Pilgrim: The Yacht

The Launch: 1992 – Pilgrim of Fremantle

Pilgrim was originally commissioned by her first owner, Tim Ratten, who had a clear vision: a yacht that was both fast and comfortable. Designed by Scott Kaufman and built by David Carter in Moree, NSW, she was then trucked over to Fremantle. That’s where SE Ward & Co — the same team behind Australia II, the 1983 America’s Cup winner — installed her rig and keel.

She even shares a bit of America’s Cup history herself. Pilgrim’s elliptical keel was cast from melted-down lead that came from Kookaburra III, the chase boat for Australia II.

Racing Pedigree and Early Adventures

Pilgrim was launched in 1992 and went on to race extensively with Tim at the helm. She made her mark not just in the local Perth scene, but also internationally at regattas across Asia, including the prestigious King’s Cup.

Pilgrim was the realisation of a dream sailing vessel that Tim Ratten had long envisioned. With the help of yacht designer Scott Kaufman, they brought to life the yacht we see today.

The Design Brief: Bigger, Comfortable, and Fast

Tim, a well-known WA sailor, had spent many hours on his first racer — a 40ft Sparkman & Stephens. When commissioning Pilgrim, his brief to Kaufman was simple but ambitious: she had to be bigger, comfortable for longer journeys, and fast enough to race competitively.

Technical Specs and Revolutionary Features

Pilgrim ticks all the boxes. She’s 58 feet long, 16 feet wide, and weighs around 20 tonnes. Her elliptical keel — revolutionary at the time — weighs 6.7 tonnes, giving her excellent stability under sail.

Her hull is hand-laid fibreglass over a then-new material called Airex foam, with a stainless steel internal framework to evenly distribute loads from the engine and rigging. Her 72-foot mast with triple spreaders was ahead of its time, designed to allow for easier movement while racing.

She presses down into the water while sailing, increasing her effective waterline length and boosting her performance.

Built for Performance, Designed for Cruising

While Pilgrim was built with racing in mind, she was also designed for long-term comfort at sea. Her interior is craftsman-built with classic features, and she came fully equipped: a generator, water maker, three fridges, a fully appointed galley, and top-of-the-line electronics for the time.

Pilgrim Today: The Legacy Lives On

Since those early days, we’ve upgraded, repaired, and modernised her, keeping true to the quality and spirit that was envisioned back in 1987. Today, Pilgrim is not just a yacht — she’s part of the family, a business, and a beloved piece of maritime history.

• Key Statistics

  • Name: Pilgrim (previously Pilgrim of Fremantle_

  • Design: Scott Kaufman

  • Builder: David Carter & SE Ward & Co

  • Length Overall (LOA): 58 feet (17.7 metres)

  • Beam (Width): 16 feet (5 metres)

  • Draft: Approx. 10 feet (3 metres)

  • Displacement: 20 tonnes

  • Keel Type: Elliptical fin keel

  • Keel Weight: 6.7 tonnes

  • Hull Material: Hand-laid fibreglass with Airex foam core

  • Rig Type: Sloop rig with triple spreaders

  • Mast Height: 72 feet (21.9 metres)

  • Engine: (Cummins 4BT - 130hp)

  • Onboard Systems: Generator, water maker, 3 fridges, fully equipped galley

  • Build Year: 1992

  • Upgrades: Modernised electronics, rigging, and cruising comforts