BURGH ISLAND SEA TRACTOR HITS 50

The iconic Art Deco Burgh Island Hotel now in its 90th year is currently completing a major refurbishment and its unique sea tractor has its own celebration too!

The Sea Tractor on the sands at Burgh Island, South Devon. Britain.

A sea going transport that has carried both the rich and famous but also even myself over to the delightful island hotel safely above the surf and sand.

The Sea Tractor makes its way to Burgh Island Hotel, South Devon. Britain.

This version being used currently has been doing so for 50 years but its heritage goes back to the days of the 1920’s. This is the third version of the sea tractor.

The Sea Tractor being admired at South Devon. Britain.

Some 90 years this year since the hotel was built and the sea tractor was and is the transport of choice at high tide. Although a number of other ideas have been thought of like a cable car, a type of military landing craft and even an underground train!

The tractor, originally built in 1969, by engineering pioneer Robert Jackson CBE and the story goes that it was in exchange for a case of champagne. What a great deal that was?

Steady as she goes… Driver’s view getting to Burgh Island Hotel, South Devon. Britain.

Passengers include celebrities and politicians such as The Beatles, Agatha Christie, Noel Coward, Winston Churchill and some of today’s most celebrated musicians and film stars have all ridden in the chugging tractor high above the waves.

The Sea Tractor ready for the return trip from at Burgh Island Hotel, South Devon.

Maintaining and keeping the sea tractor, almost seaworthy, has many challenges. Operating in sea water every day is a tough environment. Spare parts often need to be custom made for it.

The Sea Tractor waiting at Burgh Island Hotel, South Devon.

The preservation of it is recognised by Duncan Gray, Managing Director of Burgh Island who said: “When we bought the hotel last year, we knew it was really important to preserve the things that make visiting the island unique.

Burgh Island Hotel, South Devon, Britain a famous 1920’s Art Deco hotel.

“Nothing fits that category more than the sea tractor, which is such a fundamental part of the island’s history and heritage. It is a link back to the hotel’s glamorous past as well as being an essential part of its future.

SEA TRACTOR ATTRACTS ITS OWN FANS

The significance and the sea tractor’s central place in the history of Burgh Island is marked this year. This maybe in some ways a humble and rustic looking form of transport but its contribution to the hotel is immeasurable.

NO wet feet or sea sickness to get to Burgh Island Hotel, South Devon.

Arriving wet and seasick at an opulent hotel would not be a good start for any guest!

Therefore a toast to the sea tractor is surely in order some time soon. With perhaps some of that champagne that kicked off the idea in the first place being put to good use to do that with.

I say, ’Cheers to the Burgh Island Sea Tractor’

Note:

To mark its 90th anniversary the hotel is undergoing a multi-million-pound refurbishment and is due to open fully at the end of Spring.