Before the Mast

Brixham Harbour today

After over three long years from the start of a major restoration project, this beautiful 1895 Brixham built gaff-rigged sailing trawler is nearing completion, ready to offer unique and classic sailing holidays, skippered charter, day sails and corporate events.

BM45Pilgrim has been meticulously restored to her former glory by a dedicated group of volunteers and craftsmen. Care has been taken to ensure that above deck - she looks as authentic as practically possible. Etched with traditions of the past, sympathetically complimented by up-to-date comfort’s of stylish modern sailing accommodation, Pilgrim is set to become the jewel in the crown of Brixham’s Heritage sailing fleet!


Brixham sailing trawler PILGRIM was built in 1895, by J W & A Uphams, one of Brixham’s most famous yards. PILGRIM was one of six similar vessels built at Uphams during that year. Brixham; an extremely busy Port at this time, with over 300 similar red sailed, wood built vessels: played a huge part in the development of trawling which places both Port and these famous trawlers at the pinnacle of Britain’s maritime heritage.

Costing just under £640 to build, she was owned by Silas John Pine, the youngest Trawler owner at the time and trawled out of Brixham until 1912. Then PILGRIM was sold to Lowestoft and again onto Sweden where demand for Brixham sailing trawlers was high. She was sold several times in Sweden being used as a fishing boat, cargo vessel, private yacht and sail training vessel. During World War 2 her sails were to prove invaluable as fuel became scarce and many stories abound about PILGRIM, mostly passed down by word of mouth, include that she may have participated in gun running and been shot at by the enemy, she certainly had the Swedish flag painted on her side to show she was “neutral”. Bought and sold several times in Scandinavia until, in 1999, she was re-discovered in Sweden, a shadow of her former self, in poor condition by Bill Wakeham.