SOME of the most famous vessels to sail the Bristol Channel will slip into Lydney's little harbour early in May to revive memories of the days when sail ruled the Severn sea.

As part of Lydney Yacht Club's 50th anniversary programme, members of the Bristol Channel Pilot Cutters Association have agreed to hold their annual meeting at the Lydney club's headquarters. Their visit is certain to attract hundreds of visitors.

"We are delighted to welcome them. The cutters are regarded as among the most beautiful of sailing craft. They were designed for a purpose and were highly regarded for their seaworthiness," said Lydney commodore Eric Witheridge.

He is expecting at least five cutters to make the passage up the estuary. Among them will be the Mascotte, Peggy and Kindly Light. They will arrive early on the evening of May 4 and will be accompanied by local sailors who will sail out to meet them. The crews will be guests of the club until Sunday.

Owner of the Mascotte, Richard Topham, is a member of the Lydney club. Mr Witheridge has sailed with him on a passage from Swansea to Oban in Scotland. "It was a fantastic voyage," he said.

In the past cutters operated out of all the major ports including Gloucester and Sharpness. They often sailed miles down channel to meet incoming vessels to offer the services of a pilot.