A Sailor’s Voyage from Scotland to Cornwall
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Sail with Bessie Ellen as she marks the end of summer with a sailing adventure from Scotland to Cornwall.
Join tall ship Bessie Ellen in the Scottish port of Troon as she sets course south to Cornwall. Spend eight days working your way south down the coast of the UK, spending longer hours under sail. Exactly where you stop over, and anchor will entirely depend on the weather forecast, but skipper Nikki should have a better idea of what to expect as you board.
Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a beginner, this voyage is perfect for those looking to spend more time on the open water. Get to grips with sailing a traditional tall ship with a friendly crew, from hoisting the sails to taking the helm and some basic navigation skills.
- Traditional tall ship sailing
- Fully skippered
- Hands-on Sailing
- Experienced crew
- Longer passages at sea
- Great for solo travellers
- Full Board
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
Life 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.
Bessie Ellen
Guest berths: 12 Rig: Gaff Rigged Ketch
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.
Deck plan
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.
More about Bessie EllenMore holidays in Cornwall, Scotland or UK
Remote Scottish Island Adventure: Outer Hebrides & Shiants
A Sailors’ Voyage to Scotland
UK Sailing Expedition from Scotland to Portsmouth
UK Sailing: Falmouth to Gloucester Aboard Bessie Ellen
More holidays on Bessie Ellen
Historic Sailing Explorer; Skye & the Small Isles
Tall Ship Sailing in the Hebrides
Historic Ship Taster Sailing in Scotland
Ardnamurchan Explorer: Sailing the Western Edge of Scotland
Inspiration for your voyage
Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below. Be inspired to discover the world under sail! Read our latest journals below.
JOURNAL
