The Isles of Scilly

The Isles of Scilly are one of the great natural wonders of the United Kingdom
A mix of wild beauty, crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and stunning vistas, the isle comprise of 5 main islands and a selection of (over 70) small islands and rock outcrops.
The islands sit in the gulf stream and so have a mix of wildlife encouraged by the warm nutrient-rich water that surrounds the isles.
Despite being a selection of isles that require mainland support and exploit the sea for their livelihood, there is no all-weather refuge in the Scillies. Instead, refuge is found in a selection of anchorages and moorings that provide shelter from the prevailing weather.

Here then is a selection of anchorages and moorings that are in common use and have proven reliable.

 

St Mary’s Pool (St Mary’s)
The primary port near the main city of Hugh Town, St Mary’s pool offers anchorage outside of the bay and visitor moorings inside of the bay. (£ per night).
St Mary’s offers a selection of moorings for boats up to 40’ (£20) and up to 60’ (£25). These get busy so rafting on a mooring is a recognised and accepted practise.

The moorings are inshore of the RNLI lifeboat.

 

 

Watermill Cove

Watermill Cove is tucked into the coast just South of the Hats Southerly cardinal and North of Bar Point. There is a reef to the North of Blockhouse point and shallows and occasional rocks to the East. Be cautious of these hazards on the approach, but, once clear these hazards provide protection from much of the swell.
The approach is heading SW 210 degrees towards the beach, which is visible at all but high water springs. The eastern part of the bay is shallow so avoid that
The holding is mostly sand and stone with some weed. There are 2 great secluded beaches within a short dinghy trip

With such a narrow anchorage, it is worth considering an anchor forward and aft (Bahamian style). We didn’t bother and even though the anchored topped out at 5 boats, there was never a problem.
If you need supplies, Hugh town is about a 45-minute walk away and the walk can be an adventure in itself. It is hilly, however, so only collect the essentials of stores unless you are very fit.
If you just wish to stretch your legs, Innisidgen to the NW is an impressive Bronze Age burial site.

Porth Cressa (St Mary’s)
A great little anchorage just to the south of the beach south of Hugh town. This is popular with Northerthy winds blowing and is a short dinghy ride to shore to visit the town and resupply. The shops are comprehensively stocked and the Mermaid pub has some great real ales. Water can be found at the harbour.
The beach is beautiful to bask on and is popular with families as it is relatively shallow and easily surveyed for free range children.

Old Grimsby Harbour (Tresco)

Opposite New Grimsby Harbour, you are free here form the passage of the ferry and are offered both good holding and good protection.
You will be charged here at the same rate as on the other side however which was £20 per night on the visitor’s buoys and £5 per night to anchor.
The Harbour Master is very busy as the island is popular so he doesn’t always visit yachts to collect the fees. An “honesty box” system operates at the pier but that only works if you go ashore.

St Helen’s Pool (Tresco)
Another great, well-protected anchorage, St Helen’s pool is a popular spot. Transit in from the North is tight but open to most yachts. Passage in from the South requires a high tide and some careful navigation. (not all electronic charts go to the level of detail required.)
There is no charge for anchoring in St Helen’s Pool and you can go ashore to the island which has a pub and was also the site of an old fever hospital.
Occasionally, the ground can be a little unpleasant. It looks to be beautiful sand but frequently has areas of plastic caught in the undergrowth that makes the surface spongy under foot. “If you see it, then please pick it up” for disposal on the main islands.

Green Bay
If you can dry out in a bilge keeler of with legs, then this is a great all weather haven.
This pretty little bay is just off the Tresco flats in the space between Bryher and Tresco itself.
Tresco is the slightly more upmarket of the 2 islands with Bryher being a more personable place.
The anchorage is a very peaceful location with clear water and sandy bottom to rest upon.
Providing the weather holds, you can spend the whole summer in the Scilly isles and there is certainly lots of interesting sailing, pleasant views and great food to keep you interested. Summer also brings some interesting wild life with dolphins and basking sharks regular visitors.

Porth Conger (St Agnes)

This was always a good anchorage with a strong prevailing wind but it looks to be filled with moorings and was very tight when we arrived. It is worth a look if other anchorages are very busy but there are so many other spots we elected not to stay here. Currently believed to be free of charge.

The Cove (St Agnes)
Opposite Porth Conger on the Southside of St Agnes, this was another anchorage planed but one that we didn’t end up using. Good holding and a good haven from all around but South. Believed to be free of charge.