Sail to the Isles of Scilly. Covid-19 Compliant

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 truly 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 these 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
• Possible overnight sailing

Charlestown to the Isles of Scilly

Mascotte 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. 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 Charlestown you pass two famous headlands, the Dodman and the Lizard and the lonely Wolf Rock Lighthouse. 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, Mascotte 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.

 

Included

• Sailing Instruction
• Safety Equipment (Life jackets and harnesses)
• All meals to include refreshments throughout the day
• Bed linen, duvet, pillows
• Waterproof jacket and trousers - but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer

What is not included

• towels
• Alcoholic beverages
• Towels
• wellie boots

What to Bring

Please limit yourself to one soft bag or rucksack as there is limited storage space on board. No suitcases please! Anny does have waterproof jacket and trousers you can borrow in a variety of sizes. if you have your own outdoor waterproof of any type you might want to bring your own so you know you can get a good fit. If you need any advice please ring us on 01872 580022

• warm, windproof jacket for days when you don't want to wear a heavy 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.
• 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 Pilgrims deck too
• A small rucksack is useful for going ashore
• Camera, binoculars, sketchbook, a relaxing read.
• Passport for French 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.

Anny does not always have wine bottles for sale on board so you are welcome to bring modest quantities of alcohol e.g. to drink with evening meals, but drinking whilst sailing is not allowed.

Mascotte is a totally new vessel for Classic Sailing to promote, but she has been sailing with charter guests and as a private yacht for many years - mostly in Scotland but also in the Scillies and Norway.

Skippers from many of the other boats we have worked with have sailed in company with Mascotte and we have never personally heard a bad word about her voyages.

The many photos we have of Mascotte were taken by the co-founders of Classic Sailing Debbie and Adam when they have been out on Eve of St Mawes as skippers.We have raced against Mascotte and although she was 4 times the weight of our little pilot cutter Eve Mascotte was always sailed with perfect manners and courtesy and her guests always looked like they were having fun with former skipper Richard Clapman.

We are thrilled the former mate with Richard and Mascottes relief skipper Huw has taken over the the main skipper of this big pilot cutter and historic heirloom.

You won't have to take our word for much longer.

As soon as we have the first guest feedback we will update this page.

The largest surviving Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Mascotte is 60 ft on deck. Built in 1904 in Wales and restored in Gloucester Mascotte is a magnificent example of Welsh maritime history. She is now offering short sailing breaks around Cornwall from her new home port of Charlestown Harbour.  

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