Few passages fire the imagination quite like the Isles of Scilly. That scatter of islands off the far south west, all turquoise water and white sand, feels a long way from anywhere, and yet from a berth at Sutton Harbour on the Plymouth Barbican it is a genuine ambition for the season ahead. As the weather steadies through April, now is the time to start dreaming and planning.
The pull of the islands
Scilly rewards the effort of getting there like almost nowhere else in British waters. Clear seas, deserted white beaches, safe anchorages between the islands and a pace of life that runs to the tide rather than the clock. St Mary’s offers a friendly harbour and a proper welcome, while the off-islands of Tresco, Bryher and St Martin’s feel wonderfully wild. For many sailors it is the passage of a lifetime, made a little more achievable each year by a good home port to launch from.
Planning the passage
The run down to Scilly is a serious passage of open water and deserves respect and preparation. It is best treated as a long day’s sail or an easy overnight, depending on your boat and crew, so choose a settled weather window rather than a fixed date and build in options for shelter along the Cornish coast. Study the tides around the Lizard and the approaches to the islands carefully, plan your watches, and make sure the boat and crew are ready for a passage away from immediate help. Well prepared, it is one of the most rewarding trips you can make from Plymouth.
Why Sutton Harbour makes a fine departure point
Timing is everything on a long passage, and this is where berthing at Sutton Harbour truly helps. Our double lock gates guarantee depth of water at all states of the tide, so you are free to leave when the weather window opens rather than waiting on a rising tide to float off. Fuel and pump-out are on site for topping up before you go, the lock is staffed around the clock, and you can call ahead on VHF Channel 12. Best of all, you set off knowing a secure, sheltered berth is waiting for your return.
The adventure within reach
There is something special about slipping your lines on the historic Barbican, threading out through the lock, and pointing the bow west for the islands. It is the kind of trip that defines a season. With a little planning through the spring, it could be yours this year.
Looking for a home port to launch your own adventures from? Talk to the team about berthing at Sutton Harbour Marina on 01752 204702 or marina@sutton-harbour.co.uk.
