Scillonian III is in the closing chapter of nearly five decades of service to the Isles of Scilly.
Few voices capture her long lasting charm quite like seasoned passenger, Sholto Blackwell. His memories span from early childhood to now sharing the Scillonian III experience with his own young family.
As part of our commemorative blog series marking her final season, Sholto, 43, from just outside Bristol, shares what this iconic ship means to him.
First encounter
“My first trip on Scillonian III was in 1984, when I was just under two years old. My mum had visited the Isles of Scilly a few times before and persuaded my dad to go on a day trip while we were on holiday in Marazion. But this iconic vessel first caught my attention properly when I was six and on our first family holiday to Scilly. Fine lines, busy crane unloading cargo and a loud horn. What wasn’t to like?
“It’s hard to know how many crossings I’ve taken. As many as possible in recent years but it’s difficult to put an exact number on it overall. At a guess, it’s got to be well over 30 return trips.
“Lots of crossings stay in my mind. One of the most memorable has been taking my three children on board and seeing them appreciate just how special she is. I visited the bridge last summer, with my children who looked out in awe at the open sea ahead and saw all the wonderful instruments and aids in the wheelhouse. At that point, they were as excited as I always feel, and it was a magic moment they still talk about now.
“In recent years I have been able to do the first and last trips of the season. These have been brilliant as the ship has been so quiet compared with the summer months that it almost feels like a private cruise. The first trip of last season I only had 20 minutes on St Mary’s due to timetable and tides which was quite comical. There wasn’t much point in getting off! I only went for the crossing on the ship as there wasn’t time for anything else – which is a bit mad really!”
The people behind the ship
“It was the early ‘90s, I was about 11 years old, and I had just got home from school. My dad was at home painting and the phone rang. He said it was for me and he thought I better speak to the person on the other end of the line. It was Scillonian III’s captain, Paul Rowe. I had sent a letter possibly a few weeks before declaring my love for the ship. From memory, I was starstruck to speak to him. I can only compare it to talking to a famous celebrity or an idol. I don’t recall saying too much but the captain promised me a tour of the ship on my next visit, including the engine room – the works! I was mesmerised.
“I am lucky to have an amazing young family of my own who are already becoming Scilly veterans and they know that Scillonian III is part of the family – there’s no escaping it in our house!
“Former captain, Victoria Bolitho organised numerous visits to the bridge across her tenure. She took time out on a busy double crossing to see my children on the main deck and personally invite them to the bridge, which was incredibly special. The look on their faces was priceless. Purser Gail Dunkley has also been brilliant, always having time to chat and sorted out lots for us both when I’ve been onboard and also not!”
A ship like no other
“Scillonian III has lasted so much longer than she was designed for. Like a classic car, she has got better with age. Her design has meant aesthetically she still looks current and is so recognisable.
“She is the standout, welcoming sight in Penzance Harbour as you start your holiday to Scilly. She is like a friendly face waiting to greet you and so many people are familiar with her. She is also the last thing you see at the end of the holiday when you leave to return home. For islanders I know she serves an entirely different but important role. She dictates the tourist season from start and finish and helps connect the islands to the mainland.
“From an early age, I have spent a ridiculous number of hours just staring at the ship. It’s something I’ve never tired of. I have taken photographs of all types and qualities – undoubtedly in the thousands! As all people know… friends, family and so much in life changes. People, hobbies, places all come and go. But Scillonian III is just the best constant I could have dreamed of.
“She is the nautical love and link to my late dad who was also fond of her. He had sea salt in his blood and spent time at sea in the merchant navy. I need to see and smell the sea in the same way he did, and the Scillonian will forever remain as a wonderful reminder of him.”
Chasing Scillonian III
“When I’m in Scilly on holiday, I do plan quite a bit of our time there to try to coincide with the ship being in the islands. My partner, Becky, knows exactly why I want to go to certain beaches at certain times, and I like to have a tide timetable to hand. It’s lucky that the islands are blessed with so many amazing locations to go or my intentions would be glaringly obvious.
“When on the islands I like to be able to see the ship once a day, if possible. That can be stood on the Garrison, on Crow Bar, from Gweal Hill or the Daymark. Just a couple of minutes look is all that’s needed. My logic is that I’ve only got that 1-2 week period in the year to actually see her with my own eyes. The rest of the time is through the screen or a device…
“When I was in previous employment, I’ve had occasional projects to visit in Cornwall. Once, I needed to be in Falmouth for 11am so I was delighted to find I had time to see the ship depart at her usual 9:15am departure time. It was a gorgeous sunny morning and a privilege to watch her leave. When I was nearly in Falmouth, my work phone rang and it was the office. They asked me where I was and if I was actually going to Falmouth that morning. When I asked why, they told me my van tracker was showing I was in Penzance and they weren’t sure why. I told them it must have been a GPS glitch. The things I would do to get just a glimpse of the big white ship!”
Building a community
“In 2009, I started a Facebook appreciation group for Scillonian III, just for fun. I thought there were so many obscure and funny things that had their own Facebook pages so there was no reason Scillonian III couldn’t have her own Facebook page too.
“Watching its development from its beginning to now has been an honour and a pleasure. It’s now got more than 4,000 members. Some of the photos, stories and memories posted are magical. It’s a joy and I hope that others get the pleasure from it that I do.”
Looking ahead
“The arrival of Scillonian IV is much needed and deserved for all involved with the islands and the company. The economy, modern technology and comfort are just a few of the reasons she will be warmly welcomed. I think being able to see so much of Scillonian III’s design in Scillonian IV is testament to how good Scillonian III really has been. It’s a lovely legacy to leave. But as big a moment that Scillonian IV arriving will be, it’s going to feel very bittersweet for me.”
Saying goodbye
“Scillonian III means a lot to me. She has been a constant in my life from my earliest memories. She is part of so many wonderful family holidays and coming from a nautical family, she’s always been ‘my ship’ if you like. No matter what’s going on in life or what time of day it is I have always thought of her and where abouts she is in her day.
“When I am able to get to Penzance to see her it’s like seeing an old friend again and that feeling has remained to this day. She is unique, one of a kind and stands out wherever she is. In the last few years, she has received a lot of recognition and rightfully so. It’s been a pleasure to see her in the limelight and affectionately praised. It’s so very deserved.
“On the day of her final sailing, I’ll be very emotional. Although the day has been coming for a few years now, it’s hard to process now it’s really close to happening. I know she is going to get the wonderful, proper send-off that she deserves. It’s going to be tough to say goodbye to her for the final time knowing she will likely never serve the islands again.”
