Meet Simon Fawkes, Providence 1903
“Since she was constructed in 1903, Providence has survived two World Wars and two pandemics. There’s no reason she can’t be around for another 120 years.”
Vancouver native Simon Fawkes is the managing partner of the Providence a heritage sailboat that crosses the Salish Sea carrying both cargo and passengers with minimal environmental impact.
With her tall sails and striking silhouette, Providence cuts a distinguished figure in our coastal waters, drawing admirers wherever she lands. We caught up with Simon to learn more about this fascinating new addition to Vancouver’s coast.
A Ship for the Ages
Providence boasts a remarkable history. Originally built in Denmark in 1903, she later served in World War II.
“Providence started life in 1903 in Denmark as a fishing vessel, making it one of the oldest vessels still operating here in Canadian waters,” says Simon.
“Through both World Wars, the vessel saw military service, with the Danish navy commandeering it for missions as varied as cargo hauling and possibly evacuating Jewish people from Scandinavia.”
In the 1970s, Providence made her way to Canada. She worked as a fishing vessel off the BC coast, then spent time operating charters in the Caribbean. Simon and his partners Danny Robertson and Terry McPhail bought the ship in 2017, and that’s where this latest chapter begins.
A New Opportunity
After a long entrepreneurial career, Simon had returned to Vancouver to be closer to the coast. When he had the chance to purchase Providence, he saw it as more than a business venture. It was a way to honour the past and create something lasting.
“We immediately set about a full refit of the vessel. It had never carried passengers in numbers, so I began the process of securing Transport Canada certification. Our goal was to keep Providence as a working vessel while also offering marine tours. I wanted to create something unique, special, and affordable.”
“It’s 2025 now and I feel like we’re only getting started. The pandemic was a massive challenge. It delayed our momentum and limited us to occasional charters. In many ways, we’re only in year two of this project.”
Sailing into Adventure
Now fully operational, Providence sails regularly between Vancouver, Sidney, and the Gulf Islands, offering a unique tourism experience on our coast.
“In 2023, we introduced the concept of a market ship. What that means is we are carrying out sail cargo missions, connecting small Gulf Island artisans with customers in Vancouver. We’re a sailboat, so our carbon footprint is close to zero.
“It’s a sustainable way to move goods and people. Passengers are encouraged to get involved if they’re interested. There’s always lots of jobs to do during a sailing. We’re more than happy to have our passengers roll up their sleeves and help crew the ship.
“We offer day excursions from the Vancouver Maritime Museum and overnight trips from Sidney. It's important to offer a mix of options because operating a sailboat across the Strait of Georgia comes with weather challenges. If your guests have dinner reservations and the wind isn’t cooperating, that’s a problem.”
“We operate from May to October each year, with capacity for up to 24 passengers during the day and 10 to 12 for overnight trips. It’s rustic, memorable, and unlike anything else in the region.”
Innovation on the Horizon
While Simon’s reverence for Providence’s past is clear to see, he's also hard at work building a bright future for the vessel.
“A major project we are working on right now is retrofitting Providence with a fully electric drive system, which would make it one of the first electric passenger vessels in Canada,” Simon explains.
“The Canadian government has been instrumental in funding this project, which includes installing charging stations at the marinas where we operate. That infrastructure could eventually support other vessels too.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability without compromising the vessel’s historic integrity. I’m excited to see where we can take Providence.”
“In the next few years, I’d like to step back a bit, knowing I have a crew in place to keep Providence sailing. Getting out on the water remains the most rewarding part of the job, and I want to share that experience with as many people as possible.
“The challenge isn’t that we’re competing with similar operators, we’re the only tall ship experience in Vancouver. The challenge is making sure more people hear about us. Now that I have a full-time captain in place, I can focus more energy on that side of things.”
Looking Ahead
Through his work with Providence, Simon Fawkes has restored more than a ship, he’s revived a piece of living history and pointed it toward a sustainable future. For guests who climb aboard, it’s not just a boat ride. It’s a chance to be part of a rich and deep history with plenty of chapters still to come.
Interested in seeing for yourself? Visit the Providence website to learn more.