Scilies Trip - Thurs 11th - Sun 14th Aug

Trevor G · 08 August 2016, 10:51

We're hoping to do a Scillies weekend this weekend as the weather forecast is currently looking so good.

I'm intending to take Black Adder from Southampton to Falmouth on Wed 10th, and cross to the Scillies on Thursday, returning to Falmouth Sunday afternoon, then depending on the weather start back to Southampton on Monday (weather dependent).

For the Southampton to Falmouth bits I'll be solo (picking up and dropping off Mrs G in Falmouth).

If anyone wants to join me/us, for any or all of the trip (or just meet up on the way through) do let me know.

Plan "A" is to sleep on Black Adder in Hugh Town harbour whist on the Scillies. Plan "B" will be to take our tent and camp.

Trev

Neil Harvey · 08 August 2016, 20:26

gggrrrrr I don't like you any more

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor G

We're hoping to do a Scillies weekend this weekend as the weather forecast is currently looking so good.

I'm intending to take Black Adder from Southampton to Falmouth on Wed 10th, and cross to the Scillies on Thursday, returning to Falmouth Sunday afternoon, then depending on the weather start back to Southampton on Monday (weather dependent).

For the Southampton to Falmouth bits I'll be solo (picking up and dropping off Mrs G in Falmouth).

If anyone wants to join me/us, for any or all of the trip (or just meet up on the way through) do let me know.

Plan "A" is to sleep on Black Adder in Hugh Town harbour whist on the Scillies. Plan "B" will be to take our tent and camp.

Trev

Trevor G · 08 August 2016, 21:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

gggrrrrr I don't like you any more

Current weather forecast for the Isles of Scilly...

Mollers · 08 August 2016, 21:35

Keep an eye on those wind speeds. BBC weather are giving higher figures than your site. We had a pretty stiff NW today.

Trevor G · 08 August 2016, 23:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Keep an eye on those wind speeds. BBC weather are giving higher figures than your site. We had a pretty stiff NW today.

Thanks - I will.

Trevor G · 08 August 2016, 23:18

Last time we went to the Isles of Scilly we only went to Hugh Town and didn't take a tender with us (we were there for just one night).

For visiting the other islands are we going to need a tender or are there generally water taxi's operating or walls / pontoons to moor up to?

If we do take the tender, are we going to need the outboard or is it typically not too far to just row/paddle to shore?

(I know it's all subjective questions, but I'm trying to weigh up the pros and cons of the hassle of loading tender and outboard related stuff in Southampton, vs getting there and wishing we'd taken the tender if we end up not being able to get ashore other than in Hugh Town).

Thanks.

Trev

Mollers · 09 August 2016, 08:19

A tender with paddles will be fine. No need for an o/b.

SteveHall · 09 August 2016, 08:27

That RIB tent looks amazing!

paulbrown22 · 09 August 2016, 10:40

I'd take a tender/oars if you can. On Bryher I think Bennetts boatyard will fetch you from the moorings, but most of the other islands you'll need to get ashore yourself. No pontoons to leave the RIB on long term, although all the islands have town quays you could use just to drop people off.

We love drying the yacht out on the sandy beach on Green Bay (Bryher), which is one of the most protected anchorages in Scilly, and then you could walk/paddle ashore! There's also some good moorings in Porth Cressa (the south side of Hugh Town) that are sometimes a bit more protected than Hugh Town itself, and a lovely anchorage at Watermill Cove on the eastern end of St Marys. I love the various bays on the north side of St Martins as well.

Very jealous, we had a great trip to Scilly last year, admittedly by sailing yacht, but I'd love to take the RIB there one day.

Have a great trip!

Trevor G · 09 August 2016, 10:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulbrown22

I'd take a tender/oars if you can.
We love drying the yacht out on the sandy beach on Green Bay (Bryher).
Have a great trip!

Thanks Paul - as we can't lift the leg fully out of the water (it's a Bravo 3) I'm hoping not to ground/dry out the boat. With an outboard like we had on the previous boat it was fine as the engine could be taken out of the water - one of the disadvantages with Diesels I guess!

paulbrown22 · 09 August 2016, 11:45

Ah ha, I had always assumed I could dry out with my Bravo 3 tilted up if the conditions were right and it was a soft/gentle landing with no swell, but must admit, I haven't looked that closely... Thanks for the warning!

I found my little video from last year sailing there (we had a small Avon Redstart to make it count as a SIB trip):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLhBnFnoFQE

. The Scillies are definitely some of my favourite islands, I hope the weather is as good as forecast for you! Loads of sunbathing seals to see on Menawethan as well, if you do a trip around St Martins.

Maximus · 09 August 2016, 15:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveHall

That RIB tent looks amazing!

Just thought the same thing Steve!...That's by far the best effort I've seen!!
....Makes my Tarp setup look Pants!

The south coast jump off is a lot easier compared to the North
Have a good trip!

Trevor G · 09 August 2016, 15:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveHall

That RIB tent looks amazing!

It was one of the benefits of having the covers made by a company that was used to making stuff for the Mediterranean market.

They are used to making big sun shades to cover the rear engine cover / rear bathing area, so adding the sides to make it properly waterproof wasn't a big deal.

sib · 09 August 2016, 18:09

Just got back from a Scillies trip. Ribcraft 5.85 with two seat pods then clear rear deck space. We took a double inflatable kayak which we strapped to the top of the tubes behind the seats. This system worked really well and if you throw the anchor down or pick up a mooring it's an easy paddle ashore from anywhere you are visiting. No need for proper tender / outboard .

Beware of rocks. Even latest chart plotters don't show them all. If in doubt wait a few mins and follow local boats around. Take a spare prop if you can.

Have fun

Trevor G · 10 August 2016, 20:02

Arrived safely in Falmouth.
165 nm almost all against wind and tide - but at least they were in the same direction. 215 litres of diesel.
It's Falmouth week so everywhere is packed. Managed to get the last pontoon space in Port Pendennis Marina and had a perfect view of the Red Arrows display!

Hopefully on to Hugh Town in the Scilles tomorrow afternoon.

Pikey Dave · 10 August 2016, 20:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trevor G

Arrived safely in Falmouth.
165 nm almost all against wind and tide - but at least they were in the same direction. 215 litres of diesel.
It's Falmouth week so everywhere is packed. Managed to get the last pontoon space in Port Pendennis Marina and had a perfect view of the Red Arrows display!

Hopefully on to Hugh Town in the Scilles tomorrow afternoon.

You're certainly getting the miles in Mr G👍 Have a good trip.

Lions led by donkeys

Mollers · 11 August 2016, 08:31

Slack water around lizard point would help if poss. Currently you have 15mph NW, which will pile it on when you break lands end. At the weekend it's forecast to go around SE and strengthen. That'll make your return a little lumpy.

matt h · 11 August 2016, 19:51

In Hugh Town currently. Trevor.Today were 2-3m swells wind over tide. Was heavy going in 7m rib Between the islands.
Safe passage!

Trevor G · 11 August 2016, 21:39

Arrived in Hugh Town after a lumpy crossing like Matt H. 64 miles and 81 litres of Diesel.
Looking forward to a sunny calm day tomorrow!

matt h · 12 August 2016, 06:56

Phew. Nice one!
I just looked for you. Shearwater looks great from the top!!