History

History and Restoration of Brixham Trawler Pilgrim

The History of Pilgrim

The hull of 1895 Pilgrim was badly hogged but at least she was still afloat. The plans to restore her to sailing condition, quickly escalated from a plan to rebuild her stern to a complete hull re build with new timbers. Here in 2011 she is being towed to Ashley Butlers Boatyard on the River Dart to start the big job.

Pilgrim being towed to Ashley Butler's boat yard for restoration the River Dart.
Pilgrim being towed to Ashley Butler’s boat yard for restoration the River Dart.

Giant Jigsaw Project 

Trawlers were double planked with outer and inner planks. The outer planks were sometimes as thick as 3 inch. The shipwrights start to check out their giant jigsaw project….

Pilgrim sailing trawler - giant jigsaw project.
Pilgrim sailing trawler – giant jigsaw project.

A lot of trees! 

New keel and oak frames going in….you need a lot of oak trees.

New keel and oak frames going in
New keel and oak frames going in

This is going to be a seriously tough ship…

Imagine Steam Bending those hull planks at the bow.
Imagine Steam Bending those hull planks at the bow.

 Deck beams and bulwarks supports – all massive timbers.

Deck beams and bulwarks supports - all massive timbers
Deck beams and bulwarks supports – all massive timbers

The Deck 

As the deck goes in the commissioning skipper gets an idea of the size of his or her command. Gulp.

The deck goes in
The deck goes in

 Launch Day for a big girl –  Pilgrim of Brixham

Launch Day
Launch Day

More Stories

Sail on Tall Ship with Classic Sailing

25/10 Announcing New Voyages

Sail Scotland 2023

Explore Scotland’s wilderness and wildlife on a traditional sailing adventure! Join a traditional sailing vessel, no sailing experience required. Our skilled skippers will guide

Read More
faroe islands with classic sailing

12/02 Inspiration

Getting ready for a big adventure.

How to Prepare for a Long Voyage.  Getting ready for a big adventure is a lengthy process and we hope this article helps you

Read More
Linden on a sailing and scientific expedition in Svalbard. Linden anchored in the background, with a skier approaching walrus in the foreground. Join Linden through Classic Sailing

06/06 Featured Destination

Destination Svalbard: the ‘Cold Shore’

In Old Norse, this archipelago is Svalbarð: ‘svalr’ meaning cold and ‘barð’ meaning rim, edge or shore. The cold shores of Svalbard (consisting of

Read More

26/05 Top Voyages For...

Classic Sailing’s Top 5 Voyages for Photographers

The Classic Sailing Team’s top 5 choices for sailors who love to snap! Whether it’s for the ‘Gram, the family photo album or your

Read More
The late author and Explorer Kit Mayers with a globe. You can buy his book to help raise funds for Greenpeace.

20/04 Inspiration

‘The First English Explorer’… and a much more recent one

My grandfather, Kit Mayers, was a big influence on me. His stubborn adventurousness, stoicism and passion for the world was inspirational.

Read More