The Historic Wooden Ship 'Ursula' was built in 1953 at Sakuth, Heiligenhafen, Germany, a small fishing port on the Baltic Coast. It is believed Ursula was built as a cadet training ship but may have also played a part in the Cold War with sophisticated sonar and listening equipment originally installed on board. Built to a traditional design with oak planking on oak frames, Ursula withstood the harsh Baltic conditions for many years, with lead ingots packed into the bow area for ice breaking. Ursula has the unique feel of a small sailing ship with many interesting detsils, akin to that of years past. After a major refit in the mid 1990's, Ursula spent 10 years operating in the Scottish Hebrides, carrying passengers on whale watching trips. During this time she was named 'Solais Na Mara' . Ursula also operated as a charter vessel based on the Isle of Wight in the 2020's She is rigged as a Gaff ketch with jackyard topsail. She has just come out of another major refit / restoration in 2025 with extensive repairs that included an entirely new deck and major structural items replaced. Ursula has been fitted out with modern kitchen fittings to ensure comfortable living. The accommodation comprises of 3 bedrooms. Bedroom 1 - The main bedroom has 2 double beds and 2 single beds sharing the same cabin, with a privacy curtain dividing the room. Bedroom 2 - in the front of the boat has a sliding door for privacy with a single bed, with a ladder for access to the deck above, Bedroom 3 - has 2 beds arranged as bunk beds. Please be aware that the boat has steep ladder / stairways. Ursula Is a fully functioning sailing vessel and care must be taken when using the stairways. Not suitable for very young children, unless accompanied by an adult. Overall she is 23.3m long with a 5.68m beam and 2.40m draft. Sail area is 153m3. Max speed 10 knots. Gross Tonnage: 99.5 and DWT = 54.

Sam Fulford has built a business restoring and repairing historic wooden ships. We restored Ursula to be a fully operational gaff ketch to be available for any purpose required. Please note - the reviews for last year are for the Historic Wooden Ship 'MFV119' that is away in dry dock undergoing repairs. Ursula has taken its place, and is equally as pleasant.

The Isle of Wight is full with interesting places. I would be delighted to direct you to some hidden gems. As well as fantastic walks, there are some great cycle routes that can take you from where the boat is moored and cycle all over the island - without ever going on many busy roads, so perfect for the kids, and perfect for those who want a quieter time. Then there are the fabulous beaches, some very secluded, some rocky, some sandy, all great for swimming. There are many museums to visit, From the classic boat museum, to castles and Queen Victoria's home at Osborne, a 10 minute walk from Ursula. If you want to just sit onboard, the view from the boat is great. You will be able to sit on deck and watch the visiting yachts coming in and mooring all around you. Large commercial ships will pass close by bringing in all kinds of goods to the Island, an impressive sight as they pass.