Isles of Scilly Sailing with Tall ship Irene

YOUR SAILING AREA

Isles of Scilly

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.

(Please note, 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.)

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Island Hopping

After your tour and safety briefing, you’ll start your adventure sailing holiday leaving Newlyn behind as you work down the coast before making the sea crossing to the Scillies. The crossing can take 10-12 hours and will need to be made in a good weather window. After you’ve spotted the classic Cornish landmarks of the Minack Theatre and waved goodbye to Land’s End, some tropical scenery is in store for you on 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 own 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. Dependent 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.

All voyages for Private: Irene

Private: Irene

Guest berths: 10 Rig: Ketch

From an Edwardian cargo vessel to floating family home and now a chartered sailing vessel, Irene’s had a fascinating life. She’s been the darling of the silver screen, sank in the Caribbean, towed across the Atlantic and re-built in Cornwall. Now she earns her keep sailing guests around the Cornish coast and the Isles of Scilly. Her most recent re-fit has seen the addition of all the mod-cons and safety equipment you’d expect of a modern day charter boat. She carries a crew of professional mariners who love sharing their passion for this old lady of the seas.

From sailing the Cornish coast to exploring the beautiful archipelago of the Scilly Isles, Irene’s sailing holidays range from weekend breaks to week-long explorations taking in some of the most stunning sailing destinations in the UK.  From beginners to old hands there’s something to suit all experiences and whether you’re solo travellers or a couple, Irene certainly welcomes all.

Traditionally rigged with a full time crew, Irene encourages guests to actively involved in all aspects of sailing. From taking the helm, hoisting the sails and general rope work, the crew are well versed in taking complete novices and guiding them through all they need to know to make the most of their tall ship sailing holiday. Below decks she has been well-considered with private ensuite cabins and even a luxury state room with its own lounge area, double bed and bathroom. Her generous saloon has space for relaxing, ample dining space for those hearty home-cooked meals after a day in the sea air and a generous galley where the onboard cook will keep you fed from start to finish.

Read more here about what to expect from Life onboard Irene.

More about Private: Irene

Life on board Irene

Sailing with tall ship Irene requires no previous sailing experience to jump aboard – only a lust for adventure! With private ensuite cabins, she’s perfect for couples and solo travellers looking for a new adventure experiencing what’s like to sail with a traditional tall ship.

Getting involved

Under the guidance of her fully trained crew, you are invited to get actively involved in all aspects of sailing Irene. From hoisting her sails, trimming the ropes, taking the helm and getting her ready for anchor – this truly is a hand-on sailing holiday perfect for those that want to learn more about life aboard a historic classic boat. Irene has been sailing Cornish waters for over 100 years! Her first cargo voyage to Penzance was recorded in 1907 so she is certainly no stranger to this beautiful coastline.

A Typical Day

Depending on the weather, a typical day would likely see the sails set after a hearty breakfast with a good few hours sailing. Lunch will likely be served under way or on anchor before spending some time exploring the islands and choosing an anchorage for the night. The crew will be as flexible to guests wishes as they can so if you’re wanting to spend a whole day on an island and want to opt out of sailing for the day, please do let them know!

Sleeping and Relaxation

Her dedicated crew will be on hand at all times to point you in the right direction with her dedicated chef freshly cooking all meals on board. With private ensuite cabins and large communal space below decks, there’s plenty of space to relax after a day of sailing if star-gazing on deck doesn’t take up too much of the evening!

Read more about what to expect from Life onboard Irene here.

SAMPLE MENU FOR IRENE

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list! Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.

BREAKFAST

• Scrambled eggs, mushrooms and avocado on toast
• Freshly baked banana bread, fruit compote and yoghurt
• Porridge
• Toasted breakfast muffin with mushrooms, bacon and hollandaise sauce

ELEVENSES/AFTERNOON CAKE

• Pistacchio and orange cake, limoncello, carrot cake

LUNCH

• Home-made hummus with dukkah, tomato and chorizo salad, puy lentil, pomegranate and feta salad.
• Bacon comte and leek quiche. Roasted butternut squash with sage and garlic butter, warm green bean salad
• Chicken enchiladas, guacamole, red onion salsa, chive sour cream
• Salmon gravlax bagels  with cream cheese, saute potatoes and roasted garlic aioli

DINNER

• Chicken leek and mushroom pie, purple sprouting, mashed potato
• Sticky Asian pork belly, teriyaki glaze, egg fried rice, stir fry pak choy, carrot, lime, sweet chilli salad
• Lamb Dhansak, jasmine rice, naan breads
• Pan-fried fillet of hake, crushed minted pea, potato wedges, shallot caper and dill sauce

DESSERT

• Caramel baked flat peaches with hazelnut semi freddo
• Treacle tart, clotted cream
• Blueberry cheesecake tart and cream
• Cardamon panna cotta, mango and mint salsa

What’s included

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

What’s not included

• Any 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

What’s not included

• Alcohol
• Wash and/or swim towel
• Waterproofs
• Any 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.

FAQ

• Are all meals included?

  Yes, all meals on board are included in the price (breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks - alcohol is not included).

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know when making your booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  4x twin ensuite cabins, 1x state

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  5

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you should easily be able to reach 3G/4G from the shore.

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes.

• Is there an age limit?

  No, children are fine as long as parents assume full responsibility and they bring their own dated, inflatable lifejacket.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes. But not children's ones, they must be brought with you.

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.

• 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.

Travel Planning

From: Newlyn

To: Newlyn

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

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BY RAIL

Penzance train station is a 10 minute drive from Newlyn Harbour. There are direct trains with Great Western Railway from Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Central and London Paddington into Penzance. 

BY AIR:

Newquay Airport is generally the quickest way in/out of the county during the spring/summer months. There are direct flights from a number of UK airports. A taxi ride is approximately 1 hour to Newlyn. 

STAY IN NEWLYN:

There are plenty of places to stay in and around Newlyn. Try The Ship Inn Mousehole, Artist Residence Penzance or The Queens Hotel Penzance.