Memories as Scillonian III nears its last season

People travelling between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly face an emotional 2026 as they will see the last chance to enjoy the two ships that have connected the islands and the British mainland for a generation. Earlier this month, it was confirmed the Scillonian III passenger ferry and the Gry Maritha cargo ship have been put up for sale. With their replacements under construction, the BBC climbed about the Scillonian III to ask about the ships' legacy.

Standing on the bridge of the Scillonian III is a strange blend of the traditional and high-tech.

The ship was built in Appledore, Devon, in 1977, so still boasts well-polished brass fittings and an old-fashioned ship's wheel - alongside modern computer screens and AIS [automatic identification system] systems.

Its first trip with paying passengers to Scilly was in May that year.

This will be its 49th season sailing between Penzance harbour and St Mary's on the Isles of Scilly - making the 32-mile (52km) trip more than 10,000 times.

It is clear that everyone at the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group (IoSG) has a great deal of affection for it, but chief executive Stuart Reid said she needed to be replaced.

Its age has meant parts were becoming more difficult to source and it was spending longer periods of time in docks for repairs, staff said.

It was hoped the sale would help to fund its replacement, the IoSG said.

"It's hard to know whether it's worth £10 or £10m, so neither vessel has a price tag as such," joked Reid.

"The Scillonian III was built to a specific design so that does narrow options. But it also has a really rich history and it is a really beautiful boat to look at, so maybe that will help with the sale.

"It's up to me to get the best value for the company.

"There has been some interest already, including from the Caribbean. Perhaps it would suit another island community with shallower waters.

"But it's early days yet and she won't be available until her replacement is in service next March."

The 2026 season starts in March and is due to end in November.

The vessel was specifically designed to have a shallow draught of about 10ft (3m)to allow her to enter the harbours at Penzance and St Mary's.

It has now carried more than five million passengers but the flat-bottomed nature of the vessel means it can be a bumpy ride for passengers in heavy seas.

Ship's master Victoria Bolitho said making the trip in heavy seas could be "really uncomfortable" for some passengers, but added that sailing on calm and sunny days was "incredible to see the turquoise water and dolphins playing close to the ship".

This summer will give people a chance for a last voyage and a final farewell to the Scillonian - and that includes the staff at the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group.

Stuart Reid said: "I remember sailing on the Scillonian for family holidays when I was a kid and they're special memories.

"This ship is part of the furniture in Penzance and has a really special place in people's hearts. Some people have been working on board all of their working life.

"When she does sail off into the sunset for a new adventure, all of us will certainly be a little bit sad."

Bolitho added: "I've been working on the Scillonian for eight years, working my way up to this privileged position.

"This is one of the best offices you could ever wish for, especially when the weather is nice."

The Gry Maritha cargo ship may not have the profile of the more-heralded Scillonian, but its journeys have kept Scilly equipped with food, fuel and all manner of supplies for decades.

It was built in Norway in 1981 and acquired by the steamship group in 1989, but has been showing its age.

The vessel has had technical problems this winter.

The windlass, which winds the anchor and tightens moorings, was broken but is due to be replaced next week.

The construction of the new cargo vessel, the Menawethen - named after an uninhabited island in the archipelago - has been completed.

It is undergoing sea trials in Vietnam before making the long trip to Cornwall.

Because of political instability in the region the Suez Canal, it will have to travel around the Cape of Good Hope on the southern tip of Africa, which will add several weeks to the journey time.

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