Visiting St Marys Scilly Isles - Silly question

[deadsquirrel]

So i have been using my Rib now for two years. Every time i only ever launch from my local Slip and then return to it. (we do a lot of spearfishing)

We are planning a visit to St Mary's on the Scilly Isles. We would want to go have a pub lunch in a pub in St Marys. Is it just allowed to tie the Rib to the pontoon on the Quay there? I assume I just secure there and pay at the office? Bit like parking?

[ShinyShoe]

I've never been, but I was under the impression it is a swinging mooring place. You pick up a visitors mooring and call a water taxi to get ashore. Or potentially drop everyone ashore and blah a lift from a passing yachtie in a tender.

[paulbrown22]

How big is your RIB? In general visiting boats go on moorings, and you can either call the water taxi or take your dinghy ashore. There were (or at least were last time I was there!) some floating pontoons for dinghies, but don't think they'd generally be expecting a 6m+ RIB to berth there. You do sometimes see boats moored directly on the harbour wall depending on tide and boat movements.

Probably just worth giving them a call to check on options, especially if you are only thinking of a brief 1-2 hour stop for lunch and outside of peak season. I've had luck in similar situations in other harbours when on my RIB without a tender, and they have accommodated me on pontoons that they wouldn't normally advertise for visiting large boat usage.

[Jim570]

If you end up making this trip and you want a second boat to accompany please feel free to send me a message.

Its a trip I am keen on making but would prefer to go in convoy with another boat for a bit of extra safety. I'd be in a 5.7m Brig.

[karlT]

I’m going Jersey Scilly end of month for a weeks diving. May have a night in Salcombe or Falmouth en route. Can keep you updated if you wanted to tag along for the crossing.

Only firm timing is leaving Penzance early on 01st June with 2 ribs and 6 crew, the rest of the group are on the ferry.

[karlT]

Crossed the channel yesterday morning Jersey - Salcombe in less than ideal conditions but the only window of opportunity for the week. Meander upto Kingsbridge today. Bit of coast hugging tomorrow to get down to Penzance to meet the rest of my group. Saturday looking good for early morning hop across.

Interestingly I had a tug OCEAN GUARDIAN intercept me west of the Casquets TSS, passed close behind her stern following their unusual behaviour, increase of speed and turning towards me as stand on vessel the westbound in the Eastbound lane of the TSS, then heard them calling Cherbourg Traffic without hearing the conversation. I called the OG to enquire, they were concerned and had reported me as a suspicious RIB, they subsequently relayed my callsign, confirmation all was good and that I had already notified UK Border Force.

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by karlT

I called the OG to enquire, they were concerned and had reported me as a suspicious RIB, they subsequently relayed my callsign, confirmation all was good and that I had already notified UK Border Force.

This seems to be happening a lot this year so far, more than ever at this end of the Channel

Let me know if you call into Plymouth!

[karlT]

I’ll wave on my way past, spent 3 years at Uni in Plymouth.

Is there petrol now as it used to only be Sutton harbour through the lock. I have plenty to get to Penzance then cans for the fuel station. I brought an extra 50 litres of the duty free with me and only burned 85litres to cross at about a litre a mile which given the sea state I was more than happy with. Salcombe fuel dock 2.46 a litre 😂.

[Obsidian]

Salcombe is a tad pricey!

Mayflower have a 24/7 fuel pontoon, not a bad price

[karlT]

Good shout, friendly/accommodating staff for half hour pit stop and refuel.

[karlT]

Left St Agnes at 0900 yesterday morning, dropped some divers in Penzance with some equipment then ran direct Jersey.

10 hours 18-20knots arrival to my mooring.

Scilly is epic !

[willk]

Originally Posted by karlT

Interestingly I had a tug OCEAN GUARDIAN intercept me west of the Casquets TSS, passed close behind her stern following their unusual behaviour, increase of speed and turning towards me...

Intercepted by a Tug - I'm speechless.

Actually, I'm not speechless, but I'm gonna run with that anyway...

[CJL]

Hi Karl,

QAB have petrol. We were there last week and filling up at 186p/ltr. Its a new fuel barge so it seems water free!

Chris

[karlT]

Photo dump hopefully

[karlT]

Photos

[Obsidian]

Very cool!

[fastasfox]

Originally Posted by Obsidian

Very cool!

Good Morning Martin....How's life in Plymouth.
Are you still teaching?

I Must do a weekend in Plymouth on the boat at some point..... I thought it was a great City.

[Obsidian]

Originally Posted by fastasfox

How's life in Plymouth. Are you still teaching?

Oh yes, alive and kicking still

It would be good to catch up and have a run out, always something interesting to see around these parts

[Fatalbert]

I’ve placed a new thread in the meet ups/trips forum if anyone fancies being a transit buddy for a trip to the Scillies on 21-24 July.

Cheers.