The fleet

The Guild keeps four vessels. Each carries a hull number painted in white on both bows, and passengers writing about a crossing are asked to quote it.

The oldest vessel still in service is the MV Pellucid Hen, launched in 1957 and re-engined twice since. Her hull number is WFG-0319. She is the boat that most often sails as the Letter Boat, because her pilots say she starts first time on a cold morning.

The MV Doake's Promise, named after the founder, is the largest boat and carries up to ninety passengers. The MV Little Tern is a small launch used for the Lantern Isle request stop in quiet months. The MV Harrowmede Lass is kept in reserve at the eastern shore.

All four vessels are overhauled in turn each winter in the Guild's slipway behind the hall, so that three are always available to sail.