She bought a century old wooden boat for her 30th birthday and restored it
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
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Bessie Ellen turns 120 in 2024, and to celebrate she's embarking on a voyage round Britain and taking part in the maritime festivals at Brest and Douarnenez. In this special year, owner and skipper Nikki Alford sits down to tell us Bessie Ellen's story. In the final part, we learn about Nikki's story, her life at sea, and how she came to buy and restore Bessie Ellen.
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#BessieEllen #sailing #woodenboat
The story of Bessie Ellen's owner and skipper, Nikki Alford, from 'unruly teenager' sent to sea, to custodian of this 120 year old tall ship, with a few ocean crossings in between! Hope you enjoy hearing Nikki's story as much as we did. Cheers! Kim & Del
P.S. You can see a full boat tour here: ruclips.net/video/71AjdJnWp20/видео.html and watch many more Bessie Ellen films in this playlist: ruclips.net/video/mElJHueAUmM/видео.html
Thanks for this, totally enjoyed watching.
That’s great, thanks for watching 🙂
Amazing story! wow!
Really good stuff - from one, much smaller, wooden boat owner to another.
'Larger than life ' is the phrase that springs to my mind thinking about Nikki and her remarkable life! I can easily imagine her being a tearaway teenager! 😂
Of all the things on earth man has ever created there is nothing more beautiful than your era wooden sailing ship. No career could be more noble, living history.
I salute this young lady who took on this journey into her womanhood and along the way has saved a boat full of history. I admire you and all,those who helped you on your beautiful (and sometimes difficult) journey.
Sentiments we wholeheartedly echo 🙂
I've sailed on Bessie Ellen with Nikki several times in Scotland, Orkney and the Canaries. Always a tremendous pleasure meeting like minded sailors and sharing tall tales especially with Nikki, a unique one off. Never a dull moment. Love you always. Ted McLean
Having sailed round Britain this year with Nikki and Bessie Ellen, your words match our sentiments exactly. Cheers Ted
Pleasetellme where I go on Google etc to go find out what happened next !surely when would be snapped up by any number of sailing operators like lecturer on board the antarctic cruises
❤
The story of the Bessie Ellen, intertwined with that of Nikki Alford is quite amazing.
Fantastic story of a lady with the heart of a lion "never give up" is a reality if you have the strength as you have, best luck with all you do and smooth sailing.
I enjoyed listening to her story ...and then the rain sounds kicking in. And i was like, we need coffee.
Lovely story. I followed 'Tally Ho' rebuild in Port Townsend (4/5 years) USA. Much admiration and Good luck for the future.
Thanks Philip, glad you enjoyed Nikki’s and Bessie Ellen’s story.
What an amazing amazing life! I hope you write a book too.i inherited books and logs of my 120 year old uncles life. He captained sail masted ships.During the war he was a harbor master . New york harbor and Chesapeake. I wish now i could ask more questions
In literature there is Villiers, Conrad, Hemingway In the world of building what they wrote about there is still Nikki Alford and her story of Bessie Ellen. A saga so beautifully told here. We still sail for free off a free wind driving our imaginations and the sea gulls still laugh at we fools of wooden ships knowing damn well they and we would have it no other way in our wildest dreams.
This was fabulous to hear about. What an adventurous life and beautiful story. I always wonder how people afford to do these things when they have never had high paying jobs. But it gives me hope still at 50 that I may figure out a way to finance the dreams.
A gorgeous wooden ship owned by the prefect skipper. A wild pink haired teenage music critic, with no doubt a little pirate in her. Blackbeard would of loved Bessie.
Haha, a lot of pirate spirit in her we would say. Cheers!
Enjoyed this so much! Would say it is inspirational but I am of an age to know better lol. How this was accomplished is amazing ! Wishing Skipper Nikki the very best and Bessie Ellen fair winds.
Glad to know you enjoyed it Suzanne, thanks! Haha, well, perhaps it’s okay to still use the word ‘inspirational’ 😂… and yes, amazing to know how the whole process unfolded and how so many things could’ve gone wrong along the way… a great story of survival and restoration for Bessie Ellen and one of determination and skill on Nikki’s part. Long may the story continue 😃
Doing something “for the love of it” may be unfashionable today, but there is hope. I had just started a RUclips video project about people who love what they do, and thought My biggest problem was finding candidates. Turns out there are so many I will never get to all off them .. and that’s just in my local area .. and I’m 80. Your story is a tonic. Thank you for telling it. ❤️
What a great project that is, and it’s heartening to know you’ve found so many stories to tell. Thanks for appreciating this one 🙂
What a great person!!! Very special indeed!
Amen
Ms Alford is made of stern stuff. I suspect many “poor” people (i.e. not independently wealthy tycoons’ projects) had similar romantic ideas of restoring an old hulk, but very few endured through the cultural apathy, lack of support and financial desperation.
I thoroughly enjoyed her tale of the steely sailor who warmed to her when he realised she had earned her stripes. A succinct little lesson. People are under no obligation to love you, but it is possible (not guaranteed) to slowly gain respect by calmly and confidently revealing hard earned merit.
Hard work and determination goes a long way, much needed for a lifelong project like Bessie Ellen.
Such a great story of effort and achievement history and changing times. I hope the dream buyer comes along and the skipper can stay on to her hearts content!
Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, let’s hope so 🤞
Wow, what an impressive story. Thank you for sharing. All the best for her and the ship ❤
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks 🙏
Congrats to Nikki for all the hard work restoring traditional sail boat. I was aboard a traditional vessel called the Anna Kristina, from Norway, back in late 70s in Gibraltar. I wonder if it was the same Anna Kristina in the film.
Not 100% sure if it’s the same Anna Kristina but we think it may well be.
I would most definitely crew for "free" (berth and board only), some of my best memories are of seafaring adventures that started like that - just one problem though, I'm a woman in my seventies, and haven't been to sea for ten years ... Still willing, just not quite as flexible ...
Nikki, thank you so much for telling us about your life with the Bessie Ellen. I’m a 67 year-old now that is always had a love for the tall ships. I found this whole story absolutely fascinating. She is absolutely beautiful. Did you ever find a buyer for her? Thanks again. Cheers from LIZ in California.⛵️🩵😎🐬🇺🇸
Thanks for your message Liz, we’ll pass it on to Nikki. Such a fascinating story as you say, it was our privilege to help Nikki tell it. No buyer as yet, so her and Bessie continue their life together 🙂
What an amazing story and Nikki is inspirational. Talk about falling in love with something and then making it your life’s work. Thanks for sharing - I’m off to do more research into Bessie Ellen’s story.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts, and enjoy discovering more about Bessie Ellen.
This is important work being done here... the recording of life in any endeavor. How many people die without getting to share their lives? Every minute was fascinating. Some one once told me that, "Life is what happens to you while you were planning to do something else." Kudos to all those involved with this!
Why couldn't I have met a woman like her in 1989. I haven't had a bad life at all, I've gone to sea, have done things and been to places that not a lot of others have, but not enough of it on the water, and not enough of it under canvas. Remarkable woman.
I’d sail with you any day. Those two photos were your destiny… wud love to learn from you. Very inspiring story ♥️
Thank you for telling this story. Beatifull boat, hope it gets to sail on with new owners
A truly fascinating story & journey . From dream to reality with all the love, pitfalls, hard work & yes satisfaction as well. What drive and determination Ms Alford is made of. My utmost respects to her. So glad I came across this video. Thankyou .
Thank you Edward, very pleased you enjoyed the recounting of Nikki’s and Bessie Ellen’s story. It’s great what she has achieved over the years and the continuation to this day of Bessie Ellen as a working vessel is testament to her drive and determination. Thanks again 🙂
Wow what an amazing woman and an even more amazing project, I loved every second of this brilliant film, I wish her the very best in her future whatever path she may choose, fair winds 🍷🍷🍷
Thanks Ray, really glad you enjoyed it and that you appreciated Nikki’s and Bessie Ellen’s story 🙂
Beautiful story of a beautiful soul - may you and Bessie Ellen sail smooth and safe and sweet for a long time. Bless your heart.
So impressive, Thank You.
What unique & fascinating story and woman. I was totally captivated & inspired. I hope & pray that her dreams & desire’s & Happiness come to fully fustian. Keep the faith & dream’s alive. Best wishes to the old salt soul woman.
What a great story. I was captivated. I wish her every success and good health in the future.
Happy you enjoyed it, thanks very much 🙂
Well that’ was a great story well done you
Wow you deserve all the praise you can get
Saving and servicing her back to such a beautiful story
Very, very interesting. The dedication of Nikki to save Bessie Ellen is admirable, thank goodness for folks like Nikki to stick with such projects when they don't get the support from places one would expect it from, shame on Plymouth.
She is tough minded for sure. Happy to say we received a warm welcome from the Plymouth harbour organisation when we visited there later in the year… today’s people were happy to have Bessie Ellen around and were keen to support her and Nikki 🙂
This old salty dog really enjoyed your story. Thanks! 😊
Very glad you enjoyed it! 😃
fantastic story I could not turn it off had to watch till the end
Delighted to hear it, thanks!
Fantastic story! Fantastic adventure! How I love people who have these kinds of lives as I have had myself
I nearly did not watch this, glad I did, interesting story. Thank you. Good luck with your plans.
Glad you did, thanks for watching 🙂
Wonderfull story, what a great adventure , thank you so much for posting
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching and leaving a comment 🙏
A story well told and hard to walk away from. Almost got me late for work 😲
Well, that says it all! Thanks for watching and sharing your appreciation 🙂
What a wonderful history, both that of Nikki and the Bessie Ellen. I had the privilege of acting as Mate aboard the replica galleon 'Golden Hinde' now on display in London, in 1980 we brought her from Japan to Plymouth, 6 months, 12,500 miles.. I was thinking recently that I'd like to do one more trip aboard a seriously capable sailing ship.. I'll be looking out for the Bessie Ellen if she continues working.. Well done Nikki.. to say we need more women like you is a major understatement, all I ever hear women talking about is grandchildren ! :
On no not the grand kids thing: I’m gonna hurl up me biscuits. Doesn’t anyone dream any more?!!
Thanks James, great to hear from you! Was just reading about the Golden Hinde replica the other week, it looked like an impressive ship. What an experience that must’ve been sailing from Japan to Plymouth. We can certainly recommend a trip aboard Bessie Ellen, a wonderful ship and she sails beautifully. And of course having Nikki as skipper pretty much ensures the most interesting and adventurous trip possible. Thanks again!
Wow! That's a tad chauvinistic, James !
@@alidabotes6264 Sorry, but that's my impression.. All of the women that are part of my life are obsessed with grandchildren.. They've lost all sense of adventure.. they're like cats, want nothing more than comfort and grandchildren.. an adventure to them would be a trip on a cruise ship.. AAAAaaarggghhh :
Quite an extraordinary story by an extraordinary person. Heart of a lion!
That's a great story, true inspiring people who deserved to be watched. Great job guys 👏👏
Cheers Altin, very much appreciated as always 🙏
This ship came into my harbour this early summer in Scotland. I noticed here and there, crew members cleaning up the boat including polishing up the brass on deck or simply sorting out ropes, just showed me how much the people onboard keep this ship in such great condition and I love to see that. Watched her sail off too. 💙
You have your own harbour!
@@davidgreen7870 I meant my small towns harbour 😂.
That was really interesting and inspiring to watch . Thank you for sharing your exciting life journey .
what an amazon story, really admire people like this.
It is a great story, and Nikki is an impressive person, so much to admire 🙂
Nikki, hat's off to you and your rewarding, uniquely engrossing and hefty way of experiencing life --- kudos!
If iI only had the dollars! Id keep you as long as you like. Also, Id work for free for this boat. Im 43 and this is my dream. I have a 1978, 27 Catalina named Mojo. I love her. You have an inspirational story. Thank you for sharing it!
You’re so lucky to have her. She’s lovely a lovely boat. 👍👍
Wonderful story . She will find a good home I'm sure
Remarkable story.
A lovely story, thanks for sharing it 🙏
You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Absolutely loved this video. Thank you so much. ❤️❤️
Great to hear, thank you 🙂
Wonderful. So glad I found this video. Wish you all the best.
Nikki sei una grande!
What an amazing story, amazing woman, amazing boat!
Here, here!
Great story, and a great lady. Would have been interesting to hear how she paid for the boat initially, and how they funded all the initial costs.
WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY. ALL THE BEST FOR THE FUTURE!
What an achievement to restore such a big ship! My deepest respect for this woman! I know the waters around Svendborg a bit, and the wooden boat shipyard there is famous!
what a lovely story thanks for sharing
You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed it 🙂
What a girl and such an adventurous life story so far, I’m so glad she had a vision of saving a timeless beauty, it’s sad that in today’s sailing you have to make a ship pay its way, this wonderful ketch should be used for training our future sailers and how sad for Plymouth not to take it on, this determined lady is our Fred Dibnah of the sea, three cheers to you and bloody good luck for the future
Exactly Tim, it’s tough to keep such an historic ship going. It really is testament to Nikki’s determination, knowledge and skill, along with the varied help she’s had from experienced seafarers and shipwrights throughout the years. A wonderful story to celebrate and one we hope continues into the future.
Wonderful work, Thank you!
Thanks very much!
Thanks!
You’re welcome, thank you!
What a great interview and interviewee! A true adventure recalled ... a life well lived!
Thanks, glad you appreciated it 🙂
A must watch. So many aspects to this story, a good start to this 80 year old retired riggers day.
Glad to hear it got your day off to a good start.
I don't want to die wondering what could have been on my death bed. Some things in life simply have to be done, often at great sacrifice. Well done Nikki. An incredible story brilliantly retold. Saving Bessie Ellen = simply brilliant.
I raced former the Olympic Class Flying Dutchman in Australia between 1878-90. Then it stopped until 2000 when I started racing 4-8 weeks per yr all over Europe in FD regattas & worlds'. My crew was a famous 3-time Russian Olympic sailor. It was a magical time in my life. It cost me a small fortune, but ya can't take if with you. Right?
You certainly can’t take it with you, and that sounds like an amazing set of experiences you’ve had. Thanks for watching and appreciating Nikki’s and Bessie Ellen’s story.
That was an awesome interview. Great to hear that complete history on Bessi Ellen SV.
Thanks Leroy, glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Wonderful story. Nikki really conveys her love of her ship which has been her home for so many years.
Remarkable story ! Adventurous dedication and what an accomplishment, I am sure there are a few books that could chronicle this story, and continuing history of this beautiful vessel, and current owner and Master Mariner.
Indeed, and it seems that there are always fresh challenges to face with each passing year… overall a great story and inspiring example to follow.
Wonderful story... but I wish we had a tour of the interior ! 🧡✨
Hey, you can see a full boat tour here - ruclips.net/video/71AjdJnWp20/видео.html and more Bessie Ellen films, including her under sail, in this playlist ruclips.net/video/mElJHueAUmM/видео.html
A small space in a public park (nature-preserve type) would be the perfect place for this. And kids from the school system will have regular tours on it, especially those looking to sail as young adults
As long as it's still sea worthy I say keep sailing her.
Agreed. And having sailed around Britain and over to France on her this year, we can testify that she is most definitely sea worthy 😃
Salute to her.👏
People like her don't come anymore. Will be honoured to meet her someday inshallah.
Wow, this is beautiful
Amazing! Got me feeling all emotional. A ship saved & a life lived. Brilliant Nikki Alford,,, & Bessie Ellen. 🌟
Fantastic story 👏
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching 🙂
What a lovely, LOVELY story. Once you fall in love with a gaffer... Especially with Bessie Ellen's lines.
Wow loved it what a fascinating woman with a wonderful story. I hope she keeps Bessie Eilen she’s a beautiful ship much more interesting than the modern sailing yachts of today. You’ve also earned a new subscriber ☺️
Glad you enjoyed it! Agreed, long may the story continue. Thanks for watching, commenting, and subscribing 🙂
Wow, great story.
Glad you enjoyed it 😃
What an amazing story and so fantastic person. Very touching .
What's really amazing about this film is you manage to make it and show the ship for 40 seconds at the end, and from a distance.
You can see a full boat tour here ruclips.net/video/71AjdJnWp20/видео.htmlsi=68AbBIKp1PCvbZOh and more films about Bessie Ellen in this playlist ruclips.net/p/PLI-qhu3E-yDANrzuZUsWftLny9VJgg7Bq&si=zqIIHWW3vRpZMiq1
@@GoingTheWholeHogg thank you
Amazing woman and her boat ... wonderful!
Fascinating story… ⚓️ …thank you. 🌊⛵️
You’re welcome, thank you too 🙏
What an inspiring lady. That vessel is such a large rolling project that would finish most people off. Her can do attitude and her passion for this boat is incredible. There’s something about older boats that become part of you.
Exactly. It’s not something that can be left to one side but something that needs constant work and attention. A hard thing to maintain mentally and a project that takes a particular personality. It’s been our privilege this year to watch Nikki at work and to experience life on Bessie Ellen.
Wow what a story🎉😅😊
A wonderful lady a wonderful life.
Spot on Fred 👍
Stunning vessel, great work ✌
Thank you! Cheers!
Bessie Ellen, methinks what a lovely lady.
I sailed on another Wseat country sailing ketch the “ Irene” of Bridgewater :-) marvellous video thank you and good luck!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! We saw Irene alongside at Falmouth, another fine looking ship 🙂
so interesting and inspriing!!
Mrs Richards: "I paid for a room with a view !"
Basil: (pointing to the lovely view) "That is Torquay, Madam ."
Mrs Richards: "It's not good enough!"
Basil: "May I ask what you were expecting to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window ? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically across the plains?..."
Mrs Richards: "Don't be silly! I expect to be able to see the sea!"
Basil: "You can see the sea, it's over there between the land and the sky."
Mrs Richards: "I'm not satisfied. But I shall stay. But I expect a reduction."
Basil: "Why?! Because Krakatoa's not erupting at the moment ?"
So special to capture the history of Bessie Ellen in such a beautiful way. Loving all the content! Jenny X
Thanks Jenny, much appreciated, really glad you’re enjoying it all 😃
That was really interesting!
Delighted to hear it, thank you!
Makes you proud to be English. As long as there are people like this living in our islands there is hope.
Once we are a minority in our own lands in 30 years you can kiss goodbye to people like this.
Excellent video, thank you.
You’re welcome Richard, thanks for watching.
Wonderful video 😊😊
Thank you 😃
What a fantastic person.
Admiral Nelson reborn!
Absolutely fascinating story !
Glad you enjoyed it!
I was an unruly teenager too. I wasn’t sent to sea. I was sent to borstal!🤷🏻
😅😅😅
Yes, what a wonderful story of a privileged life, where you’re given every opportunity in life.
thank you for this so inspiring!
Happy to hear that, thank you 🙂
Fascinating, what a dooer. A life well lived indeed.