Cornwall Bids Farewell to Scillonian III After 50 Years of Service
In Penzance, a mix of anticipation and trepidation filled the air as passengers prepared to board the Scillonian III for its final season. This ferry, which has linked the UK mainland with the Isles of Scilly for almost half a century, is set to be replaced by a newer model next year. Some travelers eagerly awaited the adventurous 30-mile voyage to the archipelago off the Cornish coast, while others braced for the notorious Atlantic swells that have earned the vessel the nickname "vomit comet" due to its tendency to toss and turn.
A Beloved Ship with a Loyal Following
Sholto Blackwell, a 43-year-old superfan, expressed deep affection for the Scillonian III, having sailed on it regularly since childhood. "She's been a brilliant ship," he said. "She's been a constant in my life. She almost feels like part of the family." Despite suffering from seasickness in bad weather, Blackwell, a crane operator from near Bristol, founded the Scilly III Appreciation Group, which boasts over 4,000 members. He remarked, "I'd rather be sea-sick on that vessel than not be on her at all. For me, being sick is all part of the package, really."
Among this week's passengers were the Lassington Oak Morris Men from Gloucestershire, celebrating their 50th anniversary with performances on the islands. Vernon Webb, one of the dancers, admitted feeling apprehensive, stating, "I'm not a great sailor." The ship is also cherished by Scilly residents, many of whom have favorite seats, such as the windowless lower saloon, known for its calming engine sounds during rough seas.
Historical Significance and Economic Impact
Launched in May 1977 and built in Appledore, north Devon, the Scillonian III has transported more than 5 million passengers over its lifetime. It has played a crucial role in supporting tourism, the local economy, and the social fabric of the Isles of Scilly. The 2026 season will conclude in November, with Scillonian IV taking over in March next year. Currently being fitted out in Vietnam, the new vessel will feature enhanced capacity, speed, and roll and pitch reduction systems to mitigate the effects of swells.
Memories from Crew Members
For past and present crew, the final voyages are bittersweet. Former shipmaster Pete Crawford, who retired after 39 seasons, recalled wildlife sightings as some of his best memories. "We'd see something every day," he said. "I've seen humpback whales breeching off Land's End, a pod of orcas. Once a fishing boat called to let us know about a super pod of hundreds of dolphins in a feeding frenzy, so we went three miles off course to take the passengers to see that."
Current master Dave Redgrave, with 17 seasons under his belt, praised the ship's unique design. "There's lots of curves in it. Nowadays everything's square. It's a unique ship for a unique run. The passengers love it," he said. He acknowledged the vessel's reputation for rolling, attributing it to a shallow draft that causes it to bob in the water, but noted many smooth summer trips.
Second engineer Steve George, a 39-year veteran, shared that visitors often stop to chat about the ship. Even he experiences occasional seasickness, recalling his early days. "When I first started, I was ill day after day after day and I used to think, is this for me? Over time you obviously, you do get used to it," he said. "When you get a lovely day there's no better place and the islands are like a mini Caribbean – apart from the sea being a bit colder."
