Trip to the Scilly Isles.

JCW · 02 March 2002, 01:11

I will be located near the Helford River, Cornwall for two weeks at the beginning of July 2002.
Weather permitting I would like to make a day or two day trip to the Scilly Isles during this time on my Rib.
Can anyone give me some tips for this trip? eg
Is there any petrol avaliable at ST Mary's ?
Overnight accommodation?
Moorings?
Any information most welcome

Regards

Jason

Brian · 02 March 2002, 10:57

Jason
Been there, done that (a few times now).
Give me a bell on 01803 559800
and I'll talk you through it.
Might even come with you in my rib.
Brian

JCW · 02 March 2002, 13:43

Thanks Brian,
I will take you up on your kind offer. It would be great if you can make the trip with me, so long as I don;t hold you up!!

Best Regards

Jason.

Brian · 02 March 2002, 17:30

You wont hold me up. Had plenty of experience at escorting 4.8m Ribcraft (See RB4 threads).
Call me nearer the time.

GraemeCooper · 03 March 2002, 09:35

Jason

This sounds like a good idea - we are holidaying in Cornwall in August after Cowes Week, but could possibly make it down for a weekend - or long weekend cruise at other times.

You mention being based in the Helford River - is this just because you already have facilities there - or is that a good place to keep a RIB? We are lookin for suitable moorings or launching and recovering slipways etc to use in August, and this may be a good option.

Graeme

Jono Garton · 03 March 2002, 20:49

Count me in JCW, were also 4.8m. How far is it from the main land?

JCW · 03 March 2002, 20:51

Graeme,
I will be on Holiday. Stayed with a company last year called 'Helford River holidays' ,.http://www.holidaycornwall.co.uk/ accomodation within a few metres of the Helford river and you can keep the boat moored on the river for the duration. Once moored you can get out all states of tide(swim to your boat or get the ferry). Loved the place so much that we are going back again this year.
The place is ideal for boat lovers, an excellent base.
I paid for the 'Helford river boats' landrover to help launch my Rib as they do allow cars onto the beach.
If you are up for going to the Scilly Isles then great if you can make it.

Jono,
It is approx 30 miles from Lands End, but from Helford river where I intend to depart the trip will be about 75 miles each way.

Regards

Jason

GraemeCooper · 03 March 2002, 21:16

Jono

The Scilly Isles are some 28 miles from Lands End, then obviously the distance to where you start from - I believe Helford is some 35 miles from Lands End by Road?

JCW

I take it you will be leaving from Helford - that is a long journey in a RIB. Will you be caling into Penzance or anywhere on the way?

Jono

If you wanted a shorter trip - probably mainly for fuel / range reasons we could launch from Penzance and meet up with JCW offshore somewhere.

Im sure we can work out the logistics - JCW do you know exactly when you will be going yet?

Jono Garton · 03 March 2002, 21:22

Graeme, Penzance sounds good. But i don't mind lauching at Helford if not.

Jason, What a location, superb.

Ribald · 03 March 2002, 21:31

Grahame,

Will you be taking Topaz to Cowes Week? I will be in the Island at Seaview from 26 July to 9 August. The RIB will be moored at Bembridge during that time after a quick trip over from Chichester Marina.

GraemeCooper · 03 March 2002, 21:34

Ribald

Yes, I will be at Cowes Week. We are looking for a camp site on the mainland somewhere near to Potsmouth so that I canzip over to cowes each day - and the other half and kids can come some days or stay on the mainland and do other things if they prefer.

We'll have to hook up during the week.

JCW · 03 March 2002, 22:13

Graeme,
I was planing on going from the Helford River, could meet you at penzance or I could recover my Rib and tow it to Penzance and re - launch. I can take 100 litres of fuel but I need to find out if there is fuel avaliable at St Marys. I must add I will only be doing the trip if a good weather window is forecast !!

Alan · 03 March 2002, 22:30

at St Mary's. Or at least there was the last time I was there in a petrol boat (2 years ago!). Its quite expensive (£1 p l) but then they do have to ship it all over from the mainland.

A trip worth doing though - The Scillies are one of my favourite places for Ribbing.

Cheers, Alan

Brian · 04 March 2002, 09:14

Fuel in St. Mary's is available from Dave Sibley who runs the fuel/supplies business on the dockside. You should phone him 2/3 days in advance, order the amount of petrol you want and he will have it available in 20L cans for you. At that time you should also make an appointment with him to get the fuel and pay for it (takes Visa) as he has other jobs in and around the island and is not always in his office.
You then carry your cans down the breakwater to you boat, climb down the harbour wall (20 feet!) and shakily pour the petrol, through a funnel into your tank, making sure you stub your fag out first! Back up the ladder, along the wall, pick up next can. Great fun in 30 degrees Celsius when you need 140L like I used too. Get your photo taken several hundred times though by holiday makers calling out useful advice and requesting a lift to your next stop (Boston or New York usually).
All part of the great fun of RIBing.

GraemeCooper · 04 March 2002, 12:12

JCW

If you are totally fexible, perhaps we could provisionally arrange to go the first weekend you are in Cornwall, with a backup plan for the next weekend?

In light of the fuel situtaion in St Marys would it be better to launh from Penzance? - totally flexible here - especially if parking or cars and trailers is an issue.

Le me know what you think (and Jahno too)

JCW · 04 March 2002, 12:39

Brian,
thanks for the info regarding the fuel.
Will phone you later with some general questions.

Graeme ,
yes I agree. Far too much messing about getting fuel at St Mary's. I have only tested my new engine in calm conditions which gave me 60 miles (not nautical miles) on 25 litres, so would opt to go from Penzance to be on the safe side.

Both weekends will be fine with me.

I will check out tide times and launching facilities at Penzance and let you know. We can go through a detailed plan nearer the time.

GraemeCooper · 04 March 2002, 12:44

JCW

Great.

Could you let me have the 2 actual possible dates - and I will pencil them into my diary.

Jono Garton · 04 March 2002, 16:23

Guys

If this guy buys fuel from the mainland maybe we could order it before we go, pick it up on the mainland and take it over with us.

Saves messing about in the quay etc....

JCW · 04 March 2002, 16:42

Graeme,

Sat June 29th, Sun June 30th.. Sat 6th July, Sun 7th July.

Will be in North Devon Sat July 13th, Sun 14th if you want a trip to Lundy Island!! Launching from Appledore(weather permitting).

Jono,

Launching from Penzance means we will have enough fuel without having to get some from St Mary's. How much range have you got?

Jono Garton · 04 March 2002, 17:05

HI

I can carry 50 litres no problem with an extra 25litres in the bow and 25 litres on deck if needed. I have to test but would guess i get simular consumption to you - having simular set up???

Both these dates are fine with me - i would look for the weather window on thursday and let you know.