Annabel J - Isles of Scilly and Cornish Coast

Isles of Scilly on a Pilot Cutter

This archipelago of granite islands will take your breath away with their natural beauty and island hopping on an eye-catching boat will provide you with images you will always treasure. The offshore passage from St Mawes goes around mainland Britain’s most southerly point – The Lizard, past Wolf Rock. Still going almost due West we go south of Lands End and across to the Isles of Scilly. This voyage can be challenging or totally benign, but it is a route rich in sea mammals - we often see basking sharks, dolphins, and pilot whales, as well as a wealth of ocean seabirds.

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. You get a sense of achievement never found on a jet plane.

Exploring the Scillies

Annabel J  tries to enjoy a different anchorage each night :- The Cove on St Agnes with its disappearing sandy causeway; Old Grimsby or St Helens Pool under the sweep of Round Island lighthouse; the fjord like passage between Tresco and Bryher; The bustle of Hugh Town harbour; or chill out amongst the uninhabited Eastern Isles with only seals and Peregrine Falcons for company. The white glittering sands are reminiscent of the Seychelles, the turquoise waters are crystal clear, but the water temperature is refreshingly British! It is a paradise for divers so if you are into snorkelling please feel free to bring masks and wetsuits (we’ll squash them in somewhere !). 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. We often hire the expert guide services of Will Wagstaff – who lives on the islands and is an entertaining expert on its wildlife. The pilotage between the islands is complex and fascinating if you are interested in navigation. We sail when the tides or winds are right, either between the islands or around the edges.

Experience Needed

There is no experience needed for Isles of Scilly voyages on Annabel J but we ranks them as a harder than normal voyage. Sailing to the Scillies from St Mawes involves a 60-70 mile passage each way, which usually takes 10-15 hours sailing, which can be very tiring if you have never sailed before. Much of the passage is out of sight of land, and if we encounter unexpected rough weather it can take many hours before we reach a sheltered harbour.

Island Life Dependant on Boats

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

A determined beginner with a sense of adventure, and a realistic view to the possibility of seasickness on their first long day at sea, should quickly find their sea legs. After a fantastic first taste of offshore sailing – they can relax, stretch their legs ashore, and enjoy shorter hops under sail as we explore a stunning archipelago, with a friendly community that respects visiting sailors.

Weather

Please remember this is an active adventure holiday, influenced greatly by winds and tides. In the event of prolonged bad weather the Isles of Scilly can become unsuitable as a sailing area and the skipper may have to seek more sheltered sailing grounds.

For further information on the Isles of Scilly please click here

6 page mini-brochure about our Isles of Scilly voyages as a printable PDF