The Isles of Scilly are made up of an archipelago of five inhabited islands and a number other small rocky islets 28 miles off Lands End and are the most south westerly point of the British Isles.

The islands are blessed with an exceptionally mild climate due to their lying in the path of the Gulf Stream and being warmed by the North Atlantic Drift. The Scilly’s are a beautiful haven of golden sandy beaches, sheltered anchorages, wildlife, peace and tranquility.

Nicknamed the ‘Cornish Caribbean’ The Scilly Isles are a 65 mile passage from Falmouth or a 35 mile passage from Newlyn or Penzance.

Arriving under your own sail is an amazing and rewarding way to reach these pristine islands.  St Mary’s harbour offers the visiting yachtsman, mooring buoys, water & showers as well as access to the shops.  There are also mooring buoys between the islands of Tresco and Bryer.  There are pubs on all the off islands each with their own beautiful setting and vista.

There are plenty of sheltered anchorages around the the islands but yachtsman need to keep an eye on the weather as conditions can change rapidly.  In a strong blow, swell sweeps into St Mary’s harbour as well as some of the anchorages in lee of the islands.  The best advise is to head back to the mainland if a storm is forecast.

The Scilly’s are truly unique and are an inspiring place.  Sailing there is challenging, especially the pilotage…but that makes it even more rewarding.

Falmouth is a great staging post for a ‘Scilly’s Trip’, but if the weather doesn’t work in your favour, the Channel Islands & Northern France are only 100 miles away.