Scilly Isles?

[zoidberg]

My favourite pilotage note is from the Scilly Isles pilot for entering Tean Sound from the north.

Yon Corner Rock is in an inconvenient place....

 

[jhr]

I've been to the Isles of Scilly several times, though mostly by courtesy of the Scillonian, albeit once with jimi and ParaHandy on jimi's last fine craft but one. A couple of important lessons: 1) the inter island boats can float on a puddle and the Scilly boatmen know the place down to the last inch - don't assume that you will be able to follow them without going aground; 2) Whatever you do, on no account go there with jimi ?. You'll find the full skinny here.

Being serious for a moment, the Islands are heaven on earth - you must go there some time.

 

[jhr]

Just to be clear, jimi didn't try and follow any of the boatmen but I have heard of several other people who have come to grief doing just that. The main hazard on our visit was my alleged pilotage skills ....

 

[Boathook]

I've been to the Isles of Scilly several times, though mostly by courtesy of the Scillonian, albeit once with jimi and ParaHandy on jimi's last fine craft but one. A couple of important lessons: 1) the inter island boats can float on a puddle and the Scilly boatmen know the place down to the last inch - don't assume that you will be able to follow them without going aground; 2) Whatever you do, on no account go there with jimi ?. You'll find the full skinny here.

Being serious for a moment, the Islands are heaven on earth - you must go there some time.

Nice report on the link given. I don't remember reading it but it was over 10 years ago .....

 

[TiggerToo]

You'll find the full skinny here.

fantastic read from 10 years ago. This reminded me: where has Morgana gone?

 

[mikefleetwood]

Some great advice re pilotage on this thread: all I'd add is:

• Be careful of tides and swell - if running - when negotiating narrow channels.
• Give your engine a once over - belts, fluids, etc. -- before getting into tight spaces.
• Have a few anchoring spots pre-sorted and plotted prior to arrival in case anchorage is busy.
• You asked re wifi signal to receive forecasts etc. : this will largely depend depend on the service provider. Each provider will have a coverage map which helps. I also find it useful to keep sims for a few providers.
• Keep a reasonable weather eye out and always have your vessel ready to move.
• Enjoy

I would add to that - it can dry in places you might not expect! We've walked from Tresco to Bryher. Could have walked to Samson too, but didn't have time.

 

[Sybarite]

The Scilly Isles were the only place I have ever been charged for water.

 

[TiggerToo]

The Scilly Isles were the only place I have ever been charged for water.

only the fresh water from the quay at Hugh Town, I suppose.

There is plenty from a tap at Tresco (but you need to carry the cans)
Admittedly, the salty variety can get scarce, at low tide

 

[jhr]

fantastic read from 10 years ago. This reminded me: where has Morgana gone?

Neil changed his forum name to Phoenix of Hamble when he sold Morgana and, erm, bought Phoenix of Hamble. Sadly, I haven't seen a post from him on here in several years. Having said that, I know one mustn't discuss certain subjects in these parts nowadays but if he's anything like me, he got fed up with some of the more extreme views espoused by certain members back in the day and decided to walk away - which is mostly what I've done, too apart from occasional interjections like this. He's still around however, because he and I are connected on LinkedIn and he posted something a couple of days ago

 

[TSB240]

Water is free on Tresco at both main landing sites with taps and Jerry cans. It can be obtained free with a Jerry can from the entrance to the HM office on St Mary's. We used to take water containers ashore on every trip ashore and found either these taps or obliging establishments that you frequent would also top you up.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

The Isles of Scilly are idyllic in fine weather. In foul, they are foul....

There were lots of boats damaged during the recent summer Storm Evert, and some serious distress calls and helo/lifeboat rescues. ( see other threads and Google Images for some detail and pics ) St Marys is NOT well sheltered - see below - and prudent skippers go elsewhere early when a blow is forecast.

One I know did the 'discretion better part of valour' thing and scarpered all the way back to the top of the Truro River. They had an uncomfortable night even snuggled up there ( snowflakes! )

I was in the Scillies during the Storm Evert, it was chaotic. I weathered the storm on the anchor in the Cove between Gugh and St Agnes gusting 55 knots for 15 hours. The Scillies are wonderful but be ready for bad weather that comes in very quickly and ready to move around for shelter. Also, there is a need for couple of good anchors and lots of good chain.

 

[jhr]

only the fresh water from the quay at Hugh Town, I suppose.

There is plenty from a tap at Tresco (but you need to carry the cans)
Admittedly, the salty variety can get scarce, at low tide

Fresh water is in pretty short supply, particularly in high season. Three four years ago istr the public loos being out of action on St Agnes, because of a shortage of water. I also str some of the basins in public loos on St Mary's being shut off to reduce the amount of water being used. There are no reservoirs on any of the islands, just two or three cisterns on St Mary's I think. There is an emergency plan that involves water being shipped in from the mainland and rationing being imposed if there is a serious shortage. Best to stick to beer....

 

[Seven Spades]

When we went we made the mistake of stopping for the night at Newlyn (no shore power) and then when we got to the islands after day two our house batteries were almost flat and we had to switch the fridge off. So you need to plan ahead if you don't have a generator or some other way of topping up your batteries.

 

[TiggerToo]

When we went we made the mistake of stopping for the night at Newlyn (no shore power) and then when we got to the islands after day two our house batteries were almost flat and we had to switch the fridge off. So you need to plan ahead if you don't have a generator or some other way of topping up your batteries.

I disagree. Stopping at Newlyn can be a good idea. Plenty of power available, usually, on the pontoon.

BUT

it is not a marina, it is a (proper) working harbour; fully serviced (i.e. with electricity) berths are in short supply, and cannot be booked in advance; they operate on a first come first served basis. Having said that, the official policy is to welcome anyone who turns up - they can usually find a place, rafted up against trawlers, or up against a harbour wall.

I actually love the place, and recommend going there, if timing is OK. Just don't expect it to be Sutton Harbour, or Lymington.

PS with all due respect, if you are really so reliant on shore power for normal operation, your leccy system is not up to cruising to the IoS. You need to have a chat with @PaulRainbow ... he will give you some good ideas

 

[Scillypete]

When we went we made the mistake of stopping for the night at Newlyn (no shore power) and then when we got to the islands after day two our house batteries were almost flat and we had to switch the fridge off. So you need to plan ahead if you don't have a generator or some other way of topping up your batteries.

wow, I keep my boat on a swinging mooring in St Mary’s, I dream of shore power connection but have no need for it, my fridge runs 24/7, it’s all about being self sufficient down here. Either fit a bigger more efficient alternator to your engine and/or think about adding some solar

 

[longjohnsilver]

I would add to that - it can dry in places you might not expect! We've walked from Tresco to Bryher. Could have walked to Samson too, but didn't have time.

Not only have we walked across the flats, but we’ve partied there!

 

[TiggerToo]

Not only have we walked across the flats, but we’ve partied there!
View attachment 123652View attachment 123653View attachment 123654

you see?

There is shortage of water on the IoS.

Toldya so

 

[johnalison]

The Scilly Isles were the only place I have ever been charged for water.

Heligoland also charges for water which is obtained by desalination. The duty-free makes up for it - something I remember was absent on Scilly.

 

[Seven Spades]

I disagree. Stopping at Newlyn can be a good idea. Plenty of power available, usually, on the pontoon.

BUT

it is not a marina, it is a (proper) working harbour; fully serviced (i.e. with electricity) berths are in short supply, and cannot be booked in advance; they operate on a first come first served basis. Having said that, the official policy is to welcome anyone who turns up - they can usually find a place, rafted up against trawlers, or up against a harbour wall.

I actually love the place, and recommend going there, if timing is OK. Just don't expect it to be Sutton Harbour, or Lymington.

PS with all due respect, if you are really so reliant on shore power for normal operation, your leccy system is not up to cruising to the IoS. You need to have a chat with @PaulRainbow ... he will give you some good ideas

I no longer have that boat. It was a Starlight 39 and when we stopped at Newlyn we were rafted and so no shore power. We had 2 X 110aH of lead acid batteries and no solar. Charging was either by engine and I was not going to run the engine at anchor it is bad for the engine without load. Four days was the limit of battery without charging if running the fridge etc, we had also used the autopilot sailing from Newlyn to Scilly which was another mistake in hind sight.

How long do you expect batteries to keep going without charge? I don't think that the power system on the Starlight was much different to most boats, perhaps some people are happy to sit at anchor withthe engines idling in neutral for hours on end? The advice I have given is good practical advice to someone who has never been there. If you don't have solar or a generator then power is a problem that has to planed around.

P.S. I was again in Newlyn this summer and I was again rafted up against a fishing boat and the fishing boat immediatly astern of us ran it engines all night filling out boat with fumes. It has to rank as the most unpleasant place I have ever berthed.

 

[TiggerToo]

I no longer have that boat. It was a Starlight 39 and when we stopped at Newlyn we were rafted and so no shore power. We had 2 X 110aH of lead acid batteries and no solar. Charging was either by engine and I was not going to run the engine at anchor it is bad for the engine without load. Four days was the limit of battery without charging if running the fridge etc, we had also used the autopilot sailing from Newlyn to Scilly which was another mistake in hind sight.

How long do you expect batteries to keep going without charge? I don't think that the power system on the Starlight was much different to most boats, perhaps some people are happy to sit at anchor withthe engines idling in neutral for hours on end? The advice I have given is good practical advice to someone who has never been there. If you don't have solar or a generator then power is a problem that has to planed around.

P.S. I was again in Newlyn this summer and I was again rafted up against a fishing boat and the fishing boat immediatly astern of us ran it engines all night filling out boat with fumes. It has to rank as the most unpleasant place I have ever berthed.

well, going to the IoS will test anyone without any capacity to generate their own electricity without running their engines. I'd not recommend the trip, Newlyn or not.