Sailing Holidays to the Isles of Scilly

Why we love the Isles of Scilly

A granite archipelago where the boundary between the land and sea is re-drawn with every tide. The Isles of Scilly are part of Cornwall, but have an island culture and climate shaped by Atlantic Ocean and warm Gulf stream that flows past the islands. The islands and reefs are separated by deep blue channels slowly reconnect as glittering white beaches emerge with the falling tide. The rippled seabed exposed reveals starfish where we once sailed with hand bearing compass held tight.

Explore the Isles of Scilly Under Sail

We have a select collection of traditionally rigged sailing vessels visiting the Isles of Scilly.  They navigate safely between the myriad of rocks and along the channels. You will able to island-hop, beachcomb, wildlife watch, snorkel in crystal clear seas and chill out amongst the sea pinks.

At the end of the day you can watch the ocean sunset from wooden decks or enjoy the camaraderie of fellow travellers as you plan the next day’s adventure.

Interesting Tidal Navigation & Offshore Passage

You could just participate in the steering and sail handling and let the professional crew take you to the Scillies, but there is plenty to learn to if you want more involvement. A voyage to the Scillies has everything a keen sailor or adventurous beginner could want.

No experience is required and most people come on their own – but certain vessels may be more suited to families, beginners or couples. Just get in touch and we can help point you in the right direction – Contact Us.

Keep reading for details on the islands, the vessels that sail there and what to expect on an Isles of Scilly Classic Sailing holiday.

Passage Making to the Isles of Scilly

For the experienced sailor, it provides a terrific opportunity to brush up on your skills in offshore watch-keeping, identifying landfalls and traditional pilotage. If you already have a RYA day skipper then this is a great trip to see tidal curves, transits and clearing bearings in action in a more advanced context.

The passage from St Mawes or 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. If you start from Newlyn the distance is shorter but you still have 35 miles of offshore sailing with big ships passing Lands End, fast tides, and long ocean swell, so it still feels pretty ‘out there.’

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