Scilly Island hopping & abundant wildlife

IDEAL VOYAGE

Tallulah is new to charter, but her skipper and owner Debbie has explored the Isles of Scilly by pilot cutter for over 23 years. If you sailed with Debbie on ‘Eve of St Mawes’ then you know she like to anchor amongst uninhabited islands, go for short sails between and around the Isles, and spend plenty of time ashore too.

We like to do things as carbon free as possible so Tallulah will bring a wooden rowing dinghy, stand up paddleboards and an electric outboard for longer boat trips on ‘Number 8.’  There is a mate on board too, but we believe in hands on participation in the sailing. A great voyage for intermediate and experienced sailors but not beyond the sights of adventurous beginners wanting offshore sailing and remote anchorages.

VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS

• Two offshore passages passing the Lizard & Lands End
• ‘Out there’ anchorages with significant wildlife & seabirds
• Skipper that knows what each island has to offer & best shelter
• wooden row boat, SUPs and silent electric outboard
• Freshly cooked food and accommodation all onboard.
• Comfortable berths with heating & oil lamps
• Beachcombing, walks ashore on different islands

FULL VOYAGE DESCRIPTION

Sail West to the Isles of Scilly

Tallulah is based in St Mawes Bay, so like the pilot cutters of old, she has easy access to the open sea. Your 60-70 mile sea journey to the Isles of Scilly begins with a sail down the Lizard Peninsula. The strong tides give us a helping hand towards our destination and also attract basking sharks, dolphins and pilot whales. We might shorten the passage by sailing to Helford River or Coverack on the first evening, but usually its an early start from St Mawes or nearby.

From the Lizard Lighthouse Tallulah crosses Mounts Bay and you may loose sight of land, before the high granite cliffs of West Penwith come into view. Wolf Rock lighthouse is on route and the seas around Lands End are the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean. Gannets wheel overhead and big ships need to be watched carefully.

Island Landfall

If there is a big swell running or prolonged gales forecast then the Isles of Scilly is not the place to be in a sailing boat of any size. Tallulah’s Scilly season begins in midsummer and ends in early September, so conditions are usually more benign. The passage out is still quite a challenge and a long day. The guest crew will be split into 2 watches so you know when you are the crew helping the skipper or mate, and when you can just relax or take a snooze. The rewards are great though, and we aim to make landfall way before dusk. Favourite first night anchorages include the Cove in St Agnes, Porthcressa on St Marys, or around the top of Tresco to Old or New Grimsby sound.

Wildlife, Beachcombing & Sub tropical flowers

The Isles of Scilly are granite outposts and have no silty rivers. This means the beaches have white sand that looks like the Seychelles, glittering with mica and crystal clear seas. Swimming is amazing but chilly. Seals swim in the kelp forests, terns scream overhead and in spring you might see puffins.

For 100 years the pilot trade was the main industry in the Isles of Scilly so pilot cutters are part of its heritage. Growing flowers was the next economic boon. The unique micro climate supports sub tropical plants, which all adds to the unique character of Scilly.

Wild Swimming

Swimming from Tallulah in a beautiful anchorage is often a big part of the fun on our sailing activity holidays

The availability of Wild Swimming from Tallulah is at the skippers discretion. Supervision is provided from Tallulah and her dinghies. All our skippers are qualified with First Aid at Sea but not all are lifesaving guards.

Introduction to Tallulah

Tallulah is 59ft overall with her bowsprit and her designer and builder Luke Powell is still convinced her hull shape and lighter construction makes her the fastest pilot cutter he has built. We have yet to prove that pedigree as Tallulah has only been lightly used as a private yacht since her launch on 2008.

Having a longer waterline than our previous pilot cutter Eve means Tallulah will make faster passages to the islands, and with a lot more space below decks for the same number of guests (max 6 and 2 crew).

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described below, but you have to go with mother nature, not fight her. The description below is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. If it is too dangerous to be in the Isles of Scilly or we need to leave early, then the skipper will try and create a voyage similar in style to our Scilly Expeditions, but in more sheltered waters.

 

What to Expect on your 6 day Isles of Scilly Expedition

A hands on training session and possibly a short sail from St Mawes on the first evening.

We plan all Tallulah Scilly dates to maximise the tide with us at the start of your voyage. If the weather is ok we set off early on the first full day. Generally the aim is to reach the Isles of Scilly in one long day sail, but sometimes we will stop in Mounts Bay on route. Very rarely we will go west overnight if it is really calm, or favourable light winds.

We generally reach an anchorage in time for a swim, or a walk ashore to watch the sunset, or perhaps a beer in the pub. All overnight stops are anchorages in Scilly. There are limited facilities ashore. Your landing stage is often barefoot on a beach.

Approx 4 evenings and 3 full days are spent in Scilly. This might be a different anchorage each night, but how and when we move is very weather and tide dependant. If you want to learn advanced navigation this is the place. Each hop requires detailed pilotage planning as there are a lot of rocks and sandbars. Scenically this is a fascinating, changing landscape so bring a camera.

By the time you come to sail back to St Mawes, you will be well used to boat life and the winds are usually behind us for fast sailing. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and sometimes even tuna.

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail.

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities, and how much you are expected to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation.  There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

AGILITY & FITNESS

Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application.  If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better. 

FAQ‘s

Q: What makes this voyage different from a standard sailing holiday?

A: This is genuinely multi-activity rather than pure sailing. You’ll spend roughly equal time under sail, coastal rowing in the ship’s boats, and walking ashore exploring the islands. It’s designed for people who want variety and an intimate connection with the Scillies rather than maximising sea miles. If you want continuous sailing, this isn’t the right choice.

Q: Do I need rowing experience or a certain fitness level?

A: No rowing experience required—the crew will teach you. Fitness-wise, you need to be comfortable with moderate walking (some island terrain is uneven) and able to get in/out of small boats from beach landings. It’s not strenuous, but it’s more active than sitting on deck passage-making. If mobility is limited, ask us directly about suitability.

Q: How much time is actually spent sailing versus other activities?

A: It varies with weather and tides, but typically you’ll sail between anchorages (perhaps 2-4 hours at a time), row ashore or explore coastlines for 2-3 hours, and walk on the islands for similar periods. Some days are more sail-focused, others more exploration-focused. This isn’t a delivery voyage—covering ground isn’t the priority.

Q: What’s the accommodation like on Tallulah compared to larger tall ships?

A: Tallulah sleeps 6 guests in traditional below-deck bunks—intimate and authentic rather than spacious. Headroom is limited, facilities are basic (one heads/toilet,), and there’s not a lot of privacy. If you need ensuite facilities or more personal space, consider a larger vessel. It’s comfortable for those happy with traditional sailing boat conditions.

Q: Can I join this voyage if I’ve never sailed before?

A: Absolutely. Most guests have little or no sailing experience. The crew run the ship and teach you as much or as little as you want to learn. However, because this voyage includes rowing and walking, you’ll be more involved physically than on some other “no experience required” voyages. If you prefer to primarily observe, tell us—we’ll suggest alternatives.

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What to pack for a sailing holiday on Tallulah

Plus Parking in St Mawes

What's Included

• Sailing Instruction
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• All meals on board & refreshments throughout the day
• Bed linen, duvet, pillows
• Wooden rowing boat activities
• 2 x Stand Up Paddleboards & buoyancy jackets (on summer voyages)

What is not included

• Alcoholic beverages
• Towels
• Wellie boots
• Waterproof jackets & trousers 

What to Bring

Please limit yourself to one soft bag or rucksack as there is limited storage space on board. No suitcases please!

Tallulah does not have waterproof jacket and trousers yet, so please bring a properly waterproof jacket and trousers on all voyages.

Walking and cycling waterproofs are usually adequate and much lighter to pack, so there really is no need to buy a coastal sailing jacket (unless you really want an excuse to invest in your future sailing). If you need any advice, or lack of a jacket is preventing you participating, please ring us on 01326 53 1234

• warm, windproof jacket for days when you don't want to wear a waterproof jacket
• Hats for sun and cold weather.
• At least two sets of warm clothes - layers e.g. tracksuit bottoms, shirts, fleece jacket, wool jumpers, thick socks, and neck scarf. It can get cold at sea even in mid summer.
• Swim suit, towel, and suntan lotion.
• we have space if you want to bring a wetsuit for wild swimming or SUP adventures
• Flat shoes with a good grip e.g. trainers or sailing deck shoes.
• Sailing boots or wellies as the sea can come over deck if rough*.
• (An alternative to boots in summer is to bring another pair of flat shoes with a good grip in case the first pair get wet).
• All terrain type sandals are great for dinghy trips ashore – but you do need shoes which protect your toes for sailing.
• Scillies trips – Walking boots are useful and can be these can be worn on deck too
• A small rucksack is useful for going ashore
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
• Passport for European or Ireland Voyages, Reciprocal Free Health Care card in Europe.
• Please bring a passport on French trips
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasick tablets - check with your Doctor, which brand if you suffer asthma or are on medication.
• RYA Cruising Logbook or similar if you want to log your sailing experience e.g. sea miles, night hours
• Musical instruments are always welcome.

Alcohol

Tallulah does not always have wine bottles for sale on board so you are welcome to bring modest quantities of alcohol, (unless it is an alcohol free voyage) e.g. to drink with evening meals, but drinking whilst sailing is not allowed.

A Note on Covid 19

While Tallulah's guests do not need to prove Covid Vaccination status at this time, it is expected that if a guest feels unwell prior to joining the ship they should always use common sense and test when appropriate to decide whether they should join the voyage, for their own safety and the safety of others onboard. It is a requirement that guests on residential voyages take out appropriate Travel Insurance and care should be taken to ensure insurance includes cover for such a case. Likewise, should members of Tallulah's professional crew including the skipper feel unwell prior to a voyage, they will always use common sense & test when appropriate.

 

Car Parking in St Mawes for Crew Joining Tallulah

If you're arriving by car, motorbike, or camper van to join Tallulah in St Mawes, here’s what you need to know.

There is a long-stay car park behind the Rising Sun pub in central St Mawes. It's run by St Just in Roseland Parish Council. You pay at the machine on arrival — card payments are accepted. Advance booking isn’t possible.

As of April 2023, the daily charge for a standard vehicle using one bay was £6, with reduced rates for longer stays (e.g. £35 for a week). Prices may have changed since then.

Motorbikes parked on yellow hatchings are free. Full mobility vehicles are also free. Blue Badge holders pay the standard rate.

Camper vans are welcome to park during the day but cannot be used for overnight stays. If your vehicle uses more than one space, you’ll need to pay for each and display a ticket for both. Coach bays are not to be used.

The car park is in regular use by both locals and visitors. High-value vehicles are often parked here, and concerns around theft or vandalism are very low, though of course no guarantee can be given.

Note
Always check the signage when you arrive, especially if staying multiple days or parking a large vehicle. Local rules may change.

Photos and images of the striking 44ft pilot cutter Tallulah, offering charter voyages for individuals, couples and groups from 2022.  Based in St Mawes, Cornwall. No experience is necessary and a local skipper as your guide.