HOW TO SAIL TO THE ISLES OF SCILLY

It’s a bit of a standing joke in our family that we, and in particular my husband Steve, like to plan. The time spent poring over the pilot books and charts is often as enjoyable as the holiday itself. But since cruising as a family can often be like singlehanding, meticulous preparation and forethought is, in my mind, a lifesaver. We never leave harbour without an alternative route option in the chartplotter, just in case!

Extensive reading of pilot books, almanacs and magazines had prepared us for the Isles of Scilly being a challenge for us as family cruisers. We knew that none of the anchorages would give full protection from all wind and weather conditions and so we pre-prepared a number of passage plans. At very little notice, we would be able to move if the weather turned unexpectedly or if we reached a location which was too busy or uncomfortable. It would also reduce the likelihood of any mistakes on intricate pilotage.

Generally I sit in the cockpit with the passage plan in hand whilst Steve checks it against visual data and the chartplotter. During trips to the archipelago, we were also hugely aided by the book, A Sailor’s Guide to the Isles of Scilly by Peter Kyne with details of all the visual transits for the islands.

Tidal information and weather forecasting was key. By estimating our boat’s speed and progress as accurately as possible, we could use the lighthouses during the hours of darkness whilst aiming to reach the islands in daylight. We also stuck to our rule; do you feel your crew will be comfortable to sail if the wind were to increase by a Beaufort Force band from the forecast? If not, don’t set out.