Wildlife

Sailing to the Isles of Scilly

Yes! You Can go to the Isles of Scilly by sail.

Our fleet of Classic Sailing vessels regularly choose the Isles of Scilly as their spring, summer and autumn sailing grounds. The aim is always to use the engine as little as possible and to harness the wind to make passage to the archipelago lying 30 miles off Land’s End. 

Forget flying, forget the large ferries and cruisers. Sailing to the Isles of Scilly using only the wind and a bit of physical effort is incredibly rewarding. 

Typically, voyages will start from Charlestown, Falmouth or Newlyn in Cornwall to maximise the time spent island hopping, exploring ashore and sailing between the islands. 

As on all our holidays, you are encouraged to get involved in actually sailing our beautiful wooden ships and boats under the expert care of the professional crew. How much you do will really be up to you, but you are welcome to take the helm and steer course for the sub tropical archipelago that make up the Isles of Scilly. Help the crew with raising the sails, changing course and learning about navigation. Most people come on their own and not everyone has sailed before. It’s always makes for a fantastic holiday as you meet new people and share a voyage that is always unique. 

The Isles of Scilly lie 30 miles off Land’s End which means you really feel that you are journeying somewhere and embarking on an offshore/mini Atlantic adventure. No experience is required, but it will be a long day of sailing to reach the Isles of Scilly. Adventurous attitudes and explorers looking to visit a destination in the height of summer, but not be overwhelmed by the crowds as our ship’s and crew will seek out remote anchorages, quiet beaches and picture perfect bays. 

Browse our voyages below, or get in touch with us at skippers@classic-sailing.com to find out more. 

Voyages to the Isles of Scilly

What to do ashore on Bryher & Sampson Your Bryher accommodation could be a classic boat Wouldn’t it be cool to stay on an eye catching sailing ship in the Scillies?

What to do on Tresco Sailing Holidays to Tresco

All Isles of Scilly anchorages are weather and swell dependent, but the Island of Tresco has moorings and anchorages to the east and to the west and they feel very different when you are there.

What to do on St Agnes & Gugh Sailing Holidays to St Agnes

All Isles of Scilly anchorages are weather and swell dependant, but the Island of St Agnes and neighbouring Gugh have anchorages either to the north ofr the south of the sand bar joining the islands.

What to do on St Marys

St Marys is the main island and has a lovely museum and a great walk around the Garrison. Good for retail therapy.

pilot gig boat racing – world championship

More Stories

Photo by Max Mudie Tallshipstock.com

17/08 Educational

Traditional sailing for yacht sailors

You Know Modern Yachts. Now Sail Something Different Adam’s Introduction Before I started Classic Sailing, I used to sail on yachts at events like

Read More

CIC About Classic Sailing Community Interest Company

CIC – What is the Classic Sailing Community Crew?

Join the Crew Behind Our Sailing Bursaries In the summer of 2026, Classic Sailing became a Community Interest Company. For the last 30 years

Read More
explore the channel islands onboard tallship morgenster in june 2019

04/08 CIC About Classic Sailing Community Interest Company

CIC – Classic Sailing Community Interest Company – Support

Temporary page Classic Sailing CIC exists to widen access to traditional sailing, preserve maritime skills and support the future of traditional vessels through practical

Read More