Sailing South Bound Passage

Vessel:
Where: Scotland
Duration: 3 days

Embark: Oban - 16 May 2025, 10:00
Disembark: Newlyn - 18 May 2025, 14:30

Prices from
£450.00€517.50 Per Person.
View tickets and availability

As the evenings draw in, this is Bessie’s cue to head back south, down the north channel, passing the Clyde and onward to the dramatic Cornish coast.

For those aiming to get away from it all and experience a working passage aboard a traditional vessel, then this is a wonderful opportunity to take the chance to do something really different. You will help the crew stand watches, carry out logbook duties and help with traditional skilled maintenance – even baking the bread. Each watch is 4 hours long with 8 hours rest in between – this includes night watches.

Leaving the lovely port of Oban, Scotland, Bessie Ellen will sail down toward the North coast of Ireland, bearing South East towards the Isle Of Man. This stretch of sea and coastline provides a stunning backdrop to start your voyage and you will come to rest at the harbour in Peel in the Isle of Man. Peel Harbour is an ideal first stop and where our chef heads out to stock up on traditionally cured kippers, which have been produced in Peel since the 19^th Century.

As the Isle of Man slips astern you will head south towards St George’s Channel, past the imposing 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 down 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. Depending on the weather and tides, of course, the route is changeable but usually sees Bessie keeping close to the Irish shores, to visit Port Oriel, Howth or Wicklow, with the final longer passage across the Celtic Sea towards Cornwall.

In the closing stages of the voyage, Bessie will endeavour to call in at St Mary’s, on the gorgeous Isles of Scilly, before setting the final course for home, passing the infamous Wolf Rock Lighthouse and Lands End before reaching the final port of Newlyn, a tiny but quaint Cornish fishing village. A perfect end to an amazing passage on a historic Tallship.

As with all Bessie Ellen’s sailing holidays, your ticket price includes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Drinks. Curtained bunk berths are int he spacious shared open saloon below decks with bedding provided – you just need to bring your own towel.

Simply click “Enquire Now” to reserve your berth for five days whilst you sort your travel plans. No booking form or deposit is required until you are ready to book!