Bessie Ellen Scotland 2012v2.pub - Classic Sailing

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Live on the ocean and the wildlife comes to you Sail natures wild playground ….where the mountains touch the sea Western Scotland is a rich marine ecosystem which offers fantastic seafood and wildlife watching from the sea eagles of Mull to the dolphins and whales that cruise the deep waters between the Inner & Outer Hebrides. Due to the prolific life under the surface and hundreds of miles of remote coastlines, the Hebrides, Western Isles and outer Hebrides are great places to spot seals, otters, minke whales, basking sharks and dolphins. The mountains provide inaccessible eyries for Sea Eagles, Golden Eagles, Choughs, Peregrine Falcons and cliffs are home to many large breeding colonies of seabirds like gannets and puffins. The weather in Scotland can range from shimmering heat haze on white sand beaches, to dramatic rain storms, sleet and snow or white capped waves and vivid blue skies. It changes….and it changes fast. Bessie Ellen has just returned from a winter season whale and dolphin watching in the Canaries so her crew have a lot of practical knowledge about cetaceans and what to look for to increase your chances of seeing common or bottlenose dolphins, pilot or minke whales. Basking sharks are slow when surface feeding, so you can look over the ships side and get some scale of these often huge ‘sea monsters’ with their mouth open. Bird species are not limited to seabirds with hooded crows, shelducks, great northern divers and many migrants passing through. Reservations UK Office: 0044 (0) 1872 580022 www.classic-sailing.co.uk
Voyage Preparation for Bessie Ellen Luggage Your main piece of luggage should be a soft kit bag. A hard suitcase is NOT suitable as space is strictly limited. A small rucksack as your hand luggage could be useful later for trips ashore. Accommodation The ship has 12 bunks down the side of the ship in her massive saloon. There are curtains for each bunk and a reading light, and both top and bottom bunks are big enough to sit up and read. Being a traditional timber ship she does not have air conditioning so in peak summer or hot destinations like the Canaries the accommodation may get quite warm, but at anchor or in harbour the roof of the hold can be opened. Scotland—Climate & Clothing Scotland climate can vary from heat wave to wild gales, or drizzle. Summer midges are rarely a problem at sea or on windy days, but on a still damp evening ashore you may need long trousers and mosquito repellant. Footwear Basically a couple of pairs of shoes with a good grip. If one gets wet then you have a spare. If you are running around on deck it is useful to have at least one pair of shoes that protect your toes e.g. trainers Lightweight walking boots or shoes might be useful alternative to trainers if you go walking in the mountains, and are fine on deck too. (there is enough storage on the ship for wellies / sailing boots if you prefer). Kit List There is bed linen / duvets pillows on board so no need to bring a sleeping bag. The ship has offshore waterproof jackets and trousers for everyone. Equipment to bring with you. Passport & travel documents and travel insurance. High factor sun- block and sunglasses are recommended. You need protection from the reflection of the sun on the water along with Sea Sickness tablets (Stugeron) if you are susceptible. A large and Small towel Swimsuit (maybe a facemask and snorkel if you have one -optional) Earplugs if you are a light sleeper Torch and spare batteries (optional) Camera and film or charger (220v on Bessie Ellen) Binoculars (optional) Waterbottle (optional) t shirts and shorts Long trousers and fleece shirts, jumper or 2 and a windproof shirt or jacket. Outdoor hill walking type clothing is great for sailing as it dries quickly. Personal Expenses; You’ll need some extra money to cover drinks and souvenirs not included in the voyage price. Freshly Cooked Meals & Special Diets Three freshly cooked meals a day and non alcoholic drinks are included in the voyage price. If you are ashore for a day trip then you will have to buy your own meals. Alcoholic drinks like bottles of wine can usually be bought on board. Customers on Bessie Ellen have consistently voted the food as excellent, and it is definitely part of the experience. Coming originally from a organic farming and catering background Nikki places great importance on delicious freshly cooked food wherever the ship sails, taking the best of local specialities. There is usually a choice and vegetarians and other diets can be catered for if you let us know on the booking form. Travel Directions for Oban For Voyages starting in Oban you only need to walk away from the station a few metres and you are amongst the fisherman’s stalls selling fresh prawns, langostines and scallops. Rendezvous & Joining times: See your individual confirmation letter for joining times. Bessie Ellen will be either alongside North Pier or anchored just off the town and will pick you up by boat from the Kerrera island ferry slipway on the corner of North Pier. North Pier is 5 minutes walk along the waterfront from the station. Ships phone: If you have any difficulties finding one of the crew, or have transport problems the ship can be phoned on 07800 825 382. By Road: Head up the A82 from Glasgow and keep going all the way past Loch Lomond. When you get to Tyndrum turn to port (left) onto the A85 for Oban. Find the North Quay and then further into Town and near Tesco you will find secure paid for parking at Oban Car Hire which does have to be paid for. By Coach: CityLink offer connections from Glasgow Buchanan Street train and Bus Station and Glasgow Airport. By Train: ScotRail has trains for Oban that also leave from Glasgow Buchanan Street Station. Journey time 3 hours but one of the most spectacular train journeys in Britain. Cheap flights to Glasgow: There are bus links (15-30 mins duration) from Glasgow airport to all Glasgow stations. Accommodation There are lots of places to stay in Oban, The Official Oban Tourist Office has the best local directory. Reservations UK Office: 0044 (0) 1872 580022 www.classic-sailing.co.uk
Page 1 and 2: S/V Bessie Ellen 1904 British saili
Page 3 and 4: Crewing a traditional sailing ship
Page 5: Explore West Coast of Scotland unde

Bessie Ellen Scotland 2012v2.pub - Classic Sailing

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