying overnight by courtesy of St. Austell Brewery, the crew achieved, in thick fog, an outward time of 6 hours 10 minutes and a return time of 5 hours 40 minutes.  None of the crew had much experience of sailing but after several weeks of hard practice handling the traditional dipping lug they soon became proficient.  The day of departure approached, unfortunately due to work commitments only four to the shareholders could make the trip.  Brian Molyneux, Eric Hicks, Keith Hale and Leon Pezzack.  They were joined by Stuart Thomas of the Bonnet St. Mary’s and by Bill Pritchard and Bruce Christopher both of the Czar The Tresco gig.  David Thompson skipper of the Shiralee acted as support vessel with Dr. Adrian Davis from the local practice also on board.

Departure took place in ideal conditions from St. Mary’s quay at 8.35 am on the 5th July 1972.  Destination: The small port of Roscoff, near Brest in Brittany.

Half an hour later Nour Nour was off Pennis set on a south easterly course in a northerly force 3 wind and by 8.30 that evening they were 37 miles off the Lizard passing through the shipping lanes soon after dawn.  The French coast was sited at 1.00 pm.  The crew rowed for three quarters of an hour with fifteen minutes off for steering or eating.  After ten hours they were permitted the luxury of all of thirty minutes catnap.  Half way across they were joined by Corncat; a Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve Catamaran supposedly on a communications exercise, although the attractions of French cuisine and copious quantities of wine should they succeed surely influenced the trip.  They did however send regular progress reports back to Scilly.

With Roscoff in sight the rowing was arduous.  Paddling against a strong tide under a fiercely hot sun sapping all energy and with a total absence of wind the crew had learnt from previous failure and had carefully paced themselves.  As a result they pulled strongly into the Harbour entrance leaving in their wake both the Shiralee and a French Dragon class yacht supposedly acting as pilot.  On the quay there waiting was an enthusiastic welcome party.

Then the  celebrations really began.  Tired limbs were quickly revitalised by alcoholic refreshment and a much needed five course meal followed in the local hotel finishing off with as many strawberries as they could manage.  The following day the party took to the water again, and the French Pilot, this time lead what must have appeared a motley flotilla, up the Morlaix river to Morlaix itself.  Here they received a great reception from the President of the Yacht Club, from the Rotary Club of Morlaix and indeed from the French press.  Champagne, Brandy, you name it, it flowed.

The following day, the 8th July, they decided to depart around midday, not from an overriding desire to return but through an acute shortage of francs and concern over outstaying their marvellous welcome.

A share out of the duty free duly took place and with a following wind the sail was hoisted and she set off for home.  Progress was mixed with a good wind for five hours, then fog.  The most notable event was the Shiralee pumps were blocked by the labels coming off the countless bottles of wine and brandy swishing around in the bilges.  Nour Nour was sighted off Deep Point at noon the next day and escorted by Serica and Bonnet, made a triumphant return to another large enthusiastic crowd gathering on the quay.  More champagne courtesy of Bill and Gloria Standcumbe then off to the Mermaid.

That night Leon Pezzack’s wife was puzzled to be woken up in the early  hours of the morning by Leon stumbling around the corners of the bedroom in the dark trying to find the bow of the boat to relive himself.
 

Back to Main Championships Page