A Sailors’ Voyage to Cornwall

LIFE AT SEA

This voyage is perfect for those wanting to experience life on the open water and tuck some sea miles under their belt. Fully immerse yourself into life at sea by taking the helm, navigating and hoisting the sails with your fellow guests and crew. Bessie Ellen is a traditional tall ship with not a winch in sight so it’s certainly a case of all hands on deck. No experience is needed and new comers are always welcome but a lust for adventure is a must!

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A Sailors voyage

Once the sails have been set, depart from Oban and pass the narrow strait of Coryvrekkan between Jura and Scarba and perhaps call in at Colonsay or Jura.

Sail past the mountains of Mourne Islay (pronounced ‘eye-la’), one of skipper Nikki’s favourite locations. Historically, the island served as the meeting place for Scottish clan leaders but it is now a paradise for whisky lovers, boasting an amazing eight distilleries. Each is nestled on the shores around the island and offers the chance to sample some of the finest malt whiskies in the world.

Sailing through the St. George’s Channel offers the chance to take the night watch and sail under the stars, enjoying the sense of peace as the ship settles down for the evening. Your final port of call will be the Cornish maritime port of Newlyn.

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.

Sample Menu for Bessie Ellen

All food is made on board and local, fresh produce is top of the shopping list! Please note that this is an example of what you may be served.

Breakfast

• Selection of tea, freshly ground coffee and fruit juices
• Muesli, yoghurt and fruit compote
• Selection of cheeses, breads and sliced meats
• Fruit and home-made conserves
• Boiled of scrambled eggs with smoked salmon
• Occasionally bacon and sausages

Elevenses/Afternoon Cake

• Tea, coffee and home-made cakes

Lunch

• Chef’s pumpkin soup with coriander
• Freshly baked breads, feta tart with home-made dill gravadlax
• Watercress and walnut salad with cauliflower florets served with lemon olive oil dressing
• Selection of fine cheeses with pickles, relishes, salami’s, olives and cournichons

Dinner

• Seared scallops served with black pudding and roast apple
• Slow cooked leg of local pork with fennel, chilli, lemon juice marinade with salsa verde
• Herb roasted beetroot, parsnips, red onion and carrots
• Creamy mashed potatoes with mustard and finely chopped spring onions

Dessert

• Tart Tatin served celeriac ice cream
• Local cheeses and biscuits
• Coffee and home-made chocolates

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

• What COVID policies are in place for sailing with Bessie Ellen?

  There are currently no Test & Sail policies in place for the 2022 season.

• Are meals included?

  Yes - and we pride ourselves on the quality of food served!

• Can you cater for dietary needs?

  Yes, please let us know at the time of enquiry

• Do I need to tip the crew?

  Tips are not mandatory but are welcomed by the crew!

• 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)

• What language is spoken on board?

  English is the main language spoken, however on occasion we have crew onboard who are multilingual.

• 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

• How many toilets/showers does she have?

  Bessie Ellen has two toilets/showers for guests.

• Is there WIFI?

  No, but you will be able to reach 3/4G when you are close to land.

• 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.

• 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.

• Are there life jackets provided?

  Yes.

• Are waterproofs available?

  No. Please bring your own. There are a few spare for emergencies only.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Will I be sea sick?

  Everyone reacts differently but we recommend if you are worried to take some medication 24 hours before travelling.

Travel Planning

From: Oban

To: Newlyn

To see where the ports are, along with your likely sailing area, please view the sail area & highlights.

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OBAN

BY RAIL:

Oban station is a 5-10 minute walk from North Pier. Trains run 6 times a day to Glasgow Queen Street Station where there are good travel links to the rest of the UK.

BY AIR:

Glasgow and Edinburgh Airport both require taking a train from Oban which takes approximately 2-3hours. Flights go direct to Stansted Airport.

STAY IN OBAN:

There are plenty of places to stay in Oban. Try Witchwood House, The Scot or Perle Hotels Oban.

NEWLYN

BY RAIL

Penzance train station is a 10 minute drive from Newlyn Harbour. There are direct trains with Great Western Railway from Plymouth, Exeter St Davids, Cardiff Central and London Paddington into Penzance. 

BY AIR:

Newquay Airport is generally the quickest way in/out of the county during the spring/summer months. There are direct flights from a number of UK airports. A taxi ride is approximately 1 hour to Newlyn. 

STAY IN NEWLYN:

There are plenty of places to stay in and around Newlyn. Try The Ship Inn Mousehole, Artist Residence Penzance or The Queens Hotel Penzance.