United Kingdom

The Scilly Isles are a collection of five main islands just 28 miles off the coast of Cornwall.As well as St. Mary’s, Tresco, St. Martin’s, Bryher and St. Agnes there’s numerous inlets and uninhabited places. Population wise there’s more birds than people (just 2,000) and an almost tropical climate, the Tropical Gardens at Tresco are a must see. The most populated of the five islands is St. Mary’s but all of them offer peaceful havens for sailing, fishing, sunbathing and outdoor activities.

The Isles of Scilly are located 28 miles WSW of Land’s End, Cornwall.
They have been described (R.L. Bowley) as „the most fortunate of all the islands around Britain’s coasts, with clean seas and beaches, wonderful scenery, welcoming inhabitants, excellent accommodation, and a climate which is one of Britain’s warmest in winter and sunniest in summer”.

There are 55 islands in total, 5 inhabited and 50 uninhabited. They are small, even the largest island, St Mary’s, is less than 3 miles across.

The largest island, St. Mary’s may well be only two and a half miles by one and three quarter miles but it is also home to around seventy five percent of the population. Hugh Town, the ‘capitol of the Isles of Scilly’, stands on a sandbar with a bustling centre, historic port (with it’s famous shipping route to Penzance), fine restaurants, hotels and pubs. In total contrast the rest of St. Mary’s is a virtual tapestry of woodlands, heaths, marshland and dune covered beaches.

The untouched beauty of St. Agnes is breathtaking. With its tiny flower farming community the island has managed to maintain an air of tranquillity. Surrounded by stunning hidden coves, white sandy beaches and rock pools leading to crystal clear waters, St. Agnes is a truly magical place.

For those looking for a peaceful holiday St.Martins, the third largest of the Isles of Scilly is ideal. The white sands and clear waters of the coastline are but the icing on the cake for an area of virtually unspoilt beauty. Whatever the time of year St. Martins offers the very best of nature’s wonders. From fishing and snorkelling to coastal walks and stunning views the island is never anything less that remarkable.

The passage from Falmouth, around the Lizard, past the lonely sentinel of Wolf Rock and way out west beyond Lands End, can be challenging or totally benign. The passage from Falmouth to the Scillies is over 60 miles and usually means an early start and a long day.

The Atlantic Ocean frequently rewards you with sightings of dolphins, pilot whales, sunfish and basking sharks. The islands reveal themselves in tantalising stages as each island becomes distinctive on the horizon. We will get to St Martin’s, Tresco, Bryher, St Agnes and St Mary’s but our journey is somewhat dictated by the moods of the Atlantic Ocean.

Climb aboard, and join the crew. As a member of the crew, you’ll be expected to participate in daily activities necessary to keep everything shipshape. Getting to grips with the ropes and sheets, basic navigation skills and yacht maintenance, setting out the day’s aims according to the weather conditions and the schedule.

PASSAGE

Falmouth – St.Mary – St.Agnes – St.Martins – Falmouth

DATE

26 Aug – 01 Sep 2024

COSTS

£650 pp + £150 contribution (food on board, fuel, marina fees, etc.) 

By joining this trip you accept that the skipper has the final decision on activities and the itinerary with safety of crew and the yacht in mind.