PRESS RELEASE
1895 Heritage Sailing Trawler Pilgrim of Brixham to Return to Sea in Summer 2027
Brixham, Devon, UK – 3 August 2026
The Trustees of the Pilgrim Heritage Sailing Foundation have announced that the iconic 1895 sailing trawler Pilgrim of Brixham will return to public sailings in Summer 2027 following the successful completion of the final phase of her major refit programme.
Launched in 1895 and proudly listed as part of the UK's National Historic Fleet, Pilgrim is one of Britain's most significant surviving heritage sailing vessels. Her return marks a major milestone in preserving the maritime history of Brixham and the fishing industry.
The final stage of the vessel's extensive refit is about to begin. Once complete, Pilgrim will embark on a special programme of summer sailings in 2027 before returning to a full operating schedule in 2028.
Foundation Managing Director Richard Kirby said:
"We're delighted that Pilgrim will be back under sail next summer. We have a lot of work to do over the next ten months as we complete the final stages of her refit, but we have both an agreed work programme and the financial resources in place to see the project through. We can't wait to welcome guests back on board."
In September, Pilgrim will move to the historic No. 1 Covered Slip at Devonport, Plymouth, where renowned shipwrights Stirling & Sons will undertake the remaining hull and deck works over a five-month period. She will then return to Dartmouth in February for recommissioning before sailing home to Brixham at Easter for final finishing work, sea trials and crew training.
During Summer 2027, Pilgrim will offer eight unforgettable adventure cruises exploring the spectacular coasts of Devon and Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, and an extended voyage to Brittany and the Channel Islands.
With just ten guest berths available on each voyage, only 80 places are available across the summer 2027 programme. Bookings are now open online with places expected to fill quickly. Early booking is strongly recommended at https://pilgrimofbrixham.org.uk.
Pilgrim was launched 131 years ago from Upham's Yard in Brixham, just a short distance from her present-day mooring. Today she is owned and operated by the Pilgrim Heritage Sailing Foundation, a registered charity supported almost entirely by volunteers dedicated to preserving one of Britain's finest historic sailing vessels.
Public sailings were suspended in 2025 to allow essential refit work to be completed. Since then, the Foundation's volunteers have worked tirelessly to secure the funding needed to complete the project, including the generous support of a major new benefactor whose contribution has been instrumental in bringing Pilgrim back to sailing condition.
Foundation Chair Andrew Murray said: "Our Foundation and its members are proud custodians of this remarkable vessel. Pilgrim is far more than a historic ship—she is a living reminder of Brixham's rich maritime heritage. Her return to sea will allow future generations to experience and appreciate this extraordinary part of our history while creating unforgettable adventures for everyone who sails aboard."
Photo: Pilgrim at the Brixham Heritage Regatta, May 2026
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