Tall Ship Sailing with Cornwall Wildlife Trust
- Vessel: Bessie Ellen
- Where: Fowey, Cornwall
- Duration: 3 days
- Embark: Fowey - 21 April 2023, 12:00
- Disembark: Fowey - 23 April 2023, 14:00
Explore the Cornish coast with tall ship Bessie Ellen as she partners with Cornwall Wildlife Trust to deliver a wildlife watching extravaganza!
Join the traditional wooden tall ship Bessie Ellen in the harbour town of Fowey, the perfect joining location to explore the South West coast of Cornwall under sail. This voyage is all about sailing to explore Cornish waters and its abundant wildlife, as Bessie Ellen is joined by a wildlife expert from Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust is on a mission to better protect the health of Cornwall’s diverse wildlife and we are proud to support them in this endeavour. As part of our joint initiatives, we are supporting Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Seaquest Southwest project. This local project is a great way to engage people with the marine environment, and collect valuable data to conserve and protect our beautiful marine wildlife.
- Wildlife watching
- Great for nature lovers
- Traditional tall ship experience
- Sheltered coastal sailing
- Great for beginners
- All-inclusive board
- Sail area & highlights
- Gallery
- Life on board
- Sample menu
- Travel planning
- The boat
- FAQs
- What's included
- Boat schedule
Your Sailing Area
Exploring the Cornish coast with Cornwall Wildlife Trust
This voyage is perfect for those looking for new experiences and adventures, whilst spotting incredible wildlife along the way and being part of Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s drive to protect the wildlife around Cornwall. One of the best things about a sailing holiday is the ability to spot wildlife both from the water and the land. Watch in wonder as dolphins swim in the wake of the bow, listen for the seabirds nesting in the cliffs, explore rockpools ashore and discover the ancient woodland lining the coast path.
Even if you’ve never set foot on a boat before, the coasts of Cornwall give great sheltered sailing grounds that are the perfect setting for getting to grips with a traditionally rigged tall ship. The professional and friendly crew will be on hand to show you the ropes, hoist the sails and even offer the helm.
Cornwall is very much home for Bessie Ellen, who has worked in and out of Cornish ports for many years. The county is also home for skipper Nikki, so she is well-versed in showing guests hidden coves and secret spots during the voyage. With a Seaquest Cornwall Wildlife Trust expert on board too, this voyage will certainly takes guests to all the best wildlife watching spots in Cornwall.
What to expect?
There is no set itinerary as your journey will be guided by the wind and natural environment. After a hearty breakfast, set the sails to spend a few hours sailing, watching out for dolphins and running marine surveys alongside the Cornwall Wildlife Trust expert. Once an anchorage has been found for the afternoon, guests are welcome to go ashore where activities could include a rockpool tour (tide dependent!), or a wildlife walk through the incredibly diverse natural landscape of Cornwall. Alternatively, guests are welcome to explore by themselves if they wish!
Cornwall is home to an abundance of wildlife on both land and sea, with one of the UK’s few resident pods of bottlenose dolphins, basking sharks, seals, and a host of bird life. The world’s fastest flying bird, the Peregrine falcon, which has made a strong comeback along the Cornish coastline is an amazing spot. April is one of the best months for wildlife spotting in Cornwall, as the days get longer and the wildlife begins to awaken.
Perhaps you’ll spend time ashore in the Helford, where some of England’s ancient woodland meets the sea – a melting pot of wildlife spotting opportunities. Look out for woodland butterflies such as the Speckled Wood, and keep an ear out for badger and fox cubs as they emerge above ground. The shoreline is sure to provide some rockpools where rare species of crab, starfish, urchin and anemones can be found – your guide from Cornwall Wildlife Trust will be well versed on these fascinating creatures should you wish to learn more. Evenings spent onboard the boat are likely to receive visits from swallows swooping across the twilit sky, or maybe even bats dancing along the shore.
This sailing holiday is perfect for those who want to enjoy some traditional sailing in sheltered waters, soaking up the diversity of Cornwall’s coastline, and enjoying the incredible wildlife on offer in Cornwall. Gaze at starry skies, feel the salt air in your hair as you revel in a tall ship sailing experience, and be part of the movement to protect and conserve precious wildlife and their habitats.
All voyages for Bessie Ellen
Bessie Ellen
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Rigged Ketch
Bessie Ellen offers quality sailing holidays on board a classic tall ship with over 100 years of history and is now one of the last West Country trading ketches.
This ship worked through both world wars during the last era of wind-powered trade when ships like Bessie were seen all over England. She is featured on the National Historic Ships Register, which identifies her as a historic vessel that needs to be conserved.
Now, her working life is very different, and she spends her days cruising around British and European waters, offering hands-on sailing holidays. With an experienced and hospitable crew, Bessie Ellen provides her guests with a comfortable and authentic tall ship sailing experience. Skipper Nikki occasionally nods back to Bessie’s past by loading her up with cargo for ocean passages, transporting beer from Harbour Brewery and making the most out of the emission-free transport that Bessie offers.
Read more about Life on board Bessie Ellen here >
Sail with Bessie Ellen and Nikki, around Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly, the Hebrides and St. Kilda, you’ll not only enjoy sailing aboard a tall ship, but experience unique coastlines, abundant wildlife, and excellent food, all sourced locally and prepared on board. Nikki and her crew are also joined by salty sea dog Bracken, who will love to go on you adventures with you!
Choose from weekend breaks, weeklong trips, or 10-day explorations for a truly unforgettable holiday.
More about Bessie EllenLife on board Bessie Ellen
Sailing with traditional tall ship Bessie Ellen is certainly an experience you will never forget. From the moment you board, you can feel the 100 years of sailing history this magnificent classic has 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.
Bessie Ellen is perfect for those looking for an immersive traditional sailing experience while enjoying Nikki’s famous hospitality, great food and team spirit. From solo travellers, to adventurous couples, sailing with Bessie Ellen will leave you with life-long memories and you’ll quickly see why her guests return year on year.
Getting Involved
The crew actively encourage guests to get involved with all aspects of sailing such a traditional vessel – it really is an all-hands-on-deck attitude. They are well-versed in having beginners on board and are always on hand to show guests the ropes. From hoisting the sails together, taking the helm in open waters, basic rope work and even some navigation pointers, you soon feel at ease and part of the team! Believe it or not, you don’t need any sailing experience to join Bessie Ellen, just a lust for adventure.
The other important crew member is ships dog Bracken! A small border terrier who is well-versed in life on board, loves watching for dolphins, exploring ashore and sleeping while under sail.
Sleeping and 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 it’s own light, full bedding and a privacy curtain. A tiny galley sits tucked mid-ships and you will be in awe and wonder of the meals that come out of this space.
Nikki is not only a competent skipper but also incredible cook using locally sourced produce everywhere possible and has spent many years in both Cornwall and Scotland networking a myriad of local suppliers.
What’s Included
- All-inclusive (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Soft/hot drinks)
- All bedding (pillow, sheets & duvet)
- Full crew plus tuition
- Marina and fuel fees
- All tender trips to and fro the boat
- Lifejacket
- Offshore sailing jacket and trousers for emergencies (these are not permitted to be taken ashore)
What’s not included
- Alcohol
- Wash and/or swim towel
- All flights
- Transit hotels
- Travel to and from the boat on the day of joining/leaving
- Travel insurance
- Sailing Insurance (Please read our Sailing Insurance page for more information)
- Crew tips
- Personal expenses
FAQ
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What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Bessie Ellen?
There are currently no Test & Sail policies in place for the 2022 season.
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Are meals included?
Yes - and we pride ourselves on the quality of food served!
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Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, please let us know at the time of enquiry
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Do I need to tip the crew?
Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!
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Do I need to bring bedding or towels?
All your bedding (duvet and pillow) is provided but please bring your own towels (washing and/or swimming)
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What language is spoken on board?
English is the main language spoken, however on occasion we have crew onboard who are multilingual.
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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
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How many toilets/showers does she have?
Bessie Ellen has two toilets/showers for guests.
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Is there WIFI?
No, but you will be able to reach 3/4G when you are close to land.
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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.
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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.
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Are there life jackets provided?
Yes.
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Are waterproofs available?
No. Please bring your own. There are a few spare for emergencies only.
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Do I need to be a seasoned sailor?
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.
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Do I have to do watches?
During a passage crossings you may be asked to be part of our watch rota, this is not compulsory but is definitely part of boat life that guests enjoy when at sea for long periods.
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Will there be time to get off the boat?
Yes on most of our trips we try and explore the areas we are sailing around each day, except for passage crossings where of course we are at sea for most of the voyage.
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Will I be sea sick?
Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are worried to take some medication 24 hours before travelling.
Gallery
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From: Fowey
To: Fowey
To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.
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PARKING:
You can leave your car at any of the Long Stay car parks with a weekly or overnight ticket. You can pay using the JustPark app on your phone which can be easier. Try Readymoney (PL23 1JD) or Caffa Mill (PL23 1DF) car parks.
BY RAIL:
Fowey is just 5 miles / 15 mins by car from Par Station which is on the Southwest mainline. There are trains with Great Western Railway from the start/end of each line at Penzance, Cardiff Central and London Paddington. From here, it is a short ride taxi into Fowey.
BY AIR:
Newquay Airport is 20 miles from Fowey, but is generally the quickest way into the county during the spring/summer months. You’d need to get a taxi (around 40-50 minutes) from the airport.
STAY IN FOWEY:
There are plenty of places to stay in Fowey. Try The Old Quay House, The King of Prussia or Havener’s.