A cruise to discover the Scilly region
Some 20 miles from the tip of Cornwall (England) is a beautiful archipelago called Les Scilly. These five main islands mix rocks and vegetation with the fine sandy beaches that line the crystalline lagoon. Strolls on land or at sea, nautical or pedestrian activities, the archipelago is a holiday resort appreciated by sailors who enjoy a timeless interlude in the heart of the Celtic Sea.
So we embark with Erwan - founder of Catavoile29 - for a one-week kiteboarding cruise in Les Scilly. From Morgat, on the Crozon peninsula we take our place on board a catamaran Nautitech 40 Open of 2016. We are 5 on board plus the skipper with all the necessary equipment for several days of skiing celtique?! Don't hesitate to take 3 wings and 2 boards, the boat is spacious enough to accommodate all this equipment.
We get to know each other, we settle in - five people in a shared cabin - then it's time for the safety briefing and the presentation of our programme. We will leave Morgat - Finistère point - to reach St-Mary's, a sort of capital of the archipelago, 140 miles away.
Direction La Manche!
It's time to cast off for our crossing of the Manche?! We take the Fromveur channel to pass between Molène and Ouessant and we leave Brittany to sail west of the Channel, heading north-north-west. This crossing lasts about 20 hours and is punctuated by the shifts programmed by Erwan. Some are resting comfortably while others are watching over the good progress of our navigation. Don't panic for the most novice among you, the cruise is open to all, Erwan will be happy to teach you the basics of the voile?!
We reach the goal by seeing the largest island of the archipelago, welcomed by dolphins and gannets. It's magique?! We take a trunk and off we go for our first kite session in the lagoon-colored waters of Scilly?!
Every day has its own spot to glide!
We spend 5 days on site (it takes about 2 days of nav round trip) and we change spots every day according to the wind conditions, mainly west-south-west oriented. Erwan ensures the safety of the kiteboarders on board his dinghy, while we follow the edges, in TT or foil, with crossings between the islands. Departures are easy on the beautiful white sandy beaches.
Every evening, we debrief our experiences by sharing a good time around a meal on board (Erwan manages the provisioning for the week) or a restaurant. We also take the opportunity to discover fishing with Erwan, who shares with us his good spots and his techniques of fishing for pollack. What a pleasure to taste these fish that our skipper prepares for us from different façons?!
On the ground too, the activities are nombreuses?! Moreover, on board, the pure cruisers are welcome to enjoy a stay of discovery of the islands: hikes on the coastal paths, bike rides or even diving in the lagoon ... the activities do not miss pas?!
Our favorites
We had a real crush on Tresco the second largest island of the archipelago, which is home to the incredible subtropical gardens of the Abbey of Tresco. We are anchored at Old Grimsby, a quiet anchorage sheltered from the islands, where the shallow depths between the translucent islands make it possible to admire the rocks and sandbanks. You can also admire King Charles Castle and Cromwell Castle, north of New Grimsby.
The restaurants are typical and the food is very good. Special mention for the Mushroom Burger at the New Inn and the pizzas at Ruin Beach, overlooking mer?!
St. Martin and its beautiful secluded beaches in the north of the island are a real paradise for kiteboarders. Great Bay is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Scilly with its fantastic expanse of white sand. It is one of the most exposed coasts of the uninhabited islands.
À St Mary's On the main island, you can't miss Star Castel, now a hotel, and The Garrison, the surrounding wall protecting the fort. Take the opportunity to stroll along the beaches and have a drink at the Mermaid Pub, a mythical bar that can be seen directly from the channel.
I mean, don't leave without having an ice cream at St Agnes ?! These are produced directly from the milk of cows grazing in the fields alentours?!
