Yacht Charter: Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sailing Holiday

Yacht Charter from Falmouth: Sailing the Coast of Cornwall to the Isles of Scilly

Falmouth → Cornish Coast → Isles of Scilly (St Mary’s, Tresco, St Agnes, St Martins, Bryher) → Falmouth

Join Emma Claire in Falmouth, one of Cornwall’s finest natural harbours and a town with maritime history running through every street. It’s a natural starting point for a voyage west along the Cornish coast, where rugged cliffs give way to charming fishing villages, hidden coves, and warm, clear waters that feel more Mediterranean than North Atlantic on a good summer’s day.

The coast of Cornwall between Falmouth and Land’s End is some of the most dramatic in England, with a succession of headlands, sea stacks, and small working harbours that reward those who approach from the water. Skipper Chris knows this coastline well and will make the most of the wind and conditions as you work your way towards the crossing, anchoring in sheltered bays and exploring ashore where time allows.

The crossing to the Isles of Scilly is approximately ten hours, a proper open-water passage, and one of the highlights of this yacht charter to the Isles of Scilly. It cannot be guaranteed, as it is entirely weather-dependent, but Chris will monitor the forecast carefully and time the crossing to give you the best possible chance. There is no better way to arrive in the Scillies than by sea, with the islands emerging from the Atlantic horizon being a moment that stays with guests long after the voyage is over.

The Isles of Scilly: Exploring the Archipelago by Boat

Of the 55 islands and islets that make up the Isles of Scilly, just five are inhabited, and each has its own distinct character and charm. With Emma Claire as your base, exploring the islands at your own pace is one of the great pleasures of arriving here by yacht.

Tresco is perhaps the most celebrated of the islands, home to the famous Abbey Garden – a remarkable botanical garden of exotic and rare plants that cannot grow anywhere else in the UK, sheltered from the Atlantic by the island’s low hills. St Mary’s is the largest and most populated island, with the best selection of shops, cafés, and the archipelago’s main heritage sites. It’s a good base for provisioning and a wander through the island’s surprisingly rich history.

St Martin’s has some of the finest beaches in the world, with white sand and turquoise water that wouldn’t look out of place in the Caribbean. Bryher is wilder and more rugged, dotted with lagoons and rocky outcrops, and perfect for those who want to walk and find their own quiet corner of the islands. 

St Agnes, the most southwesterly inhabited island in the UK, has a strong artistic community and a wonderfully unhurried pace of life. And then there’s Samson, uninhabited since 1855, steeped in folklore and well worth a visit by tender for those who like their history with a touch of mystery.

Life on the Islands: Swimming, Walking & Slow Exploration

Once across to the Scillies, the pace shifts entirely. The main focus of the time on the islands is exploration – on foot, or simply by anchoring in crystal clear water and slipping over the side for a swim. The water here is some of the warmest and clearest in the UK, with seals and seabirds for company; it is an experience quite unlike anything on the mainland.

Each day brings a delicate balance of sailing between the islands and time ashore. Walk barefoot on deserted sandy shores, follow coastal paths between rocky headlands, or simply find a quiet spot on an uninhabited island and let the afternoon unfold. The wildlife across the archipelago is exceptional – puffins, gannets, and oystercatchers are a common sight, and Atlantic grey seals haul out on the more remote skerries throughout the summer season.

You can get involved as much or as little as you like aboard Emma Claire. Skipper Chris is on hand to teach basic sail theory, chart reading, or simply to take the helm while you settle into the cockpit and watch the islands go by. The choice, as always on a private charter, is yours.

Life Aboard the Modern Yacht Emma Claire

Built in 1996, Emma Claire is a Grand Soleil — a well-regarded Italian-built yacht that has been lovingly maintained and remains in exceptional condition. Her hull shape and sloop rig make her a comfortable, stable platform for coastal and offshore sailing alike, and her modern winched rig means she handles the ten-hour Scilly crossing with ease.

Below decks, she sleeps up to four guests in two private cabins, with a double and a twin bunk, and two bathrooms (one dedicated to guests). A generous saloon with cushioned seating, a dining table, and a well-equipped galley. Above decks, a comfortable cockpit and open deck space make it easy to relax, watch the sea, and settle into the rhythm of life offshore.

• Cabins: Double cabin and twin bunk cabin, both private
• Bathrooms: Two bathrooms, one dedicated to guests
• Meals: A well-equipped galley for home-cooked meals on board
• Sailing style: Relaxed and flexible – as hands-on or laid-back as you like
• Skipper: Chris, RNLI coxswain with extensive local knowledge

Things to note

Sailing vs Shoretime

Night Watches?

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.