We are delighted to announce the appointment of the Pilgrim Foundation President and Vice President at the Annual General Meeting. The meeting took place at the Brixham Labboratory at Freshwater Quay in Brixham on Friday 19th July 2019.
After nearly 20 years of ceaseless commitment to the restoration, preservation and operations of Pilgrim, Rod Coveney has stood down as Director, Trustee and Managing Director and has now been appointed Honorary President. Foundation Chair David Range made the annoucement and presentation with Sailing Director and Trustee, Lynda Davison.
Rod has had a pivotal role over many years leading the fundraising and organisation required to see the 1895 heritage sailing trawler Pilgrim of Brixham restored, maintained and sailing each summer out of her home port in the traditional manner.
At the same time, former Director and Trustee, Neil Davidson was appointed to the role of Vice President. He joins the other Vice Presidents – Mike Chater, Johan Skibdahl and John Wilson. Over many years, Neil has been a stalwart of the Pilgrim team acting as volunteer crew and playing a vital role in the productuion of new masts and bowsprits. Whenever there is a job to be done or an Open Day to host, Neil is there sharing his expertise and his love of Pilgrim with everyone around him.
Both Rod and Neil will continue to play an active role in the efforts to preserve and maintain Pilgrim BM45. She is a living testament to the generations of Brixham fisherfolk who earned their precarious living based on fishing with these incredible sailing boats.