Scilly Isles sailing holidays

Scilly Isles sailing holidays are like nothing else in the UK thanks to their sub-tropical climate and astonishing natural beauty.  Their landscapes boasts a plethora of dramatic, rugged coastlines – steep rock faces and deep inlets caused by the continuous pounding of huge rollers coming in from the Atlantic Ocean. Arriving to the islands by boat is truly magical with an exciting 28 miles* sail acrossfrom Cornwall. Our fleet depart from Plymouth, Penzance and Falmouth and will sail over to the islands in a day, depending on the wind direction. Join wooden pilot cutter Pellew, tall ship Blue Clipper or heritage ketch Bessie Ellen to make the journey.

Composed of five inhabited islands – St. Mary’s, St. Martin’s, St. Agnes, Bryher and Tresco (with its world-famous Tresco Abbey Garden ) – the entire archipelago is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and it’s easy to see why. There are also numerous uninhabited isles to explore too, each offering a safe haven for wildlife and seabirds.

*As the Isles of Scilly are 28 miles from any other landmass, you will need adventure sailing insurance that covers you for more than 12 miles off shore.

St Martins on the Isles of Scilly

Usually the first island you’ll see on the horizon with its red and white Daymark erected in 1683 welcoming you to Scilly,  St Martins is just two miles long yet it has some of the finest beaches in the British Isles, if not the world.

St. Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly’s largest island (population 1,800) and the gateway to the rest of the islands, St Mary’s main settlement is Hugh Town where you’ll find shops, pubs and a post office and plenty of places to sit with an ice cream and take in the view.

Bryher on the Isles of Scilly

The smallest of the inhabited islands on The Scillies, Bryher has some beautiful walks and scenery with just 80 people lucky enough to call it home. Hell Bay Hotel or the Fraggle Rock Pub for a light refreshment is a must for all guests.

Tresco on the Isles of Scilly

The second-largest of the islands, Tresco is a subtropical gem and home to the famous Abbey Garden, established in the 1830s by Augustus Smith. This horticultural paradise hosts a spectacular collection of more than 20,000 exotic plants from all corners of the world – many of which cannot be grown anywhere else in Britain.

St Agnes on the Isles of Scilly

The southernmost and smallest populated island of the Isles of Scilly is totally unspoilt and astonishingly peaceful. An island of extreme contrasts, with rocky outcrops on its exposed western side to serene beaches with the tranquillity of the sandbar between St. Agnes and Gugh on the other side.

Along with these main islands, there are also a plethora of smaller uninhabited islands that our boats love to explore during the summer months. Anchoring away from the hustle and bustle of island life and experiencing the wild side of Scillies.