Sub-Tropical Island Explorer: Pilot Cutter Sailing to the Isles of Scilly
Select your preferred date
- Vessel: Pellew
- Where: Falmouth, Cornwall
- Duration: 7 days
- Embark: Customs House Quay - 16 August 2025, 12:00
- Disembark: Customs House Quay - 22 August 2025, 10:00
Prices from
£1,425.00€1,638.75 Per Person.
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Discover the breath-taking archipelago of the Isles of Scilly situated off the coast of Cornwall on board a Cornish Pilot Cutter from Falmouth.
Join pilot cutter Pellew in her home port of Falmouth in Cornwall as she takes guests on an exhilarating sub-tropical sailing adventure to the archipelago of the Isles of Scilly.
Experience the serene beauty of the UK’s most southerly archipelago by walking barefoot on sandy shores, spotting marine life and seabirds, and exploring the charming history of the islands. Although the 28-mile crossing may take about 10-12 hours, it is definitely worth it! You can spend a peaceful week island-hopping in some of the clearest and warmest waters that the UK has to offer.
- Isles of Scilly
- Skippered sailing
- Island hopping
- Traditional rig
- Suitable for beginners
- Great for solo travellers
- Wildlife watching
- Full Board
- Tickets & Booking
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Kit list
- Sample menu
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
Your Sailing Area
Isles of Scilly
Start your adventure sailing holiday leaving Falmouth on the horizon as you work down the Cornish coast before making the sea crossing to the Scillies. If you’re new to sailing, don’t worry – the crew will guide you in exactly what to do, even if you’ve never stepped foot on a boat before. Pellew is designed for speed and agility, so a sense of adventure is a must as you get involved with hoisting sails!
Life at sea is never predictable, so exactly where you explore on Pellew when you get to the Scillies will be decided by the whims of the wind and tide. She is designed to sail in the wildest of seas whilst giving her crew and guests utmost safety and comfort.
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(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.)
Discovering the Islands
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.
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 Pellew for dinner.
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 Brhyer 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.
Read more about sailing in the Isles of Scilly here.
Wildlife Watching
The Isles of Scilly are a wonderful destination for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly those interested in migratory seabirds that frequently nest here. If you’re a fan of birdwatching, you’ll find yourself in paradise, so don’t forget to bring your binoculars and guidebook. You’re likely to spot seals basking on the rocky shores, and if you’re lucky, you might even encounter dolphins during the sea crossings. While Puffins are some of Scilly’s most renowned inhabitants, they’re becoming increasingly scarce, so keep your eyes peeled.
All voyages for Pellew
Pellew
Guest berths: 8 Rig: Pilot Cutter
Pellew is a faithful recreation of the Falmouth Pilot Cutter Vincent, originally built in 1852 and based in St Mawes she was a familiar sight on the Fal estuary for 70 years, eventually retiring from service in 1922. Today, the spirit of tradition lives on and Pellew is strongly built to sail the oceans of the world with her guests travelling in utmost comfort and safety.
Originally designed and built for speed and seaworthiness, these sturdy vessels would carry pilots out to sea, meeting ocean-going ships arriving with cargos bound for Europe. Whatever the weather and however rough the seas these courageous cutters were an integral part of maritime life in the south-west of England.
With her vast sail plan, think fast, invigorating sailing with the lee rail kissing the waves, Pellew is certainly not for the faint-hearted. So if you are looking for that next adventure at sea on a beautifully powerful wooden vessel, then Pellew is the boat for you.
Below decks
You are welcomed into a cosy saloon with cushioned seating around a large table and a generous galley. Delectable home-cooked meals will be freshly-prepared on board by our dedicated cook using locally sourced produce wherever possible. The 8 guest berths are arranged around an open-plan cabin with a shower and two toilets for guest use.
She is oak framed throughout and planked with locally sourced Douglas fir mast and spars. Although she is tiller steered, she does have two large electric capstan winches to help get the sails up and in. Guests are welcomed and invited to get involved in the sailing of Pellew. In fact, it will be hard not to want to feel first hand, the power of this beautiful boat as glides seemingly effortlessly through the water.
She will usually sail with a skipper, mate and dedicated cook, with a fourth crew member joining for longer voyages. She will be spending her sailing season exploring the coasts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, the Channel Islands, the Breton Coast and exploring the majestic isles of the Scottish Hebrides.
Life on board Pellew
Pellew is one of the fastest pilot cutters of her time, so a lust for adventure is certainly a must, and sailing with her is not for the faint-hearted! You don’t need any experience to join her as the friendly and professional crew are always on hand to show you the ropes.
You’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals and the crew love to share their knowledge with guests, showing them the ropes and feeling the wind power in the sails. They welcome as much or as little participation as you want – from pulling up sails, sheeting in and steering, and even navigation.
A typical Day
After breakfast, Pellew usually sets sail for a day on the water, with the aim of reaching a new destination by evening. We enjoy exploring hidden coves and tranquil anchorages where we can spend the afternoon ashore and the night under the stars while enjoying our freshly cooked dinner. All meals will be freshly prepared onboard by a dedicated cook to the highest standards. Guests can expect mouth-watering breakfasts, freshly baked bread, delectable lunches and dinners, and an abundance of homemade cake!
Sleeping and Relaxation
As you step into the main saloon, you’ll be greeted by a cosy and sociable space with cushioned seating around a large table next to a well-equipped galley. The wooden finish of the interior adds to its traditional charm and makes it feel like a warm and inviting space.
Moving towards the fore of the boat, you’ll find an open-plan cabin with eight guest berths arranged in twin bunk beds. The boat features a generously sized shower room and two toilets exclusively for guest use, ensuring that everyone on board has access to the necessary facilities.
Kit list
Pellew has limited space for possessions so please be considerate and travel as light as possible. There is no storage for rigid cases – please bring your items in a soft bag.
We recommend a travelling light principal with lots of lightweight, easy drying layers. Below is list of recommended items, these are not mandatory and those that have sailed before may have their own preferences!
- Fingerless gloves for hoisting sails (sailing or cycling are best)
- Walking boots/shoes for onshore & light shoes/trainers (with good grip)
- Wash towel – micro fibre are lightweight and quick drying!
- Swimsuit and swim towel
- 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
- Waterproof trousers
- Waterproof boots or clean wellington boots
- 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 (there are 12v USB sockets to charge devices in each bunk)
- A good book to read!
- We advise sleep masks and/or ear plugs!
- Consider a small backpack/bag for onshore exploring
What’s included
- Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, 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
- There are off-shore jackets available for guests when sailing but please bring your own waterproof for time ashore.
What’s not included
- Wash and/or swim towel
- Alcohol
- 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.
This voyage will be more than 12 miles offshore.
FAQ
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Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks) Alcohol is not included.
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
Meat eaters and vegetarians only please!
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Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.
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What are the sleeping arrangements?
Shared quarters, 8 berths in the open fore cabin with easy access to a toilet
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Is there a porthole in my berth?
There are deck hatches in the fore cabin.
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How many toilet/showers does she have?
2 toilets, 1 shower for guests.
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Are bedding and towels provided?
All bedding is provided but please bring your own towels. Micro-fibres are a great lightweight, quick-drying alternative.
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Is there a hairdryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
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Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Pellew does not have laundry on board.
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Is there heating onboard?
Yes.
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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
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What language is spoken onboard?
English.
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Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G.
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Can I charge my phone/Camera?
Yes, each bunk has a 12v USB charging port.
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What is the currency on board?
GBP - pounds sterling.
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Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
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How do I get on and off the boat?
Pellew is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up and over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.
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Are Waterproofs provided?
There are off-shore jackets available for guests when sailing but please bring your own waterproof for time ashore.
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Do I need sailing experience?
No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure and a want to get actively involved.
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Does the boat have any water toys?
No.
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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.
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Is there an age limit?
Preferably over 12's accompanied by an adult on a 1:1 ratio but please check with us in the office as each voyage is different.
Gallery
imageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageimageTravel Planning
From: Customs House Quay
To: Customs House Quay
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.
GETTING THERE
Falmouth, Cornwall
PARKING
You can leave your car at any Long Stay car park with a weekly or overnight ticket. You can pay using the JustPark app on your phone which can be easier. Try Church Street TR11 3RQ or The Dell TR11 3HP.
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.