Tag: isles of scilly

Our Top 5 Skippered Sailing Holidays in the UK

November 10, 2022

Skippered sailing holidays in the UK

Whether you’re an experienced sailor or you’re new to the nautical world and are wanting to try a sailing experience, our incredible range of skippered sailing holidays in the UK offer an adventure to suit everyone.

Why Choose a Skippered Sailing Holiday in the UK?

The benefits of a skippered sailing holiday, where you can book a berth, cabin, or even the whole boat, are extensive. Firstly, you’re able to truly relax, knowing that a fully qualified crew and skipper are taking care of all safety measures and planning the best sailing routes, whatever the weather. This gives you plenty of opportunity to learn the ropes and get hands on with sailing the boat or sit back take in the view – the choice is yours! Secondly, all meals are included in the ticket price of our skippered sailing holidays in the UK which are prepared fresh each day by a dedicated chef on board. Time on the water can certainly boost your appetite so you can be sure of good quality local produce and freshly baked treats with a warming cuppa along the way. With all other distractions of a busy life out of the way, you can truly relax and enjoy all the benefits that come with spending time out on the water, immersing yourself in the natural world whilst discovering new destinations.

1. Skippered sailing holidays in the Hebrides
For many, the search for a skippered sailing holiday in the UK starts with the renowned Hebrides. This enchanting collection of Scottish islands are undoubtedly best explored by boat, with each isle different from the next. These world-class sailing waters are home to a fantastic array of wildlife; from whales to basking sharks, sea birds to seals, otters, deer and even the occasional orca pod! Our skippered sailing holidays in the Hebrides provide plenty of time to wildlife watch whilst soaking up the breathtaking scenery, anchoring in deep lochs and exploring the rich and varied landscape ashore.

Steady Eigg Sailing
Scotland Jura
Jura

Tempted? Join Dutch ketch Steady to sail this ancient landscape in comfort. Or climb aboard beautiful yacht Stravaigin for some of the best wild swimming opportunities in the world. If you’d like to learn more about the Hebrides, read our journals about sailing the Hebrides, the Small Isles, and the islands surrounding Mull.

2. Skippered Sailing Holidays to St Kilda
Steeped in mystery and wonder, the uninhabited isles of St Kilda are known as ‘the islands at the edge of the world’ and for good reason. Now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site for both natural beauty and cultural significance, St Kilda has earned its place on many a bucket list. Only accessible by boat, these alluring isles are one of our top picks for a unique skippered sailing holiday in the UK. Approaching the islands, one can’t help but appreciate the wild beauty and sheer remoteness, marvelling at how the residents fared until their evacuation in 1930. Stepping ashore, you will uncover the eerie remnants of civilisations combined with sweeping vistas across the iconic sea stacks and rugged natural landscape, populated with an abundance of native flora and fauna that can’t be found elsewhere.

Zuza St Kilda Scotland anchor

Sail here with tall ship Blue Clipper to immerse yourself in traditional sailing, or join expedition yacht Zuza for smooth and steady sailing to St Kilda. Make sure to read our journal to learn more about sailing with Zuza, or read more about sailing to St Kilda.

3. Skippered sailing holidays in Devon
Fondly referred to as ‘the English Riviera’, pretty Devon offers some of our favourite skippered sailing holidays in the UK. And the good transports links available means Devon is the perfect place to while away a long weekend. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced sailor, Devon is a great choice for getting out on the water offering a fabulous combination of sheltered waters and exhilarating coastal sailing. Enjoy time exploring traditional fishing towns, sail through tranquil rivers, and soak in the magnificent views from deck.

Pilgrim of Brixham Dartmouth sailing
Escape dartmouth sun
Our Daddy sunset devon

Devon is home to historic ship Pilgrim of Brixham, offering traditional coastal sailing adventures in South Devon. Or spend some time on board classic yawl Escape for short breaks – perfect for beginners and families! Read our journal to learn more about beginner sailing in Devon, or discover the best hidden bays of Devon.

4. Skippered Sailing Holidays in Cornwall
The home of VentureSail, our list of skippered sailing holidays in the UK wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Cornwall. Sail and explore an incredibly diverse and ever-changing coastline, discover hidden coves and deep estuaries, marvel at the towering dramatic cliffs, and visit quaint traditional harbours to enjoy a pasty or Cornish ice-cream. Rich in maritime history, Cornwall is home to a treasure trove of local legends including tales of pirates, smugglers and even the odd mermaid or two!

Venturesail-Cornwall-St-Mawes-aerial

To experience traditional Cornish life at sea, join Grayhound – a replica of a 17th Century Cornish lugger. For hands on tall ship sailing, step on board historic ketch Bessie Ellen to explore the Cornish coastline. Or try some exhilarating sailing on pilot cutter Pellew – entirely handcrafted in Cornwall! If you’d like to learn more about sailing in Cornwall, read our seasonal guide to sailing in Cornwall, the history of Cornish pilot cutters, or discover life on a Cornish lugger.

Isles-of-scilly-Agnes-aerial

5. Skippered sailing holidays in the Isles of Scilly
If you’re looking for a skippered sailing holiday in the UK that feels just a touch more exotic, venture to the sub-tropical archipelago of the Isles of Scilly. The crossing from Cornwall is truly exhilarating, offering incredible sailing with majestic views of the west Cornish coast. A slower pace of life can be found on the Scilly Isles, allowing you to relax on deck and take in the view, swim or snorkel in incredibly crystal clear waters whilst basking in the warmer-than-average temperatures. Often described as ‘a place like nowhere else in England’ you would be easily forgiven for thinking you’re on a sailing holiday in the Caribbean. The remote nature of this archipelago means a sailing holiday is the only way to discover it all, with plenty of time to step ashore to roam the islands at will. From incredible walking trails, to archaeological sites, powder soft deserted beaches and tempting eateries, there is plenty to occupy every traveller. And after a heavenly day exploring, lie back to take in the star-filled skies – the Isles of Scilly are an official Dark Sky area proffering magnificent star-gazing opportunities. 

Venture to these incredible isles with pilot cutter Pellew. Learn more about sailing the Isles of Scilly by reading our island by island guide.

If a skippered sailing holiday in the UK sounds like it might be for you, or would like to find out more please don’t hesitate to get in touch! You can reach one of our friendly team on 01872 487288, or at [email protected].

Scintillating Scilly

January 25, 2019

Bryher Summer boat isles of scilly sailing holiday

Located just 25 miles from Lands End in Cornwall, these magical islands sparkle like jewels in a silver sea, surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters, adorned by soft white sandy beaches which back onto lush tropical gardens, crowning pink granite cliffs. Life here is unhurried. And this unique holiday destination is a well kept secret by all who visit, and what better way to explore the archipelago than by sail?

Just a short hop from mainland Cornwall, passing the infamous Wolf Rock lighthouse, the islands seem to be born from the sea. St. Agnes is often a favourite anchorage where you can kick off your shoes and take a relaxing walk up to the lighthouse before heading to the cosy Turks Head, a charming traditional pub with stunning views across the water.

Clear harbour on Scilly Isles St Marys Sailing holiday

Life’s simple pleasures are the name of the game here. Swim – you must – off the sand spit between Gugh and Aggie, shake yourself off with a short walk to the Bronze Age burial mound, Obediah’s Chamber, before climbing back on board. Sailing out round Western Rocks, Bishops Rock lighthouse stands tall and proud, defeating Atlantic storms, protecting ships against the jagged teeth-like rocks for over 100 years. It is here you may see the endearing puffin, along with countless dolphins feeding in the shallower waters around the coast.

No Scilly voyage is complete without a stop at the narrow channel between Bryher and Tresco. Here, dominated by Hangman’s Rock, the clear waters are sheltered from the booming Atlantic swell beyond and a sense of calm reigns. Don’t be fooled by the small size of these two islands, there’s plenty to entice you onto dry land and explore. The world famous Tresco Abbey Gardens are home to a plethora of subtropical flora and fauna, plus a red squirrel population. If the botany isn’t for you then simply let your eyes absorb this natural wonder.  Striking Agapanthus are everywhere along with brightly coloured tropical flowers which line the walking paths – where no cars are allowed.

Red squirrel Tresco Isles of Scilly Sailing

You will soon discover that foraging is an important part of life afloat and shrimping in the shallow channel here at low tide is the best way to spend a few hours getting to know your fellow crew . Not to worry if you don’t succeed, we head across to Bryher and get hold of a feast of freshly caught lobster or crab for your supper back on board in the cosy cabin.

View of Bryher and Tresco channel

Exploring the seas around Scilly provides plenty of excitement for the mariner, strong tidal currents make navigating the narrow passages challenging, so your skipper would love to get you involved in plotting courses to those secluded beaches that beckon. All the channels are well marked, however some of the more remote anchorages use rocks as beacons, so a good lookout is imperative, adding to the thrill of holidays afloat.

Life on Scilly is not all quiet however and busy St Mary’s harbour is a hub of activity with rowing pilot gigs, famed as wreckers, the daily arrival, and departure of the Scillonian ferry (during high season), a supermarket and of course locally made clothing. Busy pubs and great cafes make St Mary’s a great day out but do hire a bike to see the best of this island. Quaint Old Town and the church where Prime Minister Harold Wilson is buried, Porthellick where Admiral Cloudesley Shovell washed ashore after wrecking the Naval fleet. Perhaps make for Juliet’s Café, deemed to have the best view in the Scillies, where you can’t help but be drawn to stop, sit and take a moment to reflect on life.

Isles of Scilly St Martins
Bryher Summer boat isles of scilly sailing holiday
Bryher in the Isles of Scilly
Isles of Scilly ancient maze

Once really cannot describe the magic of Scilly, it’s what you make of it, the sunsets, the peace, your ship rocking gently at anchor, the smell of nature and of course the beauty of your little ship and all who sail in her. Arrive home in Newlyn, utterly relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to take on the world once more. But sshhh, don’t tell everyone your secret.