Preserving our sailing heritage
As a member of the National Historic Fleet, and a registered charity our primary focus is the preservation, operation, maintenance and protection of the 1895 sailing trawler Pilgrim of Brixham BM45 for her historic and maritime importance.
Traditional boatbuilding and sailing methods are kept alive through ongoing maintenance and sailing of our 130 year old sailing ketch. Our maintenance volunteers and paid shipwrights are involved in regular maintenance – with jobs big and small.
The impact of trawlers on the fishing during the 1800s and early 1900s can’t be overstated. Trawlers like Pilgrim helped keep a nation fed for a century and the technology and culture of these trawlers spread around the globe.
Sailing Trips
Since her re-launch in 2013 following restoration our annual programme of open days, sailing adventures and chartering has been enjoyed by thousands of guests. Our normal sailing programme features everything from half-day heritage sails to multi-week adventures on both sides of the English Channel, and we have welcomed local guests and guests from dozens of countries. Our gallery and reviews of our sailing trips attest to what a unique experience this is.
For 2025 we’re focusing on major maintenance and fundraising, so the usual sailing programme isn’t being offered summer of 2025. Open Days and more events are planned during the year and some sailing opportunities in the later half of the year may be on offer. We are keeping our Maritime and Coastguard Agency licencing for a total of fifteen passengers and crew up to date and part of her 130th year focus includes making safety and comfort upgrades so future sailings are better than ever.
The best way to be kept up to date with our future plans is to keep an eye on the News and Events page and become a Pilgrim Foundation member to receive advance notice of activities.
Building community
Through or events, trips and volunteering Pilgrim plays a major role in the local community.
Locally we reach out to community groups and schools to share our heritage. Pilgrim maintenance volunteers share sailing, woodworking and rigging skills with young volunteers, many of whom go on to achieve qualifications such as yachtmaster or woodworking/craft credentials. Our back office and volunteer administrators keep the Foundation running and manage the operations and fundraising to help keep Pilgrim sailing.
The Pilgrim Shanty Singers keep traditional songs alive and create new traditions with new songs about Pilgrim and her adventures, and we welcome members and supporters to join in with our events.
You can find out more about joining and volunteering on our Get Involved web pages.
