Skyelark Scillies 2022

Your adventure sailing holiday in the Isles of Scilly aboard Skyelark will begin in the maritime port of Plymouth.

You’ll be setting sail and heading South down the Cornish coast and crossing a 28 mile stretch of the Atlantic in order to reach the near-tropical archipelago of the Isles of Scilly.  The Isles of Scilly has some of the clearest, warmest waters the UK has to offer. Walk barefoot on white sandy beaches, spot marine life and seabirds galore and experience the charming history of the UK’s most southerly archipelago.

Setting the sails

Life at sea is never predictable, so exactly where you sail with Skyelark will be decided by the wind and tide. Wherever you sail, luxury and comfort is at the top of the list.

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. Perfect for solo adventurers, couples or families, Skyelark has been designed for elegant sailing, speed and comfort both above & below decks! Getting involved with hoisting sails, navigation and being on hand to tack and jibe can offer some exhilarating fun as she speeds through the waves.

Discovering the Islands

The Isles of Scilly feature dramatic rocky coves, stunning seascapes, amazing archaeological sites and beautiful walks along large stretches of glistening white sandy beaches. Remember to pack your swimsuits too, as the Isles of Scilly boasts some of the clearest water in the UK which makes for wonderful wild swimming.

Enjoy fair wind sailing across the islands and take advantage of the mild climate. Relax on the beach with a book or enjoy a quiet walk around one of the many trails and uninhabited islands before returning to the comfort of Skyelark for dinner.

Out of the 55 islands, 5 are inhabited and each with its own distinct character. Sampson has been uninhabited since 1855 and is known as the haunted island, steeped in folklore. Tresco is home to the famed botanical gardens, with exotic rare plants that are unable to grow anywhere else in the UK.   The beaches of St Martins are some of the best in the world and Brhyer is full of blue 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 tender or taxi boat.  

Read more about what the Isles of Scilly has to offer here.

 

Wildlife Watching

It’s a birdwatcher’s dream, so be sure to bring your binoculars. The Isles of Scilly are a haven for wildlife, especially migratory seabirds who often nest here. You’ll most likely encounter seals 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.

Under the stars

After a day of sailing in the Isles of Scilly, each meal onboard Skyelark will be home-cooked using locally available ingredients where possible, resulting in the most delicious spread of food.  With minimal light pollution, the Isles of Scilly have some of the clearest skies you’ll have ever seen so make use of Skyelark’s generous seating area on deck and eat beneath the stars.

*Please note that although Skyelark is a very sea-worthy boat – if the weather conditions mean that making the Isles of Scilly crossing put guests or crew in any danger, an alternative (just as beautiful) Cornish sailing will be given.

There are currently no voyages scheduled. Please get in touch with the VentureSail team to find out what’s available, or if other upcoming voyages might be suitable.
Call us in the Office on 01872 487288 or email [email protected], and we will be happy to help you find your next adventure!

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Skyelark

Guest berths: 8 Rig: Sloop

Skyelark is a luxury Oyster 62 sailing yacht, built for elegance and speed whilst maintaining the utmost comfort for her guests both below decks and while under sail.

Designed and built as a competitive pedigree to match her beautifully drawn lines and sumptuous interior she has had many successes in ocean races and regattas.

Her sloop rig and modern design mean sailing with her can be done with just two people and she is an excellent boat to learn the ropes during your sailing holiday.

Below decks, private cabins are beautifully appointed and a well thought out layout means she is suitable for a variety of travellers; single sailors, couples or private charters of family or friends. Skyelark has a spacious saloon and a generous galley where the crew will prepare healthy and home-cooked meals after a days sailing. with full air conditioning, Webasto heating and quiet flush heads, staying abord Skyelark is more akin to a hotel than a boat!

On deck there is a large, safe and family-friendly cockpit, a lounging deck and transom seats. There is always somewhere comfortable to be, either for socialising or some quiet reflection.

A  removable bimini over the cockpit keeps the sun or the rain out, and if the weather is inclement at anchor, then a full cockpit enclosure keeps everyone snuggly warm, whilst maintaining the alfresco views.

Oyster 62’s are known to circumnavigate with young families on board or sail to the Arctic reaching 80 degrees north. Oyster 62 ‘s offer the perfect package of speed, elegance, luxury and easy, safe comfortable cruising – Skyelark is certainly one of the finest examples. She spends her summer sailing the UK, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly with voyages around Scotland and the Hebrides before sailing winters in the Caribbean.

Take a look inside!

Deck plan

More about Skyelark

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 food and drink is included in your ticket price* *On 10 day Caribbean voyages, 4 meals (lunch or dinner) are to be eaten ashore to get the full Caribbean experience.

• Are there any added extra's?

  No, unless you go ashore. Excursions are not included.

• Are drinks included?

  Yes.

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please ask at the time of booking.

• What language is spoken onboard?

  English

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• What are the sleeping arrangements?

  3x Twin, 1x Double and 1x VIP cabin if req.

• How many toilet/showers does she have?

  3 bathrooms, all with showers.

• Is there WIFI?

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

• Can I charge my phone/Camera?

  Yes

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes

• Are Waterproofs provided?

  No

• Do I need sailing experience?

  No, absolutely not! Just a lust for adventure.

• 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 bedding included?

  All bedding and wash towels are included. Please bring a swimming towel if you wish to swim ashore.

Travel Planning

From: Plymouth

To: Plymouth

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

PARKING:

You can try the Mayflower Marina carpark; £5 for 24 hours, spaces permitting. It’s advised to ring ahead to check availability. Alternatively there is a free 24 hour car park, Mutton Cove, which is a 10 minute walk to the Marina – Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4LB

BY RAIL:

Plymouth is the most convenient train stop for the Marina. There are direct trains with Great Western Railway to Plymouth from Penzance, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Central and London Paddington, and Edinburgh with CrossCountry trains. From their the quickest route to/from the Marina is a 5-10 minute taxi ride.

BY COACH:

You can travel by coach directly with National Express from route starting points of Birmingham, London Victoria, Bristol or Penzance. Or you can travel direct to Plymouth Coach Station with megabus and then get a taxi to your accommodation or the Marina.

STAY IN PLYMOUTH:

There are plenty of places to stay in Plymouth. Try Bistrot Pierre, Duke of Cornwall Hotel or The Imperial.