Bessie Ellen Scotland 2012v2.pub - Classic Sailing

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