First time to the Isles of Scilly

[dt4134]

I'm thinking about a first time visit to the Isles of Scilly from Plymouth in a 37' 1.8m draft yacht in August.
Which pilot book is recomended and can the forum offer any tips or advice.

Don't worry about the 1.8m draught, the least I've been there with is 2m. Just work out the tidal heights properly.

The much mentioned Scilly Pete's book is worth it as it allows you to recognise the transits & clearing bearings. Without it one rock might just look like any another.

Definitely get an Admiralty chart. The Imray chart is a bit lacking in detail.

 

[Sybarite]

I'm thinking about a first time visit to the Isles of Scilly from Plymouth in a 37' 1.8m draft yacht in August.
Which pilot book is recomended and can the forum offer any tips or advice.

If the wind is established from the west you will have a quieter mooring in Porth Cressa on St Mary's. And it's free. However you need to be prepared to move if the wind shifts to between south and east.

Zoom in on Google earth; you can see and learn a lot from that.

 

[Scillypete]

Hee He! so your keeping an eye on the thread then? If we do get to you, there is a glass of wine or two in the bottle for you.

I only look in now and then in between sailing and, dare I mention the word, work.

I am hoping you make it though I like a glass of wine (occassionally).

Fair winds

 

[Scillypete]

If the wind is established from the west you will have a quieter mooring in Porth Cressa on St Mary's. And it's free. However you need to be prepared to move if the wind shifts to between south and east.

Zoom in on Google earth; you can see and learn a lot from that.

You are quite right it is quieter in Porthcressa in those conditions but there are no moorings available that side it is anchoring only . . . . . so dig out your CQR's

 

[jimi]

Taster

 

[longjohnsilver]

Where's that Jimi, Old Grimsby? Have just spoken to a good mate who was heading between St Agnes and St Marys, second trip there already this year, lucky bugger!

 

[jimi]

Where's that Jimi, Old Grimsby? Have just spoken to a good mate who was heading between St Agnes and St Marys, second trip there already this year, lucky bugger!

Here's the view in the other direction from the same point, recognise it now ;-)

 

[longjohnsilver]

Looks fab, haven't been there this century. Hopefully will get there next month. And no, I don't recognise it!!

 

[Tanqueray]

Keep an eye out for easterlies in the channel, especially if you have deadlines for return - wind over tide against a strong easterly around the Lizard (to make Falmouth) can be a slog.

 

[jonnybuoy]

Scillies can be the most beautiful place in the world if you get lucky with the weather. Random picture but this is our dog Murphy enjoying himself in the water at Gugh (St Agnes) which I imagine is an idyllic anchorage as long as the wind not blowing straight in.

 

[TiggerToo]

Do take a few tripper boats to other islands

Enjoy it, it is paradise when the sun's out

NONONONO take YOUR boat: it is MUCH more satisfying to sail to your next anchorage.

It is paradise, though. Even when the sun is not out. And go and explore the islands and their hidden treasures. Pop in to say hello to Scillypete...

 

[TiggerToo]

Not the Caribbean!

 

[Channel Sailor]

You are quite right it is quieter in Porthcressa in those conditions but there are no moorings available that side it is anchoring only . . . . . so dig out your CQR's

No, not CQRs aorund these islands. You need a Delta or maybe one of those more recent designs. IMHO CQRs will not set in the very light fine sand that can be found in some Siclly Isles coves (St Agnes), and they will not dig in to the very hard sand in other bays (Green Bay). A fishermans may even have their uses here as a lunch hook (Eastern Isles). CQRs seem to take more of a drag distance to dig them in, which in the Siclly Isle means you are too close to the next boat or you have run out of water depth. I would leave the CQR at home. CQR and mud is fine. BTW, my CQR is currently demoted to a garden ornament.

 

[snooks]

NONONONO take YOUR boat: it is MUCH more satisfying to sail to your next anchorage.

Not if you want to go to St Mary's

Yes you can take your own boat, but if you're in the safest anchorage for the wind direction, why loose your spot by moving to a more exposed harbour?

The inter island ferries run a good regular service though most conditions, so if you don't want to move you don't have to

 

[Anwen]

This was my favourite

Samson

 

[Scillypete]

No, not CQRs aorund these islands. You need a Delta or maybe one of those more recent designs. IMHO CQRs will not set in the very light fine sand that can be found in some Siclly Isles coves (St Agnes), and they will not dig in to the very hard sand in other bays (Green Bay). A fishermans may even have their uses here as a lunch hook (Eastern Isles). CQRs seem to take more of a drag distance to dig them in, which in the Siclly Isle means you are too close to the next boat or you have run out of water depth. I would leave the CQR at home. CQR and mud is fine. BTW, my CQR is currently demoted to a garden ornament.

Well after 18 years of CQR anchoring Here and no dragging, I think I'll stick with it

 

[brianhumber]

Returned after some years from Falmouth in one hop last year, it does not change much. Although fine, residual swell meant I stayed between Tresco and Bryer which was nearly full with boats from all over Europe. Others in our rally reported a rolly old time on St Marys bouys, we stayed put all week and went around by the frequent inter island ferries.

A grand place to go, you should make every effort. However a scoot back to Falmouth if depressions are forecast is a must if you want peace of mind.

In settled weather coming back to Chichester, we left at first light to just make the tidal gate at Lizard on that day and thus got as far as Dartmouth by 11pm, so Plymouth should be well within scope.

Brian