Photographs © John H. Luxton 2005

Many people familiar with the Cornish and Scillonian maritime scene will be very familiar with the classic replica Breton Crabber PETTIFOX which until 2004 offered cruises under sail around the Isles of Scilly. She has now been sold to new owners in Cornwall, however, her skipper Alf Hicks has acquired a new vessel - the passenger launch SEA QUEST.

The SEA QUEST offers something no other passenger vessel sailing out of Hugh Town harbour can match - a view under water. Those familiar with the Isles of Scilly will be aware of the great clarity of the waters around the archipelago. The SEA QUEST therefore offers the unrivalled opportunity to not only enjoy the beauty of the Isles of Scilly which is normally visible but also to admire the hidden world below the water, views previously restricted to divers.

Located each side of the keel are two large windows which reveal the wide variety of sea life. Fish, crabs, star fish and a wide variety of sea weeds can be seen. In places the seaweed takes on the appearance of an underwater forest, whilst in others the almost white sands of the sea bed are visible.

Travelling on the SEA QUEST is a unique experience, not to be missed by anyone with an interest in the marine environment and unusual passenger vessels.

What is more, as the vessel carries only 12 passengers one travels in very spacious environment - something not possible when travelling on the Boatmen's Association or Off-Island vessels.

If you are visiting the Isles of Scilly a trip (or two) is highly recommended. After around two hours exploring an area of the sea around the islands, skipper Alf drops passengers off on one for the off islands, returning to pick them up in the late afternoon. For those wanting a shorter trip a one hour tour is usually offered from Hugh Town during the afternoon.