There is a long tradition of travelling to the Isles of Scilly by sea, and Scillonian III is part of that shared heritage. This is slow travel in its truest sense – where the journey matters as much as the destination, and the islands appear slowly on the horizon as anticipation builds.
However many times the voyage is made, each crossing carries its own sense of connection, discovery, and expectation. And as we look ahead to the next chapter of travel to the islands, there is a growing sense of excitement – celebrating everything Scillonian III has represented, while preparing for what comes next.
This season, as we mark a commemorative year, we wanted to find a way to hold onto those moments as they unfold.
This blog will act as a place to gather memories. The big moments and the quieter ones too. The first sailing, familiar faces, views from the deck, and all the little details in between.
We will be adding to this interactive journal throughout Scillonian III’s final season. If you have travelled with us and have a photo or a memory you would like to share, we would love to include it. This is your journey as much as ours.
Share them with us via social media or email marketing@islesofscilly-travel.co.uk
A collection of moments, gently gathered, from a final season that deserves celebrating!
First sailing of the season
The first sailing of the season always carries a certain feeling.
A quiet sense of excitement builds on the quay as people gather, some returning to familiar shores, others setting off for the very first time.
As Scillonian III leaves the quay behind, conversations soften and eyes turn to the horizon. Coats are pulled a little closer on deck, cameras come out, and that first glimpse of open water reminds you that something special is underway.
For many, this first crossing marks the start of a season of visits, of long-awaited stays, or simply a day spent somewhere a little different.
Welcome new Scillonian III Master – Joseph Whetton
Alongside the journeys themselves, there have also been changes behind the scenes. We are pleased to welcome Scillonian III’s new Master, Joseph Whetton.
Joe brings a wide range of maritime experience, having worked across cruise ships, superyachts and cargo vessels, most recently as a risk and investigation manager for the Carnival UK fleet.
But his connection to the vessel is also a personal one. Joe first travelled on Scillonian III as a child on family holidays, and now returns to her bridge as Master.
“She’s a classic ship and much loved by so many people,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being part of her story.”
Joe also regularly visits the Isles of Scilly to dive, and was drawn back to sea by the opportunity to support a service that plays such an important role in island life.
As we mark this final season, Scillonian III will continue to be operated by an experienced bridge team, reflecting the importance of the service she provides. We are delighted to welcome Joe at such a significant moment in her history.
Scillonian III merchandise
To mark this momentous year, we’ve also created something special. We’ve launched a commemorative merchandise range for Scillonian III’s final season and we’ve really loved seeing the response so far.
At the heart of it is a collaboration with makers connected to the Isles of Scilly. Each one has responded to Scillonian III in their own way, not just as a vessel, but as part of island life.
The collection brings together stained glass, illustration, printmaking, design and small batch craft, each one reflecting a shared love of place, sea and landscape.
Featuring work by 5 island businesses who are all connected to Scillonian III.
Together their work forms a collection that feels rooted in place. Shaped by the same sea journeys, landscapes and connections that Scillonian III has carried for generations.
If you choose to take something home this season we hope it becomes more than a souvenir. A reminder of the crossing, the people, and the place that stays with you long after you return to shore.
Oriel Hicks
Stained glass coasters
Oriel Hicks, owner of Phoenix Stained Glass, based on St Mary’s: a stained glass artist capturing the islands through light and colour.
“The Scillonian is an iconic image in this landscape. I remember greeting her for her inaugural trip, and I shall doubtless be standing on the end of the quay, waving her a tearful goodbye, as I did when her predecessor left. I feel honoured to have been asked to design and make some glass coasters as mementos of her final year, and have used some of those very Scillonian colours in that design.”
“The Scillonian is an iconic image in this landscape. I remember greeting her for her inaugural trip, and I shall doubtless be standing on the end of the quay, waving her a tearful goodbye, as I did when her predecessor left. I feel honoured to have been asked to design and make some glass coasters as mementos of her final year, and have used some of those very Scillonian colours in that design.”
Zephyr and Zawn
Scillonian III in a bottle keyring
Zandri, owner of Zephyr and Zawn, based on St Martin’s: a creative brand producing bold, island inspired design.
“She’s so much more than a ferry, she’s part of the rhythm of life here. There’s something very reassuring about spotting her on the horizon.”
Erica Hicks Designs
Locally printed tote bags and tea towels
Erica Hicks, owner of Tamarisk Gallery, based on St Mary’s: a printmaker creating hand drawn work rooted in island life.
“Scillonian III has been a constant in all of our lives for so long, it will be the end of an era, like saying goodbye to an old friend.”
SC Dogs Distillery
Commemorative bourbon aged rum
Andrew Walder, owner of SC Dogs Distillery, based on St Martin’s: producing small batch pieces inspired by the natural environment.
“My earliest memories of the Scillonian involved heading to the mainland onboard for family holidays at the end of each busy tourist season. Back in those days my uncle was also Radio Officer on board which meant I got to spend some very inspirational time up on the bridge with him and Pete!”
Lassington Oak Morris Men
We’ve already welcomed on board some wonderful passengers! Between the 2nd and 6th of April, we were delighted to welcome the Lassington Oak Morris Men to the Isles of Scilly.
Before boarding, they brought the quay to life with a performance that set the tone for the journey ahead. A small but memorable moment in the season which created a wonderful atmosphere for all to enjoy.
During their stay they performed across many of the islands and their visit brought colour, rhythm and energy wherever they went.
The group has a long history, with roots in Hingham near Gloucester. They are known for their traditional Cotswold dancing style and have performed at events across the country. Alongside their performances, they are also active in charitable work, often donating proceeds to local causes.
Capturing the commemorative season
There are also some small creative touches that mark this important season on board. Among them is a special collaboration with Isles of Scilly artist Inga Drazniece. Her work features throughout the vessel and within our commemorative photo frame.
Her artwork offers a creative tribute to Scillonian III, reflecting her familiar presence on the water today. It brings a sense of colour and character to the decks and seating areas, while celebrating the connection between mainland and islands that she continues to carry.
Alongside the artwork, keep an eye out for our photo frame on those sunny mornings when you are boarding.
Each photograph becomes part of something larger, a shared collection of memories from across the season.
If you have taken a photo beside Inga’s artwork, we would love to see it.
Orca and RSPB surveyors
Throughout the season, we will also be joined on board by ORCA and RSPB surveyors, recording the wildlife seen along the route between Penzance and St Mary’s.
And there is often far more to see than you might expect.
Dolphins, porpoises and even whales are regularly spotted from the deck, turning the crossing into something more than a journey between places. It becomes a chance to witness the life of the sea itself.
In fact, the route has been recognised by ORCA as the UK’s highest diversity ferry route for marine wildlife.
We will be sharing updates and sightings here as the season continues, along with any notable moments spotted along the way.
As the season continues, we will keep adding to this space, celebrating the journeys, the people, and the moments that make them. A collection of memories from the water, shared by everyone who has been part of the crossing.