There was a mix of anticipation and trepidation in Penzance among the passengers waiting on to board Scillonian III.<\/p>\n
Some were looking forward to an adventurous voyage on the ferry to the Isles of Scilly, which lie 30 miles off the Cornish coast; others were not quite so keen, knowing that when there is an Atlantic swell, the Scillionian can toss and turn, a tendency that has earned it the unflattering name the \u201cvomit comet\u201d.<\/p>\n
This season is the final one for Scillonian III after almost 50 years linking the UK mainland with the archipelago.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s been a brilliant ship,\u201d said Scillonian III superfan Sholto Blackwell, 43, who has regularly sailed on the boat since he was taken to Scilly on holidays as a small boy. \u201cShe\u2019s been a constant in my life. She almost feels like part of the family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sholto Blackwell, a Scillonian III superfan. Photograph: Victoria Bolitho<\/p>\n
So, presumably, he does not get sea-sick? \u201cMy dad was a merchant navy seaman and so we sort of had the sea in our blood, but actually I do suffer in bad weather. The Scillonian does pitch and roll a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n
It does not put him off \u2013 the challenge of surviving the trip is part of the draw for many. \u201cI\u2019d rather be sea-sick on that vessel than not be on her at all. People look at me funny when I say that but she is my happy place. For me, being sick is all part of the package, really.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blackwell, a crane operator and lifting supervisor who lives near Bristol, is so besotted with the vessel that he set up the Scilly III Appreciation Group, which has more than 4,000 members. \u201cThere\u2019s clearly a lot of people who feel as romantic about Scillonian III as I do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Among the voyagers this week were the Lassington Oak Morris Men from Gloucestershire, heading for Scilly to perform on the islands as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations. They danced on the Penzance quayside before boarding. One of their number, Vernon Webb, admitted he was feeling apprehensive. \u201cI\u2019m not a great sailor,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
As well as being a favourite with visitors, the ship has many fans among Scilly residents, many of whom have a favourite seat. They know that when the going gets rough, one of the best places is the windowless lower saloon, where you can drift off to the sound of the engines.<\/p>\n