Taking the helm of Scillonian III for her final season is a landmark moment for Joe Whetton. It’s made all the more personal by a connection to the route and the islands she serves.
“I used to travel on Scillonian III on family holidays as a child, so to now be on the bridge as Master is a real honour,” Joe says. “I still remember standing out on deck as we came alongside at St Mary’s and watching the crew. She’s a classic ship. She is hugely recognisable and genuinely loved by so many people. To be part of her story, especially in her final season, feels very special.”
Joe’s first introduction to the Isles of Scilly came at the age of ten, returning throughout his teenage years on diving holidays organised by his local diving club, Sutton Coldfield Sub Aqua Club. Those trips were led by the club’s expedition officer at the time – Joe’s father.
The dives took in some of Scilly’s wrecks including Italia, Plympton, Hathor, Cita, Lady Charlotte and King Cadwallon. The group camped on the Garrison campsite, rotated through the islands’ pubs for evening meals, and took a mid‑week rest day to explore.
“We didn’t have much spare time beyond St Mary’s because dive days were long,” says Joe. “But we’d usually head to Tresco on our day off to see the gardens, and in the late afternoons we explored St Mary’s. Between dives we often pulled into Old Town or St Agnes for lunch, which was always a highlight.”
Now, more than a decade later, Joe is returning to the Isles of Scilly, not as a holidaymaker, but as Master of the ship that first brought him there. At 31, he takes up the role alongside long‑serving Scillonian III Master Dave Redgrave, bringing with him a varied maritime career.
Joe’s experience spans cruise ships, superyachts, general cargo vessels and LNG carriers. Most recently, he worked shoreside as Risk and Investigation Manager for the Carnival UK fleet, overseeing safety and operational risk across multiple vessels. Earlier roles include senior bridge positions with Royal Caribbean International as First Officer and Marella Cruises as Senior Bridge Officer, with responsibilities covering navigation, stability planning and safety management. He has also served as Chief Officer on large superyachts.
“The opportunity to return to sea while working on a service that’s so vital to island life really appealed,” he says.
First weeks at the helm
Joe’s early weeks in command were a mix of getting to know the ship’s rhythms — from settling into the pre‑sailing checks on the bridge to timing the approach as the harbour comes into view — and learning the finer points of the route from those who know it best.
“It’s been a real privilege to sail alongside current and former Masters of Scillonian III and to learn from their local knowledge. It’s the little things you only pick up by doing the sail day after day,” Joe says. “And the crew are outstanding. From the bridge you see how many moving parts there are, and how quickly everyone responds when the plan changes with the weather or the tide. Their support has been invaluable.
“It’s also been lovely to start recognising familiar faces. You get those quick conversations at the gangway or as people come up on deck, and it makes the crossing feel like part of a community, not just a timetable.”
“What’s surprised me most is how much happens behind the scenes. From ship to shore, in Penzance and St Mary’s, it’s a constant handover of information. Whether it be schedules, weather, berthing plans or passenger movements. Everyone is focused on the same thing, and that’s keeping Scillonian III running safely and smoothly.”
Joe’s appointment comes at a poignant time in the vessel’s long history. After nearly 50 years serving the route, the 2026 season is Scillonian III’s last. She will be replaced by Scillonian IV, which will enter service in March 2027.
For Joe, guiding her through this final chapter is a responsibility he doesn’t take lightly.
“It’s a great honour,” he says. And one that feels, in many ways, like a journey that’s come full circle.”
