A Sailors’ Voyage to Scotland
Tuck some ocean miles under your belt as you sail with Bessie Ellen from Gloucester to Scotland – the perfect opportunity to taste life on the open water.
Join tall ship Bessie Ellen at Gloucester Quays before she sets off for her annual adventure sailing holiday to Scotland to begin her summer sailing season.
Bessie Ellen makes this ocean-going voyage every Spring as she marks the start of her Scottish sailing season. Work your way north up the coast of the UK, with longer hours under sail. Exactly where you stop over and anchor will entirely depend on the weather forecast, which your skipper will be briefing you on daily.
- Skippered sailing
- Longer passages at sea
- Traditional rig
- Great for solo travellers
- Full Board
- Hands-on Experience
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 the traditional tall ship Bessie Ellen is an experience you will never forget. From the moment you board, you can feel this magnificent classic’s 120 years of sailing history under her sails. Faithfully restored over many years by her owner and skipper, Nikki, it’s clear how dedicated she is to the rich maritime history and authenticity of sailing such a tall ship.
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 yearning for exploration or an adventurous couple seeking a unique journey, sailing aboard Bessie Ellen promises to create lifelong memories. It’s no wonder that guests return year after year, captivated by the ship’s allure.
Getting Involved
The crew actively encourage guests to get involved with all aspects of sailing on a traditional vessel – 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 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 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 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 a light, complete bedding and a privacy curtain. A tiny galley sits tucked mid-ships, and you will be in awe and wonder at the meals that come out of this space. Meals are often eaten up on deck during the day, and by evening, everyone retires to the cosy saloon to feast after a day on the water.
Nikki is a competent skipper and an incredible cook using locally sourced produce everywhere possible.
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 Ellen
More holidays in Scotland or UK
Sailing Weekend in South Devon
Remote Scottish Island Adventure: Outer Hebrides & Shiants
Private Charter Sailing on the South Devon Coast
Yacht Charter Sailing – Devon, Cornwall & Beyond
More holidays on Bessie Ellen
Explore Knoydart: Sail and Walk in Scotland
Tall Ship Sailing to the Isles of Scilly
Tall ship sailing adventure to France
Tall Ship Sailing to the Isles of Scilly
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
