How bad is Scilly swell?

[Anita]

We're planning to head for the Scilly Isles this summer but I've been put off by tales of swell in the anchorages and I get v sick when we're moored in a swell. Can anyone advise on how bad it is? We have bilge keels so could anchor in the shallows or dry out.

 

[jeanne]

I always used to head for New Grimsby, between Bryher and Tresco. It has the best all round protection of any Scilly harbour, and if the forecast was bad, we would fit our legs and move inshore to Green Bay on Bryher.
I would not have been happy on legs if there was even a slight swell, so I guess it was OK.
There are lots of ferries to visit other islands, and learn a bit of pilotage, and when you have a feel for it, you can start to move about yourself.
Take a shrimp net, a mackerel line with feathers, (good for pollack too), and try Green Bay at Low water for clams.

 

[benlui]

Sailed down there for a week last year, and plan to spend a week there next month while on route for France. Ask around with the locals as to what swell directions cause what problems and where.
Last year, we watched the weather very closely, and more so the direction of the swell. I use www.magicseaweed.com
It does mean moving around a bit to avoid it. We had some moderate swell down there last year, but relocated ourselves to suit every few days which paid off, and we didn’t once have anything uncomfortable. Saying that, i guess no matter how careful you are you may still get caught out on it, as a swell in one direction, could cause a swell in the harbour in another direction due to bouncing from shores etc.
Enjoy your trip, I can’t wait!!!
There is a great place to have a drink and a pint on Bryher on the 1st floor of a small wee place, which we accessed from the pier on the Tresco side.
.

 

[TiggerToo]

As others have said, there are plenty of places to tuck up out of harm's way. Some of us on Tigger also suffer "anchorage swell", but we always managed to find a swell free anchorage.

 

[Scillypete]

At the moment it is not good, and when there is a swell running such as now then it is difficult to get away from it. usually only occurs when we have conditions in the atlantic such as now, with a low pressure hardly moving and also fairly vigorous. Conditions such as this are only seen a few times a year and then mostly in the winter, but not unknown during the summer months. As Benlui has said be prepared to move around as it is possible to find better shelter. It is quite amazing to see so many yachts hanging onto the visitors moorings in the harbour in some horrible conditions, when a short move round to Watermill cove or elsewhere would give them shelter and a more comfortable time. Generally there is always somewhere that you can get some shelter, even more options if you can take the bottom.
Don't be put off by the doom mongers, during an average summer it would be a rarity to get caught in such conditions, but you should still be prepared for it.

the pub on Bryher Benlui is referring to is the Fraggle rock.

 

[Channel Sailor]

I would recommend Green Bay which dries, or one of the Grimsby Sounds, also The Cove is good. Not St Mary Harbour Bay. Or go in a catamaran and not be troubled by the swell anyway.

 

[Anita]

Thanks for all the advice - looking forward to that drink at Fraggle Rock!