We offer you unique, quality sailing holidays on board one of the last remaining sailing cargo ketches, Bessie Ellen 1904. This historic sailing ship traded during the final era of sail when such ships were an everyday sight in the small ports and harbours throughout the British Isles. Built entirely of wood and now 116 years old, Bessie Ellen is on the National Historic Ships Register as an important vessel to conserve.
Today, the working life of our ship has changed, providing sailing holidays and sea-going adventures. Our crew are committed to giving you an authentic experience of cruising under sail and sharing our passion for maritime heritage. With short breaks, week cruises and longer 10-day voyages in Cornwall, Scotland, The Hebrides and Scandinavia, we will make your choice of adventure an enduring memory.
Today, the working life of our ship has changed, providing sailing holidays and sea-going adventures. Our crew are committed to giving you an authentic experience of cruising under sail and sharing our passion for maritime heritage. With short breaks, week cruises and longer 10-day voyages in Cornwall, Scotland, The Hebrides and Scandinavia, we will make your choice of adventure an enduring memory.
Reviews (7)
Andy Stretton
Aug 16, 2021
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Had a fantastic week on BE with great sailing around Mull, with trips ashore on Coll, Iona and Staffa. The staff were brilliant and the food likewise. You may get shouted at but that's part of the 'fun' of a… sailing ship. The Scottish coast was stunning and I swam twice a day as well as at Fingal's Cave. Bring easy draining shoes and full gloves; cycling / gym gloves leave your fingers open to abrasive ropes. Sails up, sails tighten, sails loosen, sails reefer, sails down, sails furled.
Mary Small
Jun 25, 2021
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I’m just off this amazing ship after spending a week sailing the Scottish isles. Very professional and knowledgable skipper, friendly crew and wonderful home cooked food. This was my second trip on Bessie Ellen and despite the weather, I had a thoroughly enjoyable trip which I hope to repeat. Thank you Nikki, Owain, Tom, Alice and Becky. Fair winds xx
AmandaBrian Grindall
Apr 26, 2020
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Bill Singleton
Sep 05, 2019
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Naomi Gillingham
Aug 27, 2019
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Ian Wood
Nov 14, 2018
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Well that was the most wonderful three day taster weekend, sailing the Bessie Ellen with 12 other complete strangers, one of which was 87 years old. Crazy Captain Nikki had us in the deep end straight away. I couldn’t believe that within 30 mins of arriving onboard in Fowey Harbour we had hoisted sails & were out at sea in a swell, flying along. The most memorable £350 I’ve spent in along time. I can’t recommend it highly enough, the whole weekend was a deep dive into another (nautical) world of knots, rope burn, navigation, ship mates, team work and dropping anchor in deserted coves. I’ve
Rosie Fearon
Sep 30, 2018
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