26/08/2025
It is with full hearts and deep gratitude that we announce Willie Pearl Lugger Cruises will sail her final season under her current custodians.
Their adventure with Willie began in 2018, when she was found in disrepair in Langkawi, Malaysia. With the help of family and friends, she was pulled apart and rebuilt piece by piece - through tropical storms, fires, and even dodging street dogs. Twelve Australians flew back and forth from WA to Malaysia to complete the task. It was no small feat, but seeing her sail once again made every challenge worthwhile.
After a full refit, new masts and a complete transformation, Willie returned home to Broome in 2019.
Since then, she’s been a familiar and beloved silhouette cruising along Broome’s golden horizon. She’s also stretched her wings, sailing thousands of nautical miles each year via the Montes, Pilbara islands, Ningaloo Reef, the Abrolhos, Dunsborough, and Rottnest Island. But no matter how far she roamed, she always returned to Broome — where she belongs, among the red cliffs, turquoise waters, and rich pearling history.
Willie is the last of her kind built in 1985, to sail and fish for pearls, and the only one of her style still operating today. She has carried locals and visitors alike on unforgettable voyages, weathered the storm of Covid, and shared infinite glowing sunsets.
With her owners, unable to commit to another season due to new opportunities, they are now seeking new custodians who will honour her legacy and continue sharing the best Broometime sunset experience.
Willie’s final Broome Sunset Cruise will be September 7. After that, she will sail to Fremantle, awaiting her next adventure.
With warmest regards,
Willie Pearl Lugger Cruises
