Sailing on the BBC!

[Rich Maynard]

Wonder if everyone's spotted the programmes about the Boats that Built Britain on the BBC as part of the Sea Fever season?

Presented by Tom Cunliffe, the first was about the Matthew that Cabot discovered North America in. Part 2 is about the Pickle that brought news of Nelson's death back to England after Trafalgar.

Boats That Built Britain (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00scc5w)

Also looking forward to Timothy Spall taking his Dutch Barge out onto the sea - My Dad's taking his round from the Wash to the Thames as we speak!

Somewhere at Sea (http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00scckw)

[David Bramhall]

Last night the programme featured a square-rigger, a smallish brig. It was shown leaving an old harbour that contained at least one other similar vessel. Does anyone know where that harbour is, please?

[Mike]

I watched that one with great interest but cannot, for the life of me, recall where she set sail from. Must be me old age creeping up on me - unless it wasn't actually mentioned. I'd like to know the answer to this question too, if anyone does know.

[George Waite]

Mike
I will watch the programme on podcast to confirm, but I think the harbour was Charlestown/St Austell in Cornwall.
George

[George Waite]

The episode concerning the "Pickle" was shot in the waters around Anglesey with the opening shots in Conwy (Conway) harbour then proceding down the Menai straits. The episode re the "Phoenix" was shot in Charlestown Harbour in Cornwall and subsequent shots along the Cornish coast.

[Mike]

Thank you, kind sir. Very helpful. Interesting, that second boat. Even more interesting is that both ships are visible when you search Google maps to take a look at Charlestown Harbour. They seem much bigger when you get an aerial view of 'em.

As to square riggers, far too many strings for my liking but they really are gorgeous. Think I was born way too late to enjoy all the things that visually please me most like flying Spits or Mossies, maybe even Beaufighters, and sailing square rigged heavy displacement hulls made of English oak with ports through which bloody big cannons were fired. Ah well. One can dream. :D

[David Balmer]

Whilst on holiday in England last month i got to watch two programs about english boats. Love to see more but alas you can't get to see any english programs over here in Canada.:Cry:

[George Waite]

David
If you go to the BBC I-player website on the net you should be able to watch or download them. If not the BBC shop usually has a whole series on DVD.