Historic Sailing Adventure; Outer Hebrides & St Kilda
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Discover the Outer Hebrides, Mingulay & the UNESCO World Heritage site of St Kilda under sail with the tall ship Bessie Ellen.
Join tall ship Bessie Ellen in the Scottish harbour town of Mallaig as you prepare to explore the remote islands of the Outer Hebrides. This sailing adventure is perfect for those looking to spend more time under sail, discover hard-to-reach, remote locations and get to grips with sailing a traditional tall ship.
Shrouded in myth and legend, our main aim will be to sail to the once-inhabited UNESCO World Heritage site of St Kilda. Only accessed by boat, the island was last inhabited by humans in 1930 and arriving on a tall ship is a great way to experience the island. Today, St Kilda is home to over a million nesting seabirds, which is the largest recorded colony in Europe.
- Traditional tall ship
- Skipper & Full Crew
- Hands-on Experience
- Island hopping
- Wildlife watching
- Perfect for solo travellers
- Full Board
Need some help?
Talk to the team
Telephone: +44 (0)1872 487288
Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp: +44 7804 472592
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!
Sample menu
All food is made on board and locally; fresh produce is at the 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 or 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, olives and cornichons
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
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
More about Bessie Ellen
More holidays in Scotland, Scotland - St Kilda or UK
Sailing Weekend in South Devon
Expedition Sailing from Iceland to Scotland via the Faroe Islands
Ardnamurchan Explorer: Sailing the Western Edge of Scotland
Scotland Sailing Adventure in the Summer Isles & Shiant Islands
More holidays on Bessie Ellen
Historic Sailing Explorer; Skye & the Small Isles
Tall Ship Sailing to the Isles of Scilly
Explore Knoydart: Sail and Walk 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
