Bessie Ellen

Sail alongside skipper Nikki and her crew as they navigate the stunning coastlines of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, the Hebrides and St. Kilda. Discover dramatic landscapes, encounter abundant wildlife, and enjoy delicious food sourced locally and prepared on board. Guests are invited to get involved with all aspects of sailing a traditional ship, and Bracken, a spirited and seaworthy ship dog, always joins her voyages.

Accommodation

Number of guest berths: 12
Number of bathrooms: 2
Cabin Configuration: Bunk berths in open saloon.
Smoking Policy: On deck, downwind.

Particulars

Port of Registration: Plymouth, UK
Year built: 1904
Length overall: 35m / 115'
Draft: 3m / 9'6''
Sail area: 330m² / 3550′²
Number of Sails: 8
Rig: Gaff ketch
Crew: 4 plus guests

View sailing schedule & book

Description

Step aboard Bessie Ellen, a classic tall ship with over 120 years of history. As one of the last West Country trading ketches, Bessie Ellen has a remarkable past. She sailed through the turbulent times of both world wars and has since been recognised for her historical significance, as she proudly graces the National Historic Ships Register, signifying her importance as a vessel in need of conservation.

Bessie Ellen is perfect for those seeking an immersive traditional sailing experience while enjoying Nikki’s famous hospitality, great food and team spirit. Whether you’re a solo traveller looking for exploration or an adventurous couple seeking a unique experience, sailing aboard Bessie Ellen promises to create lifelong memories. It’s no wonder that guests return year after year, captivated by her charm.

Choose from a range of sailing experiences, from taster sailing weekends, weeklong voyages through the Hebrides, or embark on a 10-day exploration to more remote destinations. Help hoist the sails together, take the helm and learn basic navigation techniques alongside the crew. Nikki invites guests to get involved with all aspects of running the ship, so you can climb the bowsprit and help with simple rope work or take part in traditional maintenance aboard.

At over 120ft in length, she has a large open deck with plenty of spots to sit back and relax once the sails are set. Below decks, a spacious saloon has a great communal atmosphere where guests can feast together, sleep in individual curtained bunks and share their travelling stories.

Sailing on Bessie Ellen is more than just a holiday. As you step aboard this historic vessel, you become part of her living legacy, connecting with the spirit of seafaring that has endured for over a century.

Berths on board

Single berth (open saloon): Twelve open saloon berths: on each side of the saloon area there are two rows of three bunk berths. Each bunk has a light and a privacy curtain.

Young sailor - 18-25yrs (open saloon): For guests aged 18-25 at the time of the voyage.

Life onboard

Sailing with traditional tall ship Bessie Ellen is an experience you will never forget. From the moment you board, you can feel this magnificent ship’s 120 years of sailing history under her sails. Faithfully restored over many years by her owner and skipper, Nikki, it’s clear to see how dedicated she is to the rich maritime history and authenticity of sailing such a tall ship.

Getting Involved

The crew actively encourage guests to get involved with all aspects of sailing – it is an all-hands-on-deck attitude. This all-hands-on-deck approach ensures an engaging and inclusive experience for everyone. Even if you have no prior sailing experience, the crew’s expertise and guidance will have you hoisting sails, taking the helm in open waters, mastering essential rope work, and even picking up some navigation skills. Bessie Ellen welcomes adventurers of all backgrounds, provided they love adventure and the natural world!

The other important crew member is the ship dog Bracken! A small border terrier well-versed in life on board, he loves watching for dolphins, exploring ashore and sleeping under sail.

Sleeping & Relaxation

Below decks, guests are indulged in a spacious saloon with original wooden beams, comfy open bunks and two toilet/wet rooms where you’d be forgiven for forgetting that you were even on a boat! Each bunk has its light, complete bedding and a privacy curtain. A tiny galley sits tucked midships, and you will be in awe and wonder at the meals that come out of this space.

Above decks, she has plenty of spots to tuck yourself to read a book, take a nap in the fresh air or simply watch the world go by.

Dining Aboard

Nikki is not only a competent skipper but also an incredible cook, using locally sourced produce wherever possible. From fresh fish in Scotland, scallops from the rivers of Cornwall and venison joints from her local farm contacts, eating aboard Bessie Ellen is undoubtedly a highlight. The tiny galley does not reflect the feasts created, so you won’t go hungry after a day in the sea air.

A Typical Day

After a hearty breakfast, gather to discuss the plan for the day, based on the current weather forecasts. Everybody then works together to get the boat ready, preparing lines, hoisting sails, pulling fenders; there is something for all ages and abilities. Usually, you’ll spend the morning sailing before exploring ashore in the afternoon. Lunch is most often served underway with evening meals at anchor. For longer expedition voyages, there may be longer hours under sail, but Nikki aims to go ashore at least once a day, not least to walk sea dog Bracken!

Meet the crew of BESSIE ELLEN

After buying Bessie Ellen in 2000, it is a rarity to find Nikki on dry land. She is passionate about her ship and giving her guests a modern adaptation of classic sailing while maintaining a huge amount of respect for nature and its inhabitants.

She loves sailing in Scotland and the Hebrides and has spent many years exploring these waters, building up her knowledge base, ready to show guests all the best spots off the beaten track. Her love of nature and the environment doesn’t go unnoticed, and she tries to sail as much as possible, just using wind power. Not only is this friendly to the planet, but it also gives her guests a truly authentic traditional sailing experience.

A strong skipper with many tales to tell (make sure you ask her about the pirate incident), Nikki is excellent company to have on your holiday from both a practical and personal point of view. Whether you’re a total rookie or a hardened seafarer, Nikki will make you feel at ease with any duties you choose to undertake and make sure there is always a helping hand if you’re unsure of anything.

She also loves to cook and believes that dining onboard is nearly as important as the sailing. Expect fresh-caught fish and lobster, perhaps even exchanged at sea with the local fisherman for a loaf of freshly baked bread. And don’t worry, there are always plenty of freshly baked goods for guests too!

Nikki is also the proud owner of Bessie Ellen’s sea dog Bracken, who lives aboard with Nikki in the Captain’s Quarters. He is very friendly and loves to spot dolphins at the bow.

The history

Originally part of a 700-strong fleet, Bessie Ellen is now one of the last west country trading ketches to be still sailing to this day. She was built in Plymouth as a speculation project between 1904 and 06 to keep the shipwrights in the William Kelly yard busy between jobs.

She was finally purchased by John Chichester in 1907 and named after the owner’s two daughters. Although her hull lines suggest she would’ve been designed for the Newfoundland salt fish trade with a delicate clipper bow and a counter stern, Captain Chichester used her to carry bulk cargoes, such as clay, coal, salt, peat and aggregates. Sailing mainly around the British Isles and Irish waters, and occasionally across the Channel, her hold could take up to 150 tons of clay.

In January 1910, she hit the Morte Stone in treacherous currents around Morte Point and sustained severe damage to her keel. After temporary repairs at Ilfracombe, she was towed to Appledore for more permanent repairs. In 1916, a 25HP paraffin engine was fitted, and the main topmast was removed, stepping a pole mast instead. Bessie Ellen continued to work in the coal trade from Lydney and Newport to Appledore and Lyme Regis until the First World War.

Still owned and captained by John Chichester, after the war, Bessie Ellen was contracted to take army surplus barbed wire from Gloucester docks to Briton Ferry for melting down. It was during this contract that Captain John was tragically killed while working the locks. His family continued to run the boat together, running cargo deliveries up until the end of the Second World War.

In 1947, it was deemed that Bessie Ellen was no longer an economical cargo delivery option in her home port, so she was sold to Captain Christian Moller, from Frederiksvaerk in Denmark. She was renamed Forsoget (Danish for Endeavour) and continued her cargo deliveries with china clay from Charlestown to Denmark, reducing her sail rig and installing a larger engine.

Her deck hatch was increased with a much larger steel hatch added so cargo could be unloaded by quay-side machinery. Captain Moller continued running scrap iron cargo voyages until the late 1970s when he finally laid her up.

Soon afterwards, Ole Pietersen purchased her and began to convert her back to a sailing ketch. After major timber replacement, he found that due to his age and finances, he could not complete the project. The vessel was towed to Svendborg and laid up in the shipyard of J Ring Andersen, where she was offered for sale. She lay there for 20 years with little interest shown. Then, in May 2000, she was purchased by Cornish tall ship sailor and VentureSail director Nikki Alford.

The bulwark planking and capping rail were replaced, and the hull was made watertight and a Volvo engine (dating from about 1967) was installed in the shipyard before Nikki sailed her back to Cornwall in 2001 under jury rig. She spent another year restoring and re-rigging Bessie with a new Douglas fir mast and new sails cut by James Lawrence, of Brightlingsea.

Nikki continues to sail Bessie Ellen around Scotland, Cornwall, Spain and France, offering skippered sailing holidays to guests.

Reviews

FAQs

Are all meals included?
Yes, all meals on board are included in the price. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and hot drinks)
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please let us know at the time of enquiry.
Are there any added extras?
There's an honesty bar for soft drinks and alcohol.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
There are 12 comfortable berths in the former cargo hold. This is an open plan area that is also used for meals and relaxing. Each bunk has its own reading light and privacy curtain.
Is there a porthole in my berth?
There are 5 portholes within the saloon for natural light but not in each berth.
How many toilets/showers does she have?
Bessie Ellen has two toilets/showers for guests.
Are bedding and towels included?
All your bedding (duvet and pillow) is provided but please bring your own towels (washing and/or swimming).
Is there a hairdryer on board?
No, please do not bring one. The sea breeze makes a great natural alternative!
Will I be able to wash my clothes?
No, Bessie does not have laundry facilities on board.
Is there heating on board?
Yes there is heating if needed!
Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
What language is spoken on board?
English, French, Spanish and Danish
Is there WIFI?
No! It's time to disconnect from the modern tech and reconnect with nature! When within shore range, you should be able to reach 4/5G. Please make sure you have international roaming set up on your data plan if needed.
Can I charge my phone or camera?
Yes. We run generators every day in the morning and evening, which run the 240 volt system of normal 3 pin sockets.
What is the currency on board?
GBP - Pounds Sterling.
Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
How do I get on and off the boat?
Bessie Ellen is often at anchor so you'll need to be comfortable climbing in and out of the tender dinghy and climbing up the boats step ladder over the gunwale - there will always be a crew member to steady.
Are waterproofs available?
No. Please bring your own. There are a few oilskins spare for emergencies only.
Do I need sailing experience?
Not at all. We give everyone who joins us on board the choice to do as much or as little as they like, whether the know how to or not.
Does the boat have any water toys?
Yes, a paddleboard. And 4 sets of basic snorkel equipment,
Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are worried to take some medication 24 hours before travelling.
Is there an age limit?
No, but we advise over 16's for scheduled voyages as there is an open saloon sleeping arrangement. There is no limit for private charter.