Celebrating 120 Years of Heritage Sailing...
In fourteen different UK ports, passengers will be able to board Bessie Ellen, have a tour of the vessel, and even meet the ship's captain, Nikki Alford. Nikki, an avid sailor, has been the proud owner of Bessie Ellen for the past 24 years, during which time she has meticulously maintained and cared for the vessel.
Bessie's unusual past has allowed her to quite literally see the shifting currents of history, and as a result, she is included on the registry of National Historic Ships. She was once a cargo ship that traversed perilous seas in order to deliver commodities between Ireland, Wales, and the West Counties when she was constructed in Plymouth in 1904.
After being acquired by a Danish captain named Moller in 1947, the ship Bessie found herself making her way to the Baltic Sea during the last years of trade that followed the Second World War. During this second period of her existence, she was given a new name and had a significant makeover that included the installation of a big Hundested single-cylinder engine, the addition of a sizable steel hatch, and a reduction in the amount of rigging she had. Unfortunately, by the 1970s, it was no longer profitable to operate her, and she was put to rest until she was brought back to life over a century after her initial construction.
Bessie-Ellen / Paul Boomsma
The tales of daring exploits, astounding discoveries, and the unrelenting spirit of exploration and preservation are inscribed into the timbers of the Bessie Ellen, which she uses today to sail passengers around gorgeous, off-the-beaten-path locales. Ships with a rich history, such as the Bessie Ellen, are an important component of our maritime legacy because they provide a direct connection to the past. When seafarers were at the vanguard of trade and discovery, they were able to connect with the traditions, skills, and tales of people who sailed before us via the activity of sailing.
The preservation of these magnificent vessels assures that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the enchantment of sailing on these legendary ships. In addition to this, it offers assistance for the continued development of traditional shipbuilding, ensuring that priceless skills are preserved throughout the course of time. And with the recent comeback of sail cargo—the concept of moving things in an environmentally responsible manner—it has never been more crucial to keep, promote, and develop such abilities in order to contribute to a vibrant eco-system of maritime trade. This can be said since sail cargo is the notion of transporting goods in an environmentally responsible manner.
Bessie Ellen skipper, owner and guardian Nikki Alford explains “It is absolutely vital we support the heritage of these classic vessels. Running and looking after them is costly and without such ventures, they would simply be left to ruin. We are excited for the Round Britain tour, celebrating this beautiful ship and enabling numerous communities around the United Kingdom to access Bessie Ellen and see first-hand why she is so special. Bessie Ellen hails from the days of Britannia ruling the waves, when goods were transported over the oceans and navigation was by stars and charts. In keeping Bessie Ellen alive, we are maintaining our connection to this significant part of our sailing history, ensuring its survival for generations to come.”.
Bessie Ellen's Round Britain tour is comprised of a total of 14 legs, and it will see her circumnavigate England, Wales, and Scotland. Along the way, she will visit the breathtaking Hebrides, the far-flung Orkney's, and the East Coast of England, and then she will travel across the Channel to participate in the prestigious Brest Maritime Festival, which will be celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Guests can sign up for only one leg of this unique journey steeped in maritime history, or they can combine many legs into a single experience.