The Story of Pilgrim Magnetic Island
The story of Pilgrim on Magnetic Island is closely tied to our own. Pilgrim’s more than just a boat to us—she’s been at the centre of so many big moments and adventures. Since starting the business as Pilgrim Sailing in 2010, we’ve slowly evolved—blending our love of sailing, good food, and sharing with others. Here’s how it all unfolded, starting of course with Pilgrim.
1992: Pilgrim of Fremantle was launched
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.
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. Find out more about Pilgrim: The Yacht
2008: Paul & Clare became Proud Owners
On a weekend away in Sydney Harbour on our 40-foot timber cruiser we spotted Pilgrim for sale in Cammeray Marina.
It was love at first sight and we couldn't have imagined where it would take us!
2010: Pilgrim Sailing was Born
It took 18 months to tick all the boxes to register Pilgrim commercially and in July 2010 we launched Pilgrim Sailing and started sharing the magic of sailing with our guests.
As keen racing sailors the first experience we shared with guests was the twilight racing on Sydney Harbour.
In 2010, we also got married. It was a big year!
2015: Pilgrim Explores the East Coast
After five years of running Pilgrim Sailing with full-time jobs "on the side", Clare, as an accountant at Perpetual and Paul as a sailing instructor and mechanic, it was time to take a break and explore the East Coast of Australia.
This is when we discovered Magnetic Island.
From 2015 to 2020: The Best of Both Worlds
We operated in Sydney over summer offering twilight racing, corporate charters, and sunset cruises, relocating to Magnetic Island for the winter season.
In 2020 we permanently relocated to Magnetic IslandThe timing of our decision couldn't have been better. As we sailed out of Sydney Harbour, we crossed paths with the Ruby Princess bringing the start of the COVID-19 crisis to Australia. As we sailed up the coast, with the border closing behind us, we couldn't have been happier with our decision, and to this day haven't looked back.
In July 2020, we launched a new boutique brand called The Beach Club Magnetic Island, responding to the social distancing that Covid threw on the world. The Beach Club offered gourmet picnics on the remote beaches around Magnetic Island for couples.
2023: Rebranded to Pilgrim Magnetic Island
2023 marked another pivotal moment for the business with a comprehensive rebranding. We renamed the company, Pilgrim Magnetic Island, under which both Pilgrim Sailing and Pilgrim Adventures operate. Pilgrim Adventures, formerly known as The Beach Club Magnetic Island, became an integral part of the company and started offering a broader range of experiences to our guests.
We look forward to welcoming you on board!