2021 SEASON Sail to the lovely Isles of Scilly on a Topsail Schooner

IDEAL VOYAGE FOR …

Adventurous beginners and sailors who love the mix of a coastal passage to find your sea legs, and then a short offshore passage beyond Lands End where you are truely out in the Atlantic Ocean. In the Scillies your landing stage is usually a beach, so if you like wild anchorages without marine type facilities then thes wildlife and nature voyages are for you.  For those who have not been to the Isles of Scilly expect scenery not too different from the Seychelles, glistening blue sea water, stunning deserted beaches and 360 degree panoramas from anchorages where there is no light pollution. Bird watchers, wildlife photographers, Robinson Crusoe types and sunset watchers will love this place.

Full Voyage Description

• Unique group of granite islands
• Sub tropical gardens, flower fields & heather moorland
• Good for bird watching, dolphins and seals
• Clear waters for snorkeling but bring a wetsuit!
• Intricate navigation and traditional pilotage to learn
• 100 mile passage
• Dazzling white sand beaches

Plymouth to the Isles of Scilly

Johanna Lucretia is a good choice for a voyage to the Scillies. She is big enough to be comfortable when sailing offshore. With a long waterline her cruising speed is better than smaller vessels which should give you a fast passage to the Scillies (she is similar in size to Irene). Once at anchor in a beautiful setting, whether it is the Cornwall mainland on route or the Scillies, you have wide decks and plenty of places to sit and absorb the panoramic views. Ashore you can stride out around an island, clamber around the the granite tors, bird watch or beach comb. In Spring there are puffins and shearwaters and in the late summer the seas are having their pups.

On a sailing voyage nothing is guaranteed and the sailing itinerary may not be always adhered too. Skippers will always aim for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast including all or some of the highlights described below, but you have to go with mother nature and not fight her. The description below is based on what Classic Sailing think might be possible based on past trips and experience. The Scillies does not have a single port or anchorage that is sheltered for all wind directions so if the forecast indicates bad weather or high swell then the skipper may have to seek our alternative sailing grounds. the crew will always endeavour to provide a holiday adventure as close in spirit to a ‘Scilles’ voyage as they can.

Spot Marine Wildlife along the Way

Leaving Johanna Lucretia’s home port of Plymouth you can sail the whole length of the Cornish South Coast. Look out for dolphins and basking sharks where the tides run the fastest. Good spots are off the Lizard, Epsom Shoal, Wolf Rock, Lands End and as you approach the Scillies

Depending on the weather, Johanna Lucretia may make a stop in South Cornwall on her way to the Scillies but if the winds are perfect she may sail there in one long hop.The thrill of spotting the Isles of Scilly when this fascinating archipelago first appears over the horizon never goes away, however many times you visit. Choosing and making your destination in the Scillies is greatly cherished because not only do you arrive in style under sail but you have been part of the journey, your effort and team work has made it possible. Worth a pint in the Turks Head in fact.

Exploring the Isles of Scilly 

By sailing west to the Isles of Scilly and anchoring in quiet bays, you will get to know this fabulous archipelago from a sailor’s point of view. You can sail among and round the rocks, from island to island, often using intricate pilotage. 

Look out for Atlantic grey seals in the Western rocks or in among the kelp beds. Take the opportunity to snorkel or swim in the clear water of Scilly’s many wonderful bays, or ramble round on foot to experience the local flora and fauna. 

The white glittering sands are reminiscent of the Seychelles, the turquoise waters are crystal clear, but the water temperature is refreshingly British!  Exploring ashore is a key part of the holiday with tropical Tresco Abbey Gardens to visit, or you can wander lonely as a cloud over purple heathland or beach comb amongst the oystercatchers. The pilotage between the islands is complex and fascinating if you are interested in navigation. 

There is NO light pollution on the Scillies so star gazing at night is exceptional and words can hardly prepare you for the sunrises and the sunsets enhancing the peace and tranquility that these beautiful islands will offer you whilst sailing on a beautiful traditional boat. 

 

Island Life Dependant on Boats

In the Scillies there are no marinas or places, so there is a lot of getting in and out of dinghies, and the anchorages are typically remote with limited or no facilities ashore.

 

WINDS, WAVES & WEATHER

This voyage involves remote anchorages and the possibility of a bit of a roll in any swell, even in calm weather. The ship would not go to the Scillies in bad weather or big seas but it can still be quite exciting on the passage out and back. This voyage would be similar to a cross channel voyage in terms of offshore sailing. Between the islands there is some sheltered water sailing but it depends a bit on wind direction. The climate is often more sunny than the mainland and sub tropical plants grow well here.

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 on 01872 58 00 22 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

 

Kit List

Included

• Bed linen, duvet and pillow
• Life jackets and harness lines
• Offshore waterproof jackets and trousers. 

What's Not Included

• Alcohol to have with meals when not sailing. 

What to Bring

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

• 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.
• 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.
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
• Passport for all Voyages. (UK Customs Vessels can do spot checks anywhere around the coast, even if the ship is not going abroad. If you don't have a passport please contact us for advice)
• (an EHIC Form from Post Office - Reciprocal Free Health Care in Europe)
• Any medication, spare spectacles. Seasick tablets - check with your Doctor, which brand if you suffer from asthma or are on medication.
• Musical instruments are always welcome. 
• A small amount of alcohol to have onboard during meals, when not sailing.

 

Meeting a wonderful professional crew. The boat was beautiful and the care taken to make the trip engaging, fun and exciting was brilliant. The catering was top notch and the dining arrangements ideal to chat, laugh and become friends with all on board.

 

The crew of the Johanna Lucretia could not have been better. High professional standards combined with a friendly welcoming approach. Who could ask for more? - By Susan L. Guest Crew 2019

 There was no 'best bit' - it was all marvellous! Loved the sailing, the food, the company, the time ashore - and we had really lovely weather, which helped!

The enthusiasm of the crew, both for the Johanna Lucretia and for the work of the Island Trust, was infectious. The fact that they clearly enjoyed sailing and teaching others how to sail made all the difference for us 'first timers'.

 

"Totally excellent. I can not praise the crew enough, rarely do you find four individuals so well suited to their occupation. What ever was happening they were more than willing to show and explain what was happening and what to do. I learnt a lot. The food was always brilliant even under some quite rough conditions. 
It would be good if it could be arranged so as we could climb aloft to enhance the experience even further.
I will certainly be back for another voyage!" - Isles of Scilly Trip on Johanna Lucretia 

We would love to see your photos of Johanna Lucretia if you have sailed on her in her long life as a charter and sail training vessel

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