Return to a world of tradition and join us for a tall ship sailing holiday aboard one of the last remaining sailing ketches as she marks 120 years.

Explore our oceans and wild landscapes. Re-live a more relaxed pace of life aboard Bessie Ellen. Unique, quality sailing holidays and adventures aboard one of the last remaining historic sailing ketches. 2024 marks 120 years of sailing for Bessie Ellen which we are celebrating with a Round Britain tour, join us in commemorating this fantastic milestone!

Bessie Ellen’s story dates back to 1904 when she traded cargoes during the final era of sail when ships such as her 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 Bessie Ellen has changed somewhat, now 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.

Cornwall & Isles of Scilly

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Scotland & The Hebrides

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Canary Islands view

The Canary Islands

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2024 VOYAGES

Join us in celebrating 120 years of Heritage Sailing
Round Britain Tour


Our 2024 schedule is now ready to book and it is an incredibly exciting one. The year will mark 120 years of sailing for Bessie Ellen and we will commemorate this milestone with a one-off, unique Round Britain Tour.

Climb aboard for one leg or more for fantastic tall ship sailing holidays, discovering the wild British landscapes, stories from a bygone era and be part of something truly special.

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Tall Ship sailing holidays on the historic Bessie Ellen


This short film offers an insight to life on board and explores skipper Nikki’s aspirations of sharing experiences of life at sea and sailing this wonderful ship. Take a look and get to know our ship and her happy crew.

Useful Information


Not sure what to bring, what to leave at home and what you can expect on board?

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Our Guests Say


I thoroughly enjoyed reliving my youth onboard Bessie Ellen. We came from Cornwall to Oban on this beautiful ship with Skipper Nikki and her brilliant crew. Great hands on sailing, relaxed atmosphere and fabulous food. A true get away. Met some lovely people and the whole trip was a fantastic adventure to new places and new waters. Many thanks. I’ll be back again Yes I echo the thoughts of my shipmates Paul and Rachel on this passage. Bloody fantastic trip. I’ll be back too!

— Rachel & Bernie