Private Charter Sailing to the Isles of Scilly

YOUR SAILING AREA

Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, UK

With some of the clearest, warmest waters the UK has to offer, the Isles of Scilly is the perfect destination for a sailing holiday! Walk barefoot on sandy shores, spot marine life and seabirds galore and experience the charming history of the UK’s most southerly archipelago – there is no better way to see this beautiful destination than by boat. Our main aim will be to make the 28-mile crossing over the Isles of Scilly with a fair weather window but if the weather is not in favour then an alternative sailing plan will be decided to explore the wonders of the coast of Cornwall instead.

Spend your days with a fine balance of fair-wind sailing and onshore exploration. The sunny and mild weather means you’ll be able to laze about on the beach with a book or enjoy a quiet walk around one of the many uninhabited islands before returning to the comfort of Emma Claire for dinner.

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the isles of Scilly

These stunning islands feature large stretches of deserted white sandy beaches, dramatic rocky coves, stunning seascapes, amazing archaeological sites, beautiful walks and scenery along miles of coastal and country paths and nature trails. Remember to pack your swimsuits too, as the Isles of Scilly boasts some of the clearest water in the UK which makes for beautiful open-water bathing.

Out of the 55 islands, just 5 are inhabited and each has its distinct character. Tresco is home to a beautiful botanical garden, which has some exotic rare plants unable to grow anywhere else in the UK.  Sampson has been uninhabited since 1855, is known as the haunted island and is steeped in folklore. The beaches of St Martins are some of the best in the world and Bryher is dotted with lagoons and rocky outcrops. St Agnes is the artisan island bursting with creativity while St Mary’s is the “capital” with the largest population. Depending on the weather you’ll be able to visit where you like, as each of them is accessible easily by boat.  

Anchor up in crystal clear waters before hopping aboard the tender to explore the islands ashore. Once you have crossed to the Scillies, the main focus will be to give guests the chance to explore the islands.

Read more about sailing in the Isles of Scilly

Wildlife Watching

The Isles of Scilly are a haven for wildlife, especially migratory seabirds who often nest here. It’s a birdwatcher’s dream, so bring your binoculars and your guidebook. You’ll most likely encounter seals somewhere along the way as they love the rocky shores, and you may be lucky enough to be joined by dolphins as you make the sea crossings there or back. Puffins are some of the Scillies’ most famous inhabitants, but they’re increasingly rare these days so keep those eyes peeled.

Private charter Sailing

With the wind and weather in mind, Chris can be flexible to the wishes of your group. You can guide on how many sailing hours to shore time you would like. Younger families may wish for a more relaxed voyage, whereas more experienced sailors may want longer hours under sail – the choice is yours. 

You can get involved as much or as little as you’d like on board Emma Claire. Experienced skipper Chris will be on hand to show guests the ropes if they wish. Learn basic sail theory, hone your skills in chart reading or just simply relax on deck with a good book and watch the world glide by! 

All voyages for Emma Claire

Emma Claire

Guest berths: 4 Rig: Masthead Sloop

Offering guests bespoke private charter sailing holidays around Devon, Cornwall, France and the Caribbean, Emma Claire is a modern yacht owned and skippered by RNLI coxswain Chris and his wife Bryony. Sleeping six guests in comfortable private cabins, she is the perfect size for small groups of friends or family looking for that unique holiday experience. 

Built in 1996, she has technically passed into her “vintage” era but continues to showcase her Italian design and build very well. She has been lovingly maintained over the years, and you’d be hard pushed to find another model of her age in such good condition.

With a modern winched masthead sloop rig, sailing her is straightforward; Chris can comfortably sail her single-handedly. That being said, she is a great boat to learn the sailing basics; hoisting, winching, taking the helm and some basic navigation can all be taught if guests wish. Her hull shape and sloop rig make her a comfortable and stable boat to sail on, so she makes a great boat for coastal sailing for those wanting to try something new and learn the ropes.

Below Decks

The perfect size for bespoke private charters, Emma Claire can sleep up to four guests in a combination of two double cabins and a twin bunk cabin. There are two bathrooms, both with pull out showers (if needed) and a generous saloon with cushioned seating, dining table and a well-equipped galley.

Above decks, she has a comfy cockpit and plenty of deck space to sit back, take in the coastal views, feel the salt air in your hair and relax into the rhythms of life on the water.

Life on board Emma Claire

Sailing with modern yacht Emma Claire is perfect for small groups of friends or families looking for a unique group holiday experience on the water. Offering bespoke private charter sailing along the southwest coast of Devon and Cornwall, Brittany and even winters in the Caribbean, Emma Claire can sleep up to four guests in private cabins.

Emma Claire is a great-sized boat for beginners and small families alike looking for a skippered sailing charter in a safe environment. Skipper Chris is an RNLI coxswain for Salcombe lifeboat so his experience and relaxed nature make sailing with him a real pleasure.

GETTING INVOLVED

Emma Claire’s rig is simple and modern, running on an electric winch system, so there is no hauling old ropes on this boat! She’s a great boat for guests to get a taste of comfortable modern rig sailing. Skipper Chris is more than happy to get guests involved and show them the ropes.

From basic sail theory to taking the helm and helping with anchoring, there is always plenty to do on board even if you’ve never stepped foot on a boat before. That being said, if guests just want to experience the relaxed rhythms of life on the water and switch off from the demands of the modern world, then that’s also encouraged in equal measure!

SLEEPING AND RELAXATION

Above decks, there is ample space to sit out, relax and enjoy the views. The comfy cockpit is a great place to sit and watch the landscape go by as you feel the wind in the sails. Emma Claire also has a stand-up paddle board and an inflatable canoe for guests to use while on anchor along with fishing lines if you fancy your hand at catching some dinner!

Below decks, there is a generous saloon with a large sofa area, dining table and galley. There are three private cabins (2x double and 1x twin) and two saloon bunks all sharing two well-appointed toilets. Each toilet has a pull-out shower if and as needed but most showers will be taken onshore in the marina facilities.

As each voyage is a bespoke private charter, the food will be considered and planned based on the group’s needs and requirements. Chris’ wife Bryony is a trained chef who used to run her own catering company so you will certainly be well fed while aboard!

kit list

Emma Claire has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases so please bring your items in a soft bag or rucksack.

We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy-drying layers. Below is a list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those who have sailed before may have their preferences!

• Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
• Swimsuit and swim towel (if you’re brave enough!)
• Lightweight, quick-dry clothes (base layers, fleece and synthetic tops are both lightweight and quick-drying)

It can be quite a few degrees colder out at sea so please bring lots of layers even if the forecast seems like a warm week.

• Warm, windproof and waterproof coat/lightweight trousers. (Chris has some offshore sailing jackets if needed)
• Sun cream (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Sunglasses and a warm hat/cap
• Small personal first aid kit and any medication you may need
• Camera/binoculars
• Personal wash kit (please use reef-safe, eco products where possible)
• Charging cables for personal devices
• A good book to read!
• Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring

Eating Aboard 

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list. Please note, this is an example of what is on offer.

Breakfast

• Bacon, eggs, Sausage and tomatoes
• Our gluten-free granola with buckwheat, organic oats nuts and seeds
• Local croissants and our often homemade preserves

Lunch

• Local cheeses, fruit and our pear and date chutney
• Smoked haddock chowder and crusty bread
• Houmous, olives, warm pitta and Greek salad
• Gruyere and leek tart with a green salad and new potatoes
• French onion soup with a cheese crostini

Dinner

• Chillie with guacamole, nachos, sour cream
• Beef goulash with caraway, sour cream and new potatoes
• Chicken breast with tarragon and mushroom sauce, hassle back squash and mashed potato
• Meatballs with a fresh tomato sauce and buttery noodles, salad
• Chickpea and sweet potato curry
• Mediterranean fish stew with aioli

Dessert

• Chocolate truffle pots with raspberries and whipped cream
• Berries, cream and Meringues
• Lemon posset with langue de chat biscuits

What’s Included

• Full Board (breakfast, lunch, dinner*, snacks and soft/hot drinks)
• All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet) and a wash towel
• Full crew plus tuition
• Marina and fuel fees
• All tender trips to and fro the boat
• Lifejacket

What’s not included

• One dinner ashore to experience the local cuisine
• Alcohol
• Swim towel
• All flights
• Transit hotels
• Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
• Travel Insurance
• Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
• Crew tips
• Personal expenses

Travel insurance notes

As this is an active adventure holiday, we advise that everyone has the appropriate personal accident travel insurance whilst onboard in addition to standard travel insurance which would cover you in the time between making your booking and departing for your adventure. These policies can sometimes be combined so please check with your travel insurance provider.

Please read more information on our Insurance guidelines page.

This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  All meals are included in the price where stated (Breakfast, lunch, dinner, hot drinks). Some voyages may offer meals ashore.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, all diets can be catered for. Please check with the office for any allergy information.

• Are there any added extra's?

  There is an honesty bar onboard for soft drinks and alcohol. Excursions shore are not included.

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4 guests in 2x double berths, 1x twin cabin

• Is there a porthole in my cabin?

  Yes, all cabins have either a porthole or a hatch.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  2 bathrooms, both with showers.

• Is bedding included?

  All bedding and wash towels are included. Please bring a swimming towel if you wish to swim. Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.

• Is there a hairdryer on board?

  No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!

• Will I be able to wash my clothes?

  No, Emma Claire does not have laundry on board.

• Is there heating/air conditioning onboard?

  There is heating and an air temperature exchange.

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English.

• Is there WIFI?

  No! It's time to disconnect from the modern conforms and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes - There are 12v, plus a 240v inverter with sockets in the saloon, we do have 240v in all cabins when on shore power or the mobile generator is running.

• What is the currency on board?

  GBP - pounds sterling.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• How do I get on and off the boat?

  Emma Claire is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  There are some for guests to use in an emergency.

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• Does the boat have any water toys?

  There is one inflatable paddle-board and one inflatable canoe for guests to use free of charge.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are at all worried to take some medication 24 hours before departure.

• Is there an age limit?

  Over 12's for normal voyages but private charters depend on the families experience.

Travel Planning

From: Falmouth Haven

To: Falmouth Haven

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

GETTING THERE

Falmouth Haven Marina, Cornwall

PARKING

You can leave your car at any of the Long Stay car parks with a weekly or overnight ticket. You can pay using the JustPark app on your phone which can be easier. Try Church Street, The Quarry or The Dell.

BY RAIL

There are direct trains with Great Western Railway to Truro from starting routes of Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Central and London Paddington. Once at Truro station, you will need to change onto the Maritime line to Falmouth Town Station.

BY AIR

The quickest way into the county during the spring/summer months, Newquay Airport requires taking either a taxi to Truro Train Station for the onward rail travel, or a taxi direct to Falmouth.

STAY IN FALMOUTH

There are plenty of places to stay in Falmouth. Try The Chain Locker, Cutty Sark Inn or Seaview Inn.