The Isles of Scilly is a very special place for my family. Helen and I went there together for the first time shortly after getting married. Now we go back every year with our little ones, seeing them grow up in the finest marine environment in Europe. The sea grass meadows are without parallel, thanks to the way Scilly treasures them – sadly not the same elsewhere around our coastline. To swim nose to nose with a pipefish, a comedy clapping swimming scallop or a nosy grey seal, is as close as I ever get to paradise. Even in the height of Summer, you can have stretches of sand entirely to yourself, whilst a short paddle swim can take you to an island which you’ll just share with oystercatchers and herons. I’m very excited by the first Ocean Scilly programme – this is the best place for a celebration of the sea.
STEVE BACKSHALL, MBE British naturalist & explorer
OCEAN SCILLY 2024
Long known and loved as an island paradise, famous for its powdery white sands and crystalclear turquoise waters, where better in the British Isles to host a festival dedicated the ocean.
The nine-day nautical event is a broad, fun-filled celebration of the seas that surround the Isles of Scilly, championing all waterborne activities, sea life, vast maritime heritage and everything on, in and above the water.
VISIT ISLES OF SCILLY
TRAVEL DISCOUNTS
Isles of Scilly Travel are offering a 10% discount on travel between the 19th August and 5th September on both Penzance and Land’s End routes with the code OCSC24 // islesofscilly-travel.co.uk
Penzance Helicopters are offering a 10% discount on routes to St. Mary’s and Tresco between the 22nd of August and 2nd September with the code OCEANSCILLY // penzancehelicopters.co.uk
For more information, please go to visitislesofscilly.com
Head to Bryher to pick up a delicious picnic before hopping in a kayak from Hut 62 to find your own private picnic spot.
Bryher’s food offer is incredible with lots of delicious venues to choose from to grab a picnic. When you have your supplies, head to Hut 62 on the beach at Green Bay and Robyn, Dan and the team will get you out on the water. Buoyancy aids and dry bags provided so you can keep your sandwiches dry! Big spring tides mean there’ll be sand bars to explore at low water and Hut 62 is perfectly positioned to paddle to the uninhabited island of Samson.
LOCATION: Bryher
TIME: 9am - 6pm *please be aware of your return boats if you are visiting from an off island
PRICE: From £35pp for kayak hire (does not include picnic)
HOW TO BOOK: hut62.co.uk
Fri 23rd
SWIM EXPERIENCE WITH THE WILD AND SCILLY MERMAIDS
Open water swim followed by tea and cake.
Go at your own pace as we guide you on an out and back swim of around 800m. Perfect for those who would like the confidence to go a bit further with safety support. Finishes with hot drinks and cake.
LOCATION: St. Mary’s - exact location to be confirmed 2 days before event
TIME: 9.30am - 11.00am
PRICE: £25pp
HOW TO BOOK: wildandscillymermaids.co.uk
THE WILD SIDE OF SCILLY
The Isles of Scilly are defined by the crystal-clear waters around us, teeming with marine life. We’re delighted to see the first Ocean Scilly festival celebrating our wealth of marine wildlife.
Our islands are internationally important for breeding seabirds. Our much-loved puffins will be back out in the deep Atlantic in August, but late summer is the perfect time to see Manx Shearwaters and storm petrels from the Scillonian, or on the pelagic birding trips running from St. Mary’s on the Sapphire.
We make sure that the fortunes of our breeding seabirds are closely monitored every year. We can also make sure that seabird thrive by protecting their nesting sites by predation from rats. St. Agnes and Gugh are already rat-free, and we’re exploring the potential of eradicating rats on the rest of the off-isles.
Scilly is a paradise for the snorkeller and diver. Shallows, reefs and wrecks provide an endless variety of habitats, from kelp and seagrass beds to the rare sunset cup-coral on a few vertical rock faces. Seals, dolphins and seabirds can be enjoyed by us all, but get beneath the waves and a whole new world opens up in Britain’s finest underwater environment.
JULIAN BRANSCOMBE CEO Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust
Fri 23rd & Sat 24th
PULLING TOGETHER THE PAST
The History and Heritage of Gig Racing in the Isles of Scilly.
A pop up heritage museum and exhibition focussed on the gig racing history and heritage of the Isles of Scilly. Come and see videos, pictures and stills of the last fifty years of racing, as well as scheduled talks to be confirmed nearer the time.
LOCATION: Gig Sheds, Porthmellon, St. Mary’s
TIME: 12pm - 5pm
PRICE: Free
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
RNLI AFTERNOON TALK, SAVING LIVES AT SEA
RNLI dive into the organisation’s 200-year history with an afternoon talk.
RNLI volunteer and Community Manager, Esther Farrant, will be sharing her passion for the RNLI and diving deep into the organisation’s remarkable 200-year history.
As a volunteer for Plymouth RNLI, and a regional community manager, Esther has first-hand experience with the vital role the RNLI plays in keeping our communities safe. Come explore the RNLI’s inspiring past, its courageous rescues, and its ongoing mission to save lives at sea.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary organisation and the dedicated volunteers who make it all possible!
LOCATION: Star Castle, St. Mary’s
TIME: 2pm - 3.30pm
PRICE: £11pp (includes a glass of Prosecco)
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/oceanscilly
SUNSET SWIM ADVENTURE WITH ADVENTURE SCILLY
With Nick & Bryony from Adventure Scilly.
Join Nick and Bryony in their purpose-built RIB Orca to find the perfect location for an evening swim. Take a walk, join Bryony for some yoga & meditation if you wish, and enjoy the sunset. Bring your own picnic, hot drinks will be provided. (Dryrobes available).
LOCATION: Pickup from St Mary’s Quay, swim adventure location TBC
TIME: 6pm - 9pm
PRICE: £65pp
HOW TO BOOK: info@adventurescilly.co.uk / 07815 818831
Fri 23rd
SCILLY ROCKPOOL SAFARIS
Join Scott, Samaya and their family for a rockpool safari where you will discover the amazing marine life that call our shores home. Learn to identify several species of starfish, anemones, urchins and so much more. An amazing experience for both adults and children - it will open a whole new world that you can continue to explore during the rest of your holiday and beyond.
LOCATION: Porthcressa Slipway, St. Mary’s
TIME: 1.30pm - 3pm | PRICE: £15 adult / £10 child
HOW TO BOOK: scillyrockpoolsafaris.co.uk
Sat 24th
AN INTRODUCTION TO SAILING WITH SCILLY YACHT CHARTERS
A unique sailing experience with an experienced skipper.
Come aboard the Jekamanzi for a private, introductory sail with experienced skipper. Enjoy a 2/3 hour sail around the islands get to helm the yacht and get as involved in the sailing aspect as you wish!
PRICE: £37.75pp | HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/oceanscilly
HISTORY OF THE PILOT GIG ON SCILLY
Pilot Gigs have been integral to the history of the waters around Scilly since the 17th Century. Their first known use dates back to 1666, when a crew left St. Mary’s to save the ship ‘Royal Oak’, which had been wrecked on the Bishop Rock. Following this, the design of the gig was tweaked and honed, until it evolved into the craft we see today.
Throughout the 19th Century, the islands were the first port of call after a long Atlantic crossing for fresh supplies or repairs. A ship would pick up a pilot to guide them safely into the shelter of St. Mary’s Harbour. When a ship signalled with a flag for a pilot, the gigs would race to get there first and claim the job –and the payment.
Shortly after World War II, the working life of the pilot gig diminished, but racing for pleasure soon became a pastime and a passion on the islands. To this day, throughout the summer, gig racing takes place between the islands which is fierce and competitive. Pilot Gig Racing has grown not only across the country, but also across the globe with clubs in Holland, America, Bermuda, South Africa and even Uruguay!
DYLAN JANE (Past Chair of St Mary’s Gig Club)
Sat 24th
RNLI AFTERNOON TALK
See description on page 7.
LOCATION: Mermaid Slip Inn bar downstairs
TIME: 1pm - 2.30pm
PRICE: £11pp (includes a glass of Prosecco)
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/oceanscilly
Sun 25th
FAMILY FUN DAY HOSTED BY ST MARY’S GIG CLUB
Join us for a fantastic family fun event filled with activities for all ages! Enjoy games, music and entertainment. And savour delicious treats and food. It’s a perfect day to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones! All money raised goes to supporting St Mary’s Gig Club.
LOCATION: Holgates, Town Beach, St. Mary’s
TIME: All day | PRICE: Free
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
TRY YOUR HAND AT GIG ROWING ON TRESCO WITH TRESCO GIG CLUB
Gig rowing is a traditional and highly popular sport on the Isles of Scilly. The sport has deep historical roots in the area, dating back to the 19th century when gig boats were used for tasks such as pilotage and salvage. Come along and try your hand at rowing in a traditional Scillonian Gig! Guided by Tresco’s experienced crew.
LOCATION: New Grimsby, Tresco
TIME: 1pm - 4pm
PRICE: Free
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
SHIPWRECKS OF
ST. AGNES TOUR WITH
KATE HALE
Retired IOS Museum Curator Kate Hale offers a half day walk around St. Agnes to share the history of some of the island’s most noted shipwrecks dating back to the 1500s. Shipwrecks were a defining aspect of Scillonian life for hundreds of years and during this rare opportunity, Kate will point out the site of wrecks, and relate the sometimes sad, dramatic or heroic stories of their demise, occasionally in the form of locally penned poems. The walk will end around 1.30pm with a visit to the pop-up Shipwreck exhibition at St. Agnes Island Hall. Return journey is flexible and dependent on boat times. Bring a packed lunch or stay to eat at one of the island’s food outlets.
LOCATION: Ticket office, St. Mary’s Quay
TIME: 9.45am at the Ticket Office on St. Mary’s Quay or meet Kate off the boat at St. Agnes Quay at approx. 10.30am
PRICE: £21.60pp (not including boat tickets)
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/oceanscilly
Mon 26th & Thurs 29th
COASTEERING ON ST. MARY’S WITH KERNOW COASTEERING
Explore the rocky coast of Peninnis Head with the islands’ most exhilarating adventure experience.
Our remarkable coasteering route on St. Mary’s main island offers an unparalleled experience, making it a must-do activity during the Ocean Scilly Festival. Explore the granite coastline of Peninnis Head, taking in wild swimming, scrambling, and if you’re brave enough, a stunning array of cliff jumps, big and small.
Advance booking essential! Minimum age for participation is 9-years-old. Wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids provided. Bring lace-up shoes to wear in the sea and an extra pair of shorts to be worn over the wetsuit.
LOCATION: Peninnis Farm, St. Mary’s
TIME: 12pm - 3.30pm
PRICE: £53.90pp
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/oceanscilly
Mon 26th
SCILLY SIRENS SING
An hour of popular songs with the Scilly Sirens Ladies’ Choir. Our local ladies choir end their summer season with a special performance for the Ocean Scilly Festival. Join them for an evening of “Songs of the Sea” and more!
LOCATION: Methodist Chapel, St. Mary’s
TIME: 7pm - 8pm | PRICE: Retiring donations
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Tues 27th
SNORKELLING
WITH ATLANTIC GREY SEALS
Seal Snorkelling Adventures around the Eastern Isles.
Join Seal Snorkelling Adventures for a once in a lifetime opportunity to snorkel with Atlantic grey seals in the wild and to see them up close with possible close encounters. It’s one of the most memorable things you’ll ever experience on the islands!
LOCATION: Higher Town, St. Martin’s
TIME: 9.15am - 12.00pm | PRICE: £65pp
HOW TO BOOK: enquiries@sealsnorkellingadventures.com / 07340055748
SEAQUEST GLASS BOTTOM BOAT TRIP
Windows on the Ocean, Wildlife Trip.
A tour around some of Scilly’s beautiful uninhabited islands to see seals, seabirds, seagrass meadows, kelp forests and much more besides. Scilly wildlife, above and below the waves.
LOCATION: St. Mary’s Quay, either steps 1 or 2 for a 10.45 departure
TIME: 10.45am - 12.45pm
PRICE: £27 adult / £20 child
HOW TO BOOK: seaquestscilly.com
“I stopped diving after 67 years, when I was 80… went underwater treasure hunting for 10 years - successfully I should add.”
THE SHIPWRECK EXPERT
For nearly twenty-five years Richard and Bridget have lived on St. Mary’s, although their relationship with Scilly dates to the sixties. As a Royal Navy diver Richard led the search for HMS Association which ran aground in 1707, on a naval diving expedition in 1967. This discovery led to international news interest and secured Richard’s continuing love for both the islands and their maritime history.
Richard became a regular presence on the islands and dived many and various wreck sites; in all he has 67 years’ experience as a naval and commercial diver. Richard’s passion and enthusiasm for his subject is tangible and clearly demonstrated by his desire to share his knowledge and expertise to inspire others; he and Bridget have collaborated to produce over seventy books; they were also instrumental in creating the Shipwreck Museum in Charlestown, Cornwall.
Their first venture on Scilly established Longstone as a tea garden and heritage centre in the eighties. The couple then returned to Cornwall to undertake the research required to produce a six-volume index of shipwrecks round the coast of Britain, commissioned by Lloyds of London and documenting some 45,000 incidents. This is now recognised as the most comprehensive guide of its kind and the project contributed to Richard receiving an OBE for services to maritime heritage in 2009.
RICHARD LARN, OBE
THE WRECKS OF SCILLY TALK AND DISCUSSION
Richard Larn, OBE is a renowned maritime historian and shipwreck expert, particularly noted for his extensive research and documentation of shipwrecks around the Isles of Scilly. His work has been instrumental in uncovering the rich maritime history of this area, which is known for its treacherous waters and numerous shipwrecks. Join the discussion and ask away with Britain’s leading historic shipwreck expert and maritime history writer with a chance to buy The Wrecks of Scilly book.
LOCATION: Valhalla Figurehead Museum, Tresco
TIME: 2pm - 3pm
PRICE: £10pp
HOW TO BOOK: tresco.co.uk/enjoying/events/ocean-scilly-thewrecks-of-scilly
OPEN ROWING SESSION WITH ST MARY’S GIG CLUB
Gig rowing is a traditional and highly popular sport on the Isles of Scilly. The sport has deep historical roots in the area, dating back to the 19th century when gig boats were used for tasks such as pilotage and salvage. Turn up and try your hand at rowing, a sport rooted in Scillionian culture and rich with history.
LOCATION: Gig Sheds, Porthmellon Beach, St. Mary’s TIME: 5pm onwards | PRICE: £5pp | HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Weds 28th
FLIPPERS & FINS SEA SAFARI
Looking for migrating seabirds & cetaceans.
Join Joe Pender SMBA Skipper and co-founder of Scilly Pelagics and sea bird Expert Dr Robert Flood, also co-founder of Scilly Pelagics, on a shortrange Pelagic trip in search of rare and migrating seabirds. You’ll search around the islands spotting rafts of Shearwaters, Storm Petrel, Skuas, Gulls and Cetaceans (aquatic mammals!). Bring binoculars or cameras and a warm jacket.
LOCATION: St. Mary’s Quay | TIME: 9.30am - 1pm
PRICE: £32.35pp | HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/oceanscilly
PAINT THE DAY ON TRESCO
Get artistically inspired with our day-long painting challenges throughout the year, celebrating our inspirational isles. As part of the Ocean Scilly festival, let Scillonian seas be your muse.
Draw inspiration from Tresco’s varied ocean landscapes and everchanging light with this creative challenge. ‘Paint the Day’ invites you to spend the day capturing your favourite Scilly ocean scene in whatever medium appeals.
Basic art supplies will be available from Gallery Tresco from 10am, and all ages and skill levels are invited to participate. Head out for the day and capture your scene inspired by the island’s nature.
Finished works can be returned to the Gallery by 4pm on the same day, ready to be displayed in the pop-up exhibition.
LOCATION: Gallery Tresco
TIME: 10am onwards
PRICE: Free
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up. More info tresco.co.uk/enjoying/events/ paint-the-day-gallery-tresco
Weds 28th
ABOVE & BELOW WITH THE WILDLIFE TRUST & JOE DENNETT
An expert exploration of the wealth of wildlife to be found in the waters around Scilly.
Join Joe Dennett of Chelonia Ltd to hear how sound monitoring through the Cetacean Acoustic Trend Tracking project is revealing so much. Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust CEO Julian Branscombe’s talk will then take you on a virtual tour of the wildlife you can see from land or boat around Scilly.
LOCATION: Old Town Inn, St. Mary’s
TIME: 7.30pm - 8.30pm
PRICE: Free - Donations to the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
“Keith’s skills became renowned internationally and he exported his boats from Bryher across the islands and as far away as France, Switzerland, Portugal and Barbados.”
HUT 62 ON BRYHER
Bennett Boatyard and Hut62, two businesses on Bryher, boast a rich family legacy on the island. We believe the greatest way to explore the islands is on the ocean.
Family-run business Bennett Boatyard and Hut 62 have been passed down from father to son. Keith Bennett a renowned boat builder, built over 200 boats from his boatshed in Green Bay. From small craft for local use to 35ft sailing catamarans, Keith’s skills became renowned internationally and he exported his boats from Bryher across the islands and as far away as France, Switzerland, Portugal and Barbados.
Alongside boat building, Keith hired boats from Green Bay. He started hiring in 1962 with just one boat that he built himself. Our hire company is called Hut 62 to commemorate the year the family started hiring boats and in 2018 built our bespoke hire hut at the top of the beach that gives the perfect vantage point. Our fleet has expanded but most of our hire boats are still built on Bryher by Keith’s son Dan. Designed with island life in mind, they’re perfect for cruising between the islands, fishing and stopping at sandy bays to explore, enjoy a picnic and look for shells. We now hire motorboats, sailing boats, kayaks and SUPs from Bryher, Tresco and St. Martin’s.
DAN AND ROBYN
Thurs 29th
UNINHABITED ISLAND
SWIM ADVENTURE
With Nick & Bryony from Adventure Scilly.
You’ll be whisked away in their purpose-built RIB Orca to find the perfect location for conditions on the day. Immerse yourself in anything from a dip to a 2km swim. There will be time to relax and explore and the opportunity for yoga. Hot drinks and cake provided. (Dryrobes available).
LOCATION: Pickup from St. Mary’s Quay, swim adventure location (TBC)
TIME: 1pm - 5pm | PRICE: £75pp
HOW TO BOOK: info@adventurescilly.co.uk / 07815 818831
Thurs 29th
RNLI WATER DEMOS AND LIFEBOAT TOUR
RNLI Lifeboat and crew water demonstrations in St. Mary’s Harbour with the opportunity to go aboard and get a tour of the lifeboat afterwards.
LOCATION: St. Mary’s Quay
TIME: 5pm - 8pm | PRICE: Free
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
WILDLIFE
SAFARI WITH ST AGNES BOATING & THE ISLES OF SCILLY WILDLIFE TRUST
Sea safaris around the Western Isles of Scilly offer a unique and thrilling way to explore the natural beauty and wildlife of this stunning archipelago. These guided boat tours provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the islands from the water, to see remote locations and observe a variety of marine life. View Scilly’s wildlife around the Western Rocks aboard the Spirit of St Agnes with your very own onboard guide from the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.
LOCATION: St. Agnes Quay
TIME: 1pm - 3pm
PRICE: £24.30 adult / £12.15 child
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/oceanscilly
Thurs 29th
PIRATE AND MERMAID GAMES IN THE PARK WITH MERIEL KING
Family-fun for everyone with pirate-y pazzaz and mermaiding amazingness.
Join us me hearties for an afternoon of swashbuckling pirate-y fun and magical mermaiding. A family event for all to enjoy, come in fancy dress or as elaborate as you like! There’ll be prizes for the best dressed and lots of exciting and entertaining family games. Water relay races, making treasured limpet necklaces, sea shanty songs, and more... a party not to be missed!
LOCATION: The Park, St. Mary’s
TIME: 3pm - 4.30pm
PRICE: Free
HOW TO BOOK: Just turn up
Thurs 29th
SCILLY SWIMRUN
Guided Swimrun Session.
The Guided Swimrun session is a fabulous opportunity to experience what Swimrun is all about. A leisurely Swimrun guided by event organiser Wez Swain is an excellent introduction into this land and sea sport. The course will involve 3 swims and 5 runs, totalling 600m of swimming and 5km of running, with plenty of chat and support along the way. Not a race but a social event and a chance to ‘dip your toes in Scilly’s water’.
LOCATION: St. Mary’s
TIME: 2pm
PRICE: Free
HOW TO BOOK: scilly60.co.uk/swimrun
Thurs 29th
SC DOGS - RUM TASTING AND TALK ON EACH SEA DOG
Join Scillonian Andrew Walder, ex-merchant navy sailor, and in recent years, distillery owner as he talks through some of the SC Dogs premium spirits in the beautiful setting of The Sevenstones Inn, St. Martins.
Fermented, Distilled, Aged and Bottled at the family farm on St. Martin’s, each rum, vodka and brandy is dedicated to the history of a Scillonian ‘seadog’; celebrating different island characters such as the Spirit of John Nance, William Gibson, Bruce Christopher and the Lethbridges; smugglers, sailors, fishermen, farmers and RNLI lifeboat crew. Learn also about the soon-to-launch plough-to-bottle spirit - the islands’ first!
LOCATION: Seven Stones Inn, St. Martins
TIME: 6.30pm - 7.30pm
PRICE: £18pp for the talk and tasting. £5 deposit for food reservations which will be taken off your total food bill
HOW TO BOOK: scdogs-distillery-tours.as.me/ocean-scilly
SHIPWRECKS OF BRYHER TOUR
Retired IOS Museum Curator Kate Hale offers a half day walk around Bryher to share the history of some of the island’s most noted shipwrecks, including the famous stranding of the SS Minnehaha beyond Hell Bay in 1910. Shipwrecks were a defining aspect of Scillonian life for hundreds of years and during this rare opportunity, Kate will point out the site of wrecks, and relate the sometimes sad, dramatic or heroic stories associated with them, occasionally in the form of locally penned poems.
The walk will end around 1.30pm with a visit to Fraggle Rock café, where there is a small exhibition of salvaged items. The return journey is dependent on boat times. Bring a packed lunch or stay to eat at one of the island’s food outlets.
LOCATION: Ticket Office on St. Mary’s Quay or Bryher Quay - see below
TIME: 9.45am at Ticket Office on St. Mary’s Quay or meet Kate off the boat at Bryher Quay at approx. 10.30am. Please check which quay on the day. Talk finishes at 1.30pm
PRICE: £21.60pp (not including boat tickets)
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/oceanscilly
A SWIM IN WILD WATERS
A swim in the wild waters around Bryher inspires the soul and lifts the heart at any time of the year, but for me autumn holds a most treasured feel. Those fading months of summer, when the slight change in air and light brings a softness and peace, that soothes a summer-worn soul.
The islands exhale a sigh of relief as the expectations of the season soften into the humid, misty mornings of autumn. There seems to be a gentleness within the sea, the pace of boating slows, and the temperature of the water is at its most kind.
I swim almost every day, a window of “me time” carved out of the business of life. A moment immersed in a force greater than our human lives, a force full of enchantment, tranquillity, wildness and strength. Each and every swim is unique and each swim spot wonderful for a different reason, I just pick where I go to suit my mood, the weather and the tide.
I never wear a wetsuit; it stifles that fluid freedom and I find it an intrusive barrier between me and the natural world I am trying to become part of. My one concession to the cold Atlantic is my hat, but even that is an irritating annoyance as I fumble with it on my head. I toss it behind me and slip into the gin-clear water.
RUTH EGGINS Bryher
SCILLY SWIMRUN
ST. MARY’S FULL & HALF SWIMRUN RACE
Join the St. Mary’s half Swimrun or the St. Mary’s full Swimrun which involves a complete circumnavigation of the island, equating to approximately 12km of running and 3km of swimming.
10am – Registration opens for the St. Mary’s Full and Half courses.
1.30pm – Race briefing for the St. Mary’s Full and Half courses.
2.00pm – The St. Mary’s Full Swimrun race starts. This involves a complete circumnavigation of St. Mary’s – approximately 12km of running and 3km of swimming.
2.10pm – The St. Mary’s Half Swimrun race starts. A total of 7km of running and 1km of swimming around the Southwest of St. Mary’s. These athletes should all finish just before those taking part in the St. Mary’s Full race.
3pm – 5.30pm – Swim-runners expected at the finish line.
LOCATION: St. Mary’s
TIME: 10am - 5.30pm
PRICE: Half £60pp / Full £100pp
HOW TO BOOK: scilly60.co.uk/swimrun
ON THE WATER, IN YOUR WORDS
A day of exploring the beauty of the islands from the water and taking the inspiration for an afternoon of learning how to put your experience into a short story.
Join us on St. Martin’s for the day. Spend the morning exploring the crystal-clear waters around the island on one of St Martin’s Watersports’ kayaks or paddleboards. Visit uninhabited islands, explore Bronze Age settlements, drink in the sights and sounds of nature. Find inspiration for the afternoon.
LOCATION: Par Beach, St. Martin’s. The story writing session will take place at the Island Hall on St. Martin’s
TIME: 10.15 boat from St. Mary’s or 10.45 on Par Beach, St. Martins
PRICE: £48.55pp (not including boat tickets or lunch)
HOW TO BOOK: visitislesofscilly.com/oceanscilly
SUNSET SAIL
WITH SCILLY YACHT CHARTERS
Evening sail with drinks and nibbles included.
Gently sail through the islands as the sun sinks into the sea, enjoying refreshments as you go. Relax and take in the beautiful Isles of Scilly on the only private yacht charter experience on the islands! Other dates available on Scilly Yacht Charters’ website.
LOCATION: Pick ups available from all islands
TIME: 5.30pm - 8.30pm
PRICE: £85pp
NOTE: Min numbers 4, max 6
HOW TO BOOK: scillyyachtcharters.co.uk
SCILLY SWIMRUN
Junior Swimrun.
Keeping the kids involved, there will be a Junior Swimrun which has four separate routes for varying age and ability brackets. This is always a highlight with the whole community coming together to support the younger generation (adults are allowed to support the little ones). To get an idea of the amazing atmosphere, here is a link to the first Junior swimrun https://bit.ly/Juniorswimrun.
LOCATION: St. Mary’s
TIME: 2.30pm - 3.45pm
PRICE: Free
HOW TO BOOK: scilly60.co.uk/swimrun
Founded in a London tavern on 4 March 1824 following an appeal from Sir William Hillary, who lived on the Isle of Man and witnessed many shipwrecks, the RNLI has continued saving lives at sea throughout the tests of its history, including tragic disasters, funding challenges and two World Wars.
CELEBRATING 200 YEARS OF THE RNLI
In total, across the UK and Ireland, 146,452 lives have been saved by the RNLI – this equates to an average of two lives saved every day for 200 years**.
The charity has a strong presence in the south west with 33 lifeboat stations and 89 lifeguarded beaches during the summer season.
St Mary’s lifeboat was originally established in 1837 before it lapsed in 1855, before being re-opened in 1874. Throughout its history its volunteer lifeboat crews have been awarded twenty-six medals for gallantry, one gold, nine silver and 16 bronze.
One notable shout took place on 29 October 2003, where bronze medals were awarded to Coxswain Andrew Howells and crew members Mark Bromham and Philip Roberts for the rescue of an injured man from a disabled yacht. The rescue took place in north westerly force 8 winds 12 metre seas some 40 miles from station. As crew member Mark Bromham transferred to the yacht, he got caught on a stanchion and only prompt action by the coxswain at the lifeboats controls and the helicopter crew men already aboard the yacht saved him. Petty Officer Air Crewman David Rigg and Leading Crewman Graham Hatch, who had been winched to the yacht by RN helicopter R193 were both accorded The Thanks of the Institute inscribed on Vellum. The Shipwrecked Fishermen & Mariners Royal Benevolent Society awarded Coxswain Howells The Lady Swaything Trophy for 2003 for this service.
Furthermore, since the station was established it’s volunteer lifeboat crew have launched 836 times and saved 611 lives. Nowadays, the station houses a Severn class lifeboat called The Whiteheads.
**Figures accurate as of December 2023.
Sat 31st
PADDLE & PIZZA
Enjoy a paddleboarding session at Ravensporth, Old Grimsby on Tresco with Ravensporth Sailing School, followed by freshly cooked pizza on the beach from the Ruin Beach Café. (Book at least the day before. Weather dependant)
LOCATION: Ravensporth Sailing School
TIME: 3pm - 5pm (pizza after) |
PRICE: £38 adult / £32 child (under 10)
HOW TO BOOK: tresco.co.uk/enjoying/events/ocean-scilly-paddle-pizza
Sun 1st
SCILLY SWIMRUN
Archipelago Swimrun.
The headline and the final event on the programme will be the Archipelago Swimrun. This is for experienced open water swimmers and trail runners. A challenging event that involves up to 8km of open water swimming between islands (some with strong currents) and 30km of trail running on larger inhabited and smaller uninhabited islands which make up the archipelago of the Isles of Scilly. Whether an athlete or spectator, Scilly Swimrun will be huge fun and the closing event for Ocean Scilly 2024. The festival and Swimrun weekend will conclude with a celebratory social event on the Sunday evening.
LOCATION: St. Mary’s | TIME: 9am - 7pm
PRICE: £220pp
HOW TO BOOK: scilly60.co.uk/swimrun
GLOSSARY
SCILLY YACHT CHARTERS: scillyyachtcharters.co.uk
07899 716566
SEA QUEST GLASS BOTTOM BOAT: seaquestscilly.com
07884 055122
SEAL SNORKELLING ADVENTURES: sealsnorkellingadventures.com
