Eda Frandsen

What Eda Frandsen does best

We are thrilled that two of our Classic Sailing staff, James MacKenzie and Becky Treneer, are branching out on an adventure of their own by taking over ownership of this historic 1938 wooden cutter.

Eda Frandsen (pronounced Ada) has been offering well loved charter voyages in Western Scotland for many years. Add to this that James and Becky have considerable experience of running traditional boats with guest crews and you have an ideal combination of boat, place and crew.

James and Becky have some exciting new ideas and will extended the early and late season in the West Country, Brittany and the Isles of Scilly. As Eda has done for many years she will spend the long days of midsummer in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland from her summer base in Mallaig.

James is a very competent skipper. During sea trials he was handling the boat as though he had been on board for several years and I cannot think of a more suitable person to take over my “baby” Former Owner  Jamie Robinson 2012

Eda Frandsen Sailing Schedule

Eda Frandsen Ship Details

Introducing the Crew 

James has skippered many traditional vessels larger than Eda and made quite an impression down here in Cornwall. He is famous for creating new voyages like the Pure Wind Challenge and revelling in sailing little Eve just about everywhere under sail or sculling oar.  Becky is a Yachtmaster Offshore and is the mate on board Eda. She has a huge breadth of work experience including sales and marketing at Classic Sailing, first mate on Brixham Sailing Trawler Leader and promoted marine conservation in the Caribbean.   There will be a cook on board too so at the end of the day  it is great to know that you can sit down to a great meal.

Read Our Skipper & Crew Profile

What to Expect

Authentic hands on sailing experience with a team well used to helping people get the most out of the sailing.  You can expect to explore some amazing places and sail to the fullest extent that the weather allows.

Summer Sailing Expeditions in Western Scotland

Eda will be running 6 and 9 day voyages from Mallaig at the entrance to Loch Nevis and the Knoydart Peninsula. Over the sparkling sea to the West are the islands of Skye, Rum, Canna, Eigg and Muck and within reach are the Outer Hebrides like Benebecula, Uist or Eriskay. This is as close as you can get to unspoilt wilderness without leaving the UK.  Skye alone has over 450 miles of coastline to explore and the stunning Cullin Mountains as a backdrop to fast sailing in deep waters mostly protected from swell by the Outer Hebrides. 

There are sea eagles and golden eagles on Rum, otters in the lochs, basking sharks and minke whales—all feeding in one of the richest marine ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere.  Seafood like scallops and langostines are easy to buy straight from the fishing boats and local producers.  The island communities work hard and appreciate guests who have pulled a few ropes to arrive.

Spring & Autumn in the West Country

James and Becky know Cornwall, Isles of Scilly and Devon well as sailors and outdoor enthusiasts. They have made many contacts in the historic ports and amongst the seafaring communities of this distinctive corner of Britain.  Bringing Eda South to Cornwall in the Autumn and Spring means she can make the most of the milder weather and keep you all outdoors with the wind in your hair for longer. 

Enjoy short breaks, Island hopping in Scilly, Brittany and scenic coastal sailing from Lands End to Berry Head.  Secret zawns, wooded creeks, sea pink covered headlands and small havens like St Mawes that have been welcoming ships since Phoenician times. It all help create a timeless setting for a traditional boat like Eda.

“Sailing in the Western Isles of Scotland is one of the best ways of exploring these remote islands. You do not have to worry about accommodation, it’s close to nature but cosier than camping !” Briony

Eda Frandsen History

Eda Frandsen was built in Grenna, Denmark in 1938 and started life fishing for lobsters and  seine netting out of Lemvig.  Between 1990 and 1995 she was restored, but these 5 years hide a story of amazing determination. Her past owners watched in horror one night as their painstaking restoration went up in flames.  A huge effort from volunteers and shipwrights saw the ship substantially rebuilt although many areas retain the original undamaged wood. In 1995 she rose like a phoenix to the admiration of the wooden boating world as an incredibly strong ‘new’ wooden charter boat and soon gained a loyal following of supporters who came to sail her.

She has sailed extensively in Spain,  Portugal, Norway, Sweden and Denmark and in 2002 she crossed the Atlantic to the Caribbean  winning the Concourse D’Elegance prize in Antigua Classics.

James and Becky look forward to creating the next chapter  of her life, with your help.

Accommodation

8 Berths in 4 Twin Cabins

The heart of Eda Frandsen is the large saloon. Two cabins are tucked either side of the main companionway, and two cabins forward can suit couples or individuals (bunks).  WC and hand basin and a second WC & hot shower. Separate crew quarters. Heating and a drying area for waterproofs. On deck she has a big ships wheel and  an unusual saddle to sit astride when steering, and   plenty of seating in a sociable area around the helm. 

Vessel Specification