Life on Gry Maritha
For nearly 40 years, Gry Maritha has been a lifeline for the Isles of Scilly, delivering essential freight to the people who live, work and holiday there. Since entering service in 1989, she has welcomed countless crew members, all dedicated to keeping the islands supplied year‑round.
One of those crew members is Justin White, who joined the crew in 2022 as Chief Mate and now serves as Master. He reflects on the unique challenges and pride that come with working on a vessel so deeply woven into island life.
“Working on Gry Maritha is a unique operation because of how close you are to the community you serve. When I first joined the crew as Mate, I had a great introduction thanks to Master Tom Sexton mentoring me through the workings of the operation and sharing his ship handling experience. Success in seafaring is built on mentoring and knowledge sharing, and I’m fortunate here to get to work with ABs and Engineers who’ve experienced long, varied careers – it’s a joy to work with those crew members, and I keep learning from them.”
Each sailing is run by a tight-knit crew of five, something Justin says defines life on board.
“The family aspect is my favourite part. When there are five of you on board, you share the good times and the challenging times together.”
It’s the daily routines on board that have set the tone for the last 36 years.
“Most mornings start with a coffee in the mess, chatting about how everyone slept in the weather conditions or any strange dreams we might have had that night. That little routine sets us up for the day and allows us to check in with each other.”
But the work itself has always been demanding and hands on.
“Loading the Gry is a big jigsaw puzzle. You develop a real spatial awareness and when it all fits together it’s very satisfying.
“I was used to working on ultra-large container ships where everything had its dedicated space, but on Gry you need to remain flexible and react to the needs of the community. As Master on Gry Maritha, unlike elsewhere in the industry, you have to get hands-on with all aspects. My time is shared between the Master’s office, wheelhouse, and working about the vessel. The local environment has certainly posed us many challenges to overcome, and made me a better seafarer in the long-term.”
As Gry Maritha approaches the end of her service, Justin reflects on her legacy: “Gry has laid down the blueprint for what works, which is why the new vessel, Menawethan, follows a similar design. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel because Gry has served the community brilliantly.
“I’ll miss the sight of her in the harbour. Gry Maritha isn’t just a ship, she’s full of history. When you look at her, you don’t just see a hull, you see everything – the stories and the memories behind her.”
That sentiment is echoed by Dave Guy, who was part of the Gry Maritha’s crew nearly 25 years ago covering relief trips as Mate and Master.
“Gry Maritha was my first command, which as any Master will tell you, is a memorable milestone in your seagoing career.
“Some of the most important jobs I remember were getting milk from the bottom of the gangway and starting breakfast as the rest of the team arrive to start their shift. Before moving onto the proper job – loading cargo and securing it before departing from Penzance Quay.
“After arriving at St Mary’s, we’d discharge the cargo and settle down for the night. Then, we’d be up early to backload and return to Penzance, again, wedged in the wheelhouse as we bounced our way back to the mainland.
“A funny and memorable moment for me was when we arrived at St Mary’s and my cousin, Paul, looked up from the quay and suddenly realised it was me driving and not my father, Sam. His welcome consisted of “what do you think you’re doing!” but more colourfully put.
“Another memory that has stayed with me was during one of the crossings where we watched the cormorants diving off the Runnel Stone.”
This spring, the Isles of Scilly Freight fleet will welcome its newest vessel, Menawethan, continuing the essential service Gry Maritha has delivered for decades.