Iconic Cornish-Scilly ferry to stop sailing after 49 years at sea

Cornwall is preparing to bid ‘adieu’ to a ship that has been part of the furniture for almost 50 years.

Since its maiden voyage in 1977, the Scillonian III has ferried over five million passengers from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly, an idyllic archipelago 28 miles off the Cornish coast.

In that time, the vessel has completed some 10,000 return journeys and travelled more than 688,500 nautical miles.

It has been a lifeline for locals, providing a reliable link for freight and mail, and access to the mainland.

But now, the Scillonian III is in its final season, and will set sail for the last time in November.

However, this doesn’t mean that Cornwall’s sub-tropical islands — famous for their white-sand beaches and turquoise waters — will be cut off from the mainland forever.

It’s all part of a makeover, with the route set to enter a new era.

From March 2027, the Scillonian III will be replaced with the Scillonian IV, which will carry more passengers and give them a faster ride.

Thanks to Atlantic swells, the journey between Penzance and the Isle of Scilly can sometimes be rough, with many experiencing motion sickness.

So much so, that trips taken in bad weather have seen the vessel dubbed the ‘Vomit Comet.’

The new ship — which is currently being designed at a shipyard in Vietnam — will feature ‘roll and pitch reduction systems’ to counteract the nausea-inducing swells.

Plus, modern propulsion technology hopes to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

Still, the Scillonian III has been a huge part of Cornish life for decades.

So it makes sense that locals, crew, and holidaymakers are sad to see it go.

Isles of Scilly Steamship Group Chief Executive Stuart Reid said the final sailing marked ‘both a proud and poignant moment’ for the company and the island community.

‘Scillonian III has served the islands with distinction for 49 years, and while we look forward to welcoming Scillonian IV, we know how fondly Scillonian III is regarded by so many.’

Stuart added that the ship has employed some people for ‘all of their working life.’

He said that ‘when she does sail off into the sunset for a new adventure,’ it will ‘certainly be a little bit sad.’

The Scillonian III was built at Appledore shipyard in north Devon, and currently has capacity to carry 485 passengers.

What about the new boat?

The Scillonian IV has been purpose-built to handle the island’s growing tourism market, which accounts for up to 80% of the local economy.

With a permanent population of just over 2,000 residents, visitor numbers can swell between 210,000 and 220,000 each year.

The new vessel is part of a £40 million investment programme spearheaded by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group; the replacement of the Scillonian III will modernise passenger and freight services. 

It’s expected to carry up to 600 passengers — a 24% increase from its current capacity — and reduce journey times.

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