A Week in the Isles of Scilly: Uncovering Hidden Wonders

Sailing Isles of Scilly: Planning, Mooring, and a Sample Week

You need to plan every Isles of Scilly sailing trip around the tides, shelter, and quickly changing weather. Most crews use visitor moorings at St Mary’s Pool and New Grimsby Sound, rather than relying on free anchoring, and keep schedules flexible for wind-against-tide conditions. Expect clear rules about where you can anchor, variable mooring fees, and the need to check the latest details before you go.

Key Anchorages for Sailing Isles of Scilly

St Mary’s Pool and New Grimsby Sound are the main overnight stops, but your plan should always match your boat’s draft, the forecast, and your crew’s appetite for going ashore or riding out a blow.

St Mary's Pool

• Location: Just outside Hugh Town, this is the main sheltered anchorage for the Isles of Scilly. It fronts the primary quay, with visitor swinging moorings and anchoring areas for deeper-draft boats outside the harbour limits.
• Costs and rules: Anchoring outside harbour limits is typically free, but inside the harbour, anchoring is controlled and visitor moorings are charged. Fees and rules change—always confirm the latest rates with the Harbour Office before arrival.
• Exposure: Sheltered from northeast through south winds. Exposed to winds from west through northwest. Avoid overnighting here if the forecast shows west, northwest, or north-northwest winds; in these cases, have a backup like Crow Sound.
• Tidal and mooring notes: Tidal streams in the narrows can create a chop, especially with wind-over-tide. In peak summer, moorings may be rafted and tender space at the quay is limited. For a guaranteed alongside berth, arrive early and check in with the Harbour Office.
• Pilotage hazards: Approaches are straightforward in settled visibility, but be vigilant for ferries and local traffic. Watch for drying patches outside the channel near low water. Use up-to-date charts and pilot books.

New Grimsby Sound

• Location: The channel between Tresco and Bryher, offering protected water and access to Tresco Abbey Gardens and The New Inn.
• Charges and payment: Local mooring and anchoring fees apply—payment is often handled at The New Inn on Tresco or to a mooring attendant. Fees vary by season and buoy size; never assume overnight anchoring is free.
• Suitability: Sheltered from prevailing southerlies, but exposed to northerlies. Rocks and drying grounds mean you must use current charts and check your approach carefully.
• Pilotage hazards: The approach from the south is well-marked but narrow, with significant drying patches. Avoid entering on a falling tide or in poor visibility unless you know the ground.

Other Options: St Martin’s and Bryher

If the forecast turns wild, you can move between St Mary’s Pool, New Grimsby Sound, and more sheltered bays on St Martin’s or Bryher. The internal channels allow repositioning, but tidal timing is critical—do not attempt tight passages in strong streams or poor visibility. On St Martin’s, Higher Town Bay is accessible in settled conditions but exposed to easterlies. Bryher’s southern anchorages are small and can be crowded in peak season.

Mooring Options and Fees: What to Expect

You’ll use three main types of mooring: St Mary’s visitor buoys, island moorings (Tresco/Bryher), and occasional boatyard berths for maintenance. All fees and procedures can change—confirm with the relevant office before you sail.

All listed fees are indicative as of 2023. Charges can change with season, boat size, and local policy. Always double-check rates and payment methods before you set out.

St Mary's Harbour Visitor Moorings

St Mary’s offers approximately 38 deep-water visitor moorings, based on RCC Pilotage Foundation data: 28 for vessels up to 40 ft and 10 for 40–60 ft. For the latest numbers and any changes, check with the Harbour Office ahead of your trip. No anchoring is allowed inside the harbour limits—use the designated buoys or alongside berths.

Bryher Boatyard: What’s Included

Bryher Boatyard’s published mooring rate (most recently £20/day or £120/week) generally covers basic yard facilities and shore access, but not haul-out, cranage, or engineering work. If you need shore power, lifting, or storage, confirm exactly what’s included and what insurance documentation is needed.

7-Day Isles of Scilly Sailing Itinerary

A week gives you time to experience the main islands, adjust for weather, and avoid rushing. Here’s a sample route with distances and practical notes:

• Distances are approximate and depend on route/tide. Always check weather and tide windows for each leg.
• Allow flexibility; if strong winds are forecast, spend extra nights at St Mary’s or New Grimsby Sound.

Return Passage and Weather Window Planning

The crossing between the Isles of Scilly and the mainland is exposed, with limited shelter once underway. Plan your return for a settled weather window—westerlies are common, and strong winds can make the passage uncomfortable or unsafe, especially for smaller yachts.

• Weather windows: Use the UK Met Office inshore waters forecast and cross-check with GRIB models. Wait for at least 24–36 hours of settled winds from the south or east if possible.
• Departure timing: Plan to leave with a favourable tide and daylight. Early morning departures allow you to arrive on the mainland with margin before dark or worsening weather.
• Contingency: Always have supplies for an extra 2–3 days in case you need to wait out a blow. If you must leave in marginal conditions, consider alternative ports on the Cornish coast (Newlyn, Penzance, Falmouth) rather than pushing directly for your original base.

Practical Sailing Considerations

Weather Patterns and Best Time to Sail

• Season: May to September is the main sailing season. June and July typically bring the most settled weather, but Atlantic lows can arrive at any time.
• Forecasts: Rely on the UK Met Office inshore waters forecast and listen for local VHF warnings. Do not plan on fixed schedules—wait for a favourable window, especially for tight narrows or exposed passages.

Tidal Influences and Navigation

• Tidal streams: Strong in narrow passages (St Mary’s Sound, the Narrows), especially at springs. Wind-over-tide can create steep seas. Plan your moves at slack or with a favourable current.
• Navigation: Drying ledges and unlit rocks are common. Use the latest charts and a reputable pilot book. Do not attempt unfamiliar channels in poor visibility or at night unless you are experienced.
• Pilotage hazards (summary):
• St Mary’s Pool: Watch for ferry and commercial traffic; keep clear of the main channel.
• New Grimsby Sound: Narrow entrance, rocks to east and west, drying patches near Tresco Flats.
• St Martin’s: Higher Town Bay exposed to the east, limited room at low water, check for drying areas.
• St Agnes: Approaches are shallow; best in settled weather, avoid in strong southerlies.

Check-in, Mooring, and Etiquette

• Arrival: Call St Mary’s Harbour on VHF Ch 14 as you approach. For Tresco/Bryher, ask locally about payment—many moorings are paid at the pub or to the boat attendant.
• Tendering: Bring a reliable dinghy and painter. Quay steps are busy; keep noise down at night.

Provisioning, Fuel, and Waste Disposal

Provisioning

• St Mary’s (Hugh Town): The main hub for groceries, a mini-supermarket, pharmacy, bakeries, and marine suppliers. Sibleys and other local outlets offer diesel/red diesel and deliver fuel to the quay.
• Opening hours: Shops are typically open 9:00–17:00, but hours vary seasonally and are reduced on Sundays.
• Other islands: St Martin’s and Bryher have small shops with limited stock and seasonal hours. Do not rely on finding all essentials—plan ahead for medicines and technical spares.

Fuel and Pump-out Locations

• Fuel: St Mary’s is the main refuelling point. Fuel deliveries can be arranged at the quay; call ahead in summer to secure a slot.
• Pump-out: Marine sewage pump-out is available at St Mary’s, but operational status changes—always check with the Harbour Office before relying on these facilities.
• Waste disposal: Use designated bins in Hugh Town for rubbish. Oily waste and hazardous materials must be handled through harbour arrangements. Never discharge waste overboard.

Connectivity: Mobile and WiFi

• Mobile coverage: St Mary’s and Tresco generally have good 4G/5G coverage, but expect patchy or no signal in some anchorages, especially on the more remote islands or in certain weather.
• WiFi: Available at some pubs and marinas but not reliable across the islands. Do not plan on streaming or video calls outside the main settlements.

Local Regulations, Licensing, and Insurance

Boatman Licences

• Who needs it: The Council of the Isles of Scilly issues Boatman licences for commercial operators and certain categories of local boats. Requirements and fees change; if you intend to operate commercially, apply well in advance.
• Renewal fee: Set by the Council and subject to change. Always confirm the latest rate before applying.
• Charter requirements: Charter operators will specify what qualifications they require—expect to show evidence of experience (often ICC or national certificates). Operator rules are binding for insurance and acceptance, even if not strictly required by law.

Anchoring and Mooring Rules

• St Mary’s Harbour: Anchoring is not allowed inside the limits—use visitor buoys or alongside berths.
• Outside harbours: Anchoring is generally allowed, but respect conservation zones and bird colonies. Some bays dry at low water and are unsuitable for deep-draft boats.
• Enforcement: The Harbour Office enforces mooring and safety rules. Fines and enforcement are real—comply with local instructions.

Insurance and Documentation

• Insurance: Most charter companies require proof of hull and liability insurance. Missing documentation can affect claims and shift liability to you.
• Passports/entry: If carrying non-UK crew or guests, check government entry formalities and have backup transport options in case a medical or weather event requires evacuation.

Emergencies and Local Contacts

• Coastguard: Call Falmouth Coastguard on VHF Channel 16 in any emergency. They coordinate search and rescue for the area.
• Medical access: St Mary’s has a health centre; for urgent cases, air evacuation to the mainland is coordinated via Coastguard. For non-urgent needs, contact the Isles of Scilly Health Centre on St Mary’s.
• Harbour Office: For harbour-related emergencies, contact St Mary’s Harbour Office on VHF Ch 14 or by phone. They advise on immediate local issues, mooring problems, or lost tenders.
• Prepare: Carry a first aid kit, know your crew’s medical needs, and have a charged mobile (UK SIM). In remote anchorages, VHF coverage is more reliable than mobile.

Best Practices: Responsible and Safe Sailing

Environmental Stewardship

• Use moorings where provided to protect sensitive seabeds.
• Avoid anchoring on seagrass or near bird colonies—prefer sandy bottoms.
• Respect wildlife: keep distance from nesting birds and seals, reduce speed near colonies, and minimize night noise/light.

Safety and Contingency

• Charts and pilot books: Use current editions for the Isles of Scilly—navigation is not always straightforward.
• Fuel and spares: Carry spare fuel, essential spares, and a toolkit. Weather or mechanical problems can leave you on the islands longer than planned.
• Tide planning: Always check tide times—narrow channels become difficult with only a 2-knot adverse stream.
• Schedule: Build in flexible days for weather or mechanical delays; don’t plan every day to the hour.

Final Checklist Before You Sail

• Confirm mooring options, fees, and payment methods (VHF Ch 14 / Harbour Office phone).
• Bring all required documentation (insurance, qualifications, passports if needed).
• Provision for at least two days beyond your planned week, in case of weather delays.
• Check the latest inshore waters forecast and tide tables for each route segment.
• Know emergency contacts and review procedures with your crew.

Plan your week with conservative daily legs, use St Mary’s as your provisioning hub, and treat island moorings as your primary overnight option. This approach keeps your Isles of Scilly sailing trip practical, flexible, and prepared for the realities of island weather and logistics.