Above is an image from Andy Campbell of Timmy Bailey projected on the big screen at the 2026 Oyster Festival whilst the ‘Oggy Men’ sang in Tribute the Harry Glassons appropriate anthem ‘Cornwall My Home’
Tim grew up on the waterfront in Mylor, part of a Cornish fishing family. He learnt from all the Oystermen and sailors in the creeks the art of fishing, sailing and became probably the most knowledgeable mariner in the whole area, At the same time going to sea commercial fishing and finding a passion for sailing in the local and overseas races.
He raced his own working boat ‘Katherina’ 23ft- 8 inch wood boat built in about 1913 and started sailing on numerous other working boats and branching out into keelboats. He did an epic trip delivering a 28ft yacht to Greece building up his navigation and offshore skills. He competed at the highest level winning quarter and half ton yacht cups, Sunbeams and Pilot Cutters, he took on major yacht races and delivery trips.
All the time he still found time for Oystering and fishing especially with his best mate Arfie Treneer working out of Mylor. Times were good and Tim bought his own fishing boat ‘Scathdu’ a Cygnus 21 which he caught innumerable crab and lobster, mackerel in the season and prawns,which he mostly gave away to his friends.
Tim was one of the main men crewing for Charlie Wroe on the renown superyacht ‘Mariette of 1915’ 108ft steel schooner which Tim was infamous for being the man on the end of the bowsprit radioing instructions back to the helm and tactician on the aft deck. Whenever she was in port it was Tim who was onboard servicing winches and getting her ready for sea.
Tim knew everything to know about the wind,the tides and working boats. When he was racing you watched where he was and what course he took, because that was always the right way! He touched everyone and is an absolute legend. You could write a book on his maritime exploits. It was only in 2024 that he was deservedly presented with ‘The Spirit of the Fleet’ trophy for his contribution to the Falmouth Working Boats Fleets.
Tim will be sadly missed, he passed away the same way as his father, out on his own trawling for bass in his punt.
RIP Tim, a good catch and fair winds.
