"PZ 59 Temperance Star" (oil, 24"x30")

I'm currently in the middle of a medium sized oil painting of a West Cornish Lugger
known locally as 'Mackerel Drivers". This particular vessel depicted is the 
Penzance registered Temperance star, shown here making passage back to port
with a full catch, in light airs. Circa 1890's.

The lad in the boat is doing a bit of "yawling", where the younger boys (9-14 years 
old), not yet big enough to work the Lugger, is bringing the "yawl" or dinghy 
out to the vessel. The lad then waits for the lugger to pass him, at full speed, 
throwing the dinghy's painter, the lad crouches in the dinghy while he is towed 
back to port at speed, a really thrilling ride, (while missing the tow was a disgrace).
"Yawling" was an excellent way of training the young boys for life at sea. In learning
to handle a small boat in the open sea, they gained great skill and confidence.

The scene is set off Gwennap Head, and Land's End and the Wolf Rock light are in
the distance. High summer, with a light NE breeze.

Work Stage
So far, the sky, and the mizzen mast. Rough-out of hull, land and yawler.

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