The Isles of Scilly, a captivating archipelago located just off the southwestern coast of England, offer one of the most rewarding sailing experiences for those seeking adventure and natural beauty. With crystal-clear waters, stunning sandy beaches, and an abundance of wildlife, these islands attract sailors from all over the world. The journey from Cornwall, either from Falmouth or Plymouth, presents a thrilling challenge for seasoned sailors, but it is a voyage well worth undertaking. The islands may seem like a distant dream, but they are closer than you might think—just 50 nautical miles from Falmouth and 94 nautical miles from Plymouth—making them a perfect summer sailing destination.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best routes to sail from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly, the conditions to be mindful of, anchorages, and the exceptional islands that await once you reach this sailor’s paradise.
How to Sail from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly
The journey from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly requires navigating open sea and braving the elements of the Atlantic Ocean. While the distance from Falmouth to the Isles of Scilly is about 50 nautical miles (nm), from Plymouth it stretches to around 94 nm. The passage from both locations requires preparation and careful planning, given the shifting tides, weather conditions, and the presence of submerged rocks and reefs.
Sailing from Falmouth to the Isles of Scilly
Falmouth, with its sheltered harbor and bustling maritime atmosphere, is one of the best starting points for a sailing journey to the Isles of Scilly. The route is straightforward but demands attention to detail, especially when navigating some of the area’s more treacherous features.
The total distance from Falmouth to St Mary’s, the largest of the Isles of Scilly, is approximately 50 nm. With good weather conditions, it takes roughly 12 hours to make the crossing. However, it’s essential to aim for a daytime arrival, as visibility plays a critical role in ensuring safe navigation. This is particularly important due to the presence of numerous unlit rocks that lie just offshore, waiting to catch unsuspecting sailors off guard.
Midway between Falmouth and The Lizard Peninsula, there’s a cluster of rocks known as The Manacles, which pose a significant hazard to mariners. Additionally, the waters around The Lizard Peninsula are notorious for strong tidal currents and overfalls, so sailors should carefully plan their crossing and time their passage to avoid unfavorable tides.
An alternative route from Falmouth involves stopping at Newlyn, a picturesque harbor situated on the opposite side of the Lizard Peninsula. From here, it is only a 6-hour journey to St Mary’s. This approach gives sailors more flexibility with timing, providing the option to wait for better weather conditions or take a more leisurely pace.
Sailing from Plymouth to the Isles of Scilly
Plymouth, located further east along the Cornish coast, is another excellent launching point for sailing to the Isles of Scilly. As the largest city in the South West, it boasts a variety of marinas and strong transportation connections, making it an ideal base for sailors exploring the region. The route from Plymouth to the Isles of Scilly is longer than the Falmouth route, covering approximately 94 nm. This journey can take anywhere from 14 to 18 hours, depending on conditions. For sailors looking to break up the trip, there are a couple of places to stop along the way, such as Helford River and Penzance.
Helford River: A Tranquil Stop
Helford River is an idyllic location for a brief stopover on the way to the Isles of Scilly. Situated between the Lizard Peninsula and Falmouth, this large estuary offers a peaceful retreat, with its 50 km shoreline dotted with coves, beaches, and sheltered anchorages. From Helford River, it’s another 55 nm to the Isles of Scilly. The serene waters of Helford River provide a perfect opportunity for sailors to rest, explore, and replenish supplies before continuing their journey.
Facing the Westerlies
For sailors venturing from Plymouth, the prevailing westerly winds can often cause delays and challenges. These winds, common in the region, can slow progress, especially for vessels heading westward. If you encounter unfavorable conditions, consider making additional stops at places like Fowey, a charming town located about halfway to the Isles of Scilly. While it may extend the journey, slowing down allows sailors to enjoy the stunning Cornish coastline at a more relaxed pace. It also provides an opportunity to wait for the weather to improve before continuing the crossing.
Sailing Conditions
While the journey from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly is manageable for experienced sailors, there are several factors that can make the passage more challenging. The key considerations include the open sea crossing, tidal streams, weather conditions, and potential underwater hazards.
Open Sea Crossing and Weather Conditions
Despite the relatively short distance—50 nm from Falmouth and 94 nm from Plymouth—crossing the open sea can still be a daunting experience. The Isles of Scilly lie on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, where sailors are subject to the unpredictable forces of the ocean, including strong swells and prevailing winds from the southwest or west. The best time to make the crossing is during calm weather, as rough seas can create dangerous conditions.
One of the most significant challenges is the presence of underwater rocks, shallows, and offshore reefs that can be difficult to navigate. Even though there are deep channels for much of the journey, these hazards require constant vigilance and the use of accurate navigation tools. A chart plotter, GPS, and updated nautical charts are essential equipment for ensuring a safe crossing.
Tides and Currents
Tidal conditions play a crucial role in the success of the voyage. The tides in the Isles of Scilly can be quite dramatic, with spring tides causing the water level to rise and fall by up to 20 feet. It’s vital to check tide times before setting off and to plan your crossing around favorable tide conditions. Avoid sailing during foul tides, as strong currents can make the journey more difficult and even dangerous.
Sailors should also be aware of the potential for rapid weather changes. Winds can shift unexpectedly, and storms can develop quickly in the Atlantic. Stay updated with the latest weather forecasts to ensure a safe passage.
Anchorages in the Isles of Scilly
The Isles of Scilly are made up of more than 140 islands, but only five of these islands are inhabited. These islands offer a wide variety of anchorages, each with its unique characteristics. As a sailor, you’ll find that the Isles of Scilly are a paradise for exploration, with plenty of sheltered spots to drop anchor and enjoy the beauty of the islands.
St Mary’s
The largest and most populated island in the archipelago is St Mary’s, which is home to around 75% of the island’s population. St Mary’s is the primary anchorage for most visiting sailors, and it features two main harbors: Porth Cressa and St Mary’s Pool.
Porth Cressa, located on the southeast corner of the island, offers protection from all directions except for south and southwest winds. St Mary’s Pool, on the northern side of the island, is similarly sheltered, although it can be exposed to west and north-westerly winds. Both harbors have swing moorings available for vessels of various sizes, and facilities such as fresh water, electricity, and Wi-Fi are available at the quayside.
Tresco
Tresco is another popular destination for sailors. The island is only two miles long but offers some of the most beautiful anchorages in the Isles of Scilly. New Grimsby Sound and Old Grimsby Harbor are two prime mooring spots on Tresco. New Grimsby Sound is particularly well-protected, while Old Grimsby Harbor offers deep-water moorings. The narrow isthmus between the two harbors allows sailors to move between them with ease. Outside the harbor limits, there are no restrictions on where to drop anchor, as long as you avoid the main ferry routes.
St Helen’s Pool
St Helen’s Pool, situated between Tresco and St Martin’s, is considered one of the most settled anchorages in the Isles of Scilly. The pool offers shelter from even the strongest winds, making it an ideal spot for those seeking calm waters to rest. Although the tides can be large and swells can be present, St Helen’s Pool is often less affected by rolling than other areas around the islands.
The Islands of Scilly: A Sailor’s Paradise
Once you’ve arrived at the Isles of Scilly, you’ll be greeted by an island group that offers both tranquility and adventure. Each of the inhabited islands has its own charm, and no two are quite the same.
St Mary’s
St Mary’s is the bustling heart of the Isles of Scilly, with a small population of around 1,800 people. The island offers a variety of shops, galleries, and restaurants to explore. Visit the Garrison Walk to learn about the island’s history and take in stunning views of the surrounding area. The island is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride around its picturesque streets.
Tresco
Tresco is known for its luxury feel and serene beauty. The island features the world-famous Tresco Abbey Gardens, home to a vast collection of subtropical plants and flowers. It’s also a great spot to enjoy chic dining, luxury accommodations, and a relaxed island atmosphere.
St Martin’s
St Martin’s is renowned for its unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters. The island is perfect for those looking to explore by foot or by boat. Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel among the resident seals, and be sure to enjoy the stunning beaches that are considered some of the best in the UK.
Bryher
Bryher is a smaller island with two distinct personalities. The sheltered side is perfect for nature walks and watching migratory birds, while the wild west coast of the island offers dramatic views of the Atlantic and the aptly named Hell Bay. The island’s charm lies in its unspoiled natural beauty and diverse landscapes.
St Agnes
St Agnes is the most southerly island and is known for its rugged beauty and hidden coves. It’s a paradise for hikers, with scenic walks leading to incredible views. Don’t forget to visit the island’s famous pub, The Turk’s Head, and explore the nearby Gugh Island, accessible at low tide.
Conclusion
Sailing from Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly is a journey that combines adventure, beauty, and the thrill of the open sea. With careful planning, a keen eye on the weather, and reliable navigation equipment, the crossing can be an unforgettable experience. Once you arrive, the Isles of Scilly will reward you with a peaceful, picturesque environment full of hidden coves, scenic beaches, and a unique island culture. Whether you choose to sail from Falmouth or Plymouth, the Isles of Scilly offer a perfect getaway for sailors looking to explore the natural wonders of the British Isles.
Happy Boating!
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