A sailor's adventurous and calming journey from Poole to the Isles of Scilly

Simon Ellis proves with his serene expedition from Poole to the Isles of Scilly, that there is a unique magic seeping from the coastal marinas and bays that unfurls with a journey across the sea. Alongside his eldest daughter and her friends, Ellis begins a grand voyage which gives him a first-hand indulgence of the high seas’ picturesque scenery and tranquil energy. Ellis’s voyage, made under the helm of overcast skies with just a touch of wind, led him to experience the serene imagery of the British coast. The voyage commenced from Queen Anne’s Battery, navigating through the lock that is under free-flow and the swinging bridge leading out to the sea. Slow cruising at a gentle 1,000rpm and 1.5 knots of tide created leisure hours of scenic delight before Ellis nudged the speed up to 20 knots for the final 7nm to Looe. Adding to the tranquil journey was a surprising treat - enjoying brunch of bacon sandwiches with the bay all to themselves. The ocean environs turned into an impromptu playground for Ellis and the crew, highlighted by a refreshing, if bracing, dip in the sea when Looe’s temperatures breezed past 16°C. The peaceful ambiance and gentle rocking of the calm sea led to a mid-journey siesta for the crew on the bow, while Ellis stayed at the helm taking in the view. After docking upriver at Fowey, Ellis introduces us to an all-too-familiar aspect of seaside life, the seemingly tricky balance of maintaining and utilizing onboard resources. Ensuring that their 300-litre water tank lasted, the crew made use of the shoreside shower facilities, even as they found themselves caught in the crossfire of the local bird population. The voyage presents itself as not just a journey across waves, but an exploration of the lifestyle that comes with sea travel. Through the experience of sharing drinks and dinner on quiet pontoons, or jumping into the cool sea before brunch, Ellis’ story paints a vivid picture of what it means to live with the waves, taking his audience on a breathtakingly serene journey through the British coastline.