Traditional Tall Ship Sailing to the Isle of Arran
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Discover the sheltered waters in the Firth of Clyde as you sail with traditional tall ship Bessie Ellen from the Scottish port of Oban.
Join Bessie Ellen in the port of Oban on the West coast of Scotland as she sails south through the islands of Jura and Islay before reaching the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran.
This voyage is perfect for those looking to experience the myth and magic of the Hebrides under sail while getting to grips with sailing a traditionally rigged tall ship under the guidance of a professional crew.
- Traditional Tall ship Sailing
- Fully Skippered
- Hands-on Experience
- Friendly Crew
- Great for solo travellers
- Explore ashore
- 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 120 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. 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 prior sailing experience, the crew’s expertise and guidance will have you hoisting sails, taking the helm in open waters, mastering basic rope work, and even picking up some navigation skills. Guests will be expected to get involved with all aspects of sailing as well as night watches on rotation. Bessie Ellen welcomes adventurers of all backgrounds, provided they have a love for adventure and the natural world!
The other important crew member is ship 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 its a 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 an incredible cook using locally sourced produce everywhere possible.
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
Remote Scotland: Outer Hebrides & St Kilda Tall Ship Explorer
Hebrides Tall Ship Sailing: Jura, Islay & Arran
Scottish Short Break Sailing the Firth of Clyde
Expedition Sailing from the Faroe Islands to Scotland
More holidays on Bessie Ellen
Tall Ship Sailing to the Isles of Scilly
Tall Ship Sailing Scotland: Mull & Small Isles
Historic Sailing Adventure; Outer Hebrides & St Kilda
Historic Sailing Explorer; Skye & the Small Isles
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
