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They are the only tall ships in the world specially designed to enable crews of mixed physical abilities to sail them on equal terms. The aim of the Jubilee Sailing Trust is to promote the integration of physically disabled and able-bodied people through the adventure of tall ship sailing holidays.
If you are aged 16-25 you may be interested in the Jubilee Sailing Trust Leadership at Sea Scheme, through which you may be eligible for a bursary of up to £300. The Scheme also qualifies participants for the Gold residential element of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
The ten permanent, professional crew, including the Captain, Medical Purser and Cook will fully involve all the 40 voyage crew with sailing a square rigger. Each member of the voyage crew will be part of 4 watches or teams who take it in turn to be on duty throughout the 24 hour day, working 4 hours on duty and then 12 hours off duty. There are no passengers on board the Tenacious and as a member of the voyage crew you are expected to be involved in all aspects of life on board, including setting the sails, helming the ship, assisting with on-board cleaning and maybe taking a turn in the galley. All training and instructions will be given on board - no previous sailing experience is needed. |
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The
Jubilee Sailing Trust, a registered UK charity, owns and operates
the two tall ships - the Lord Nelson and Tenacious from
their base in Southampton. 
What
will life be like on board the Tall Ship Tenacious ? 
The Tall Ship Tenacious operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust returned to Falmouth on Friday 18th July having sailed with a crew of mixed physical abilities to two French ports leaving Falmouth on the 11th July. Thirty of the forty voyage crew were from Cornwall aged between 16 and over 80 with 3 young people from various parts of the country taking the Leadership At Sea challenge and qualifying for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold residential award by sailing successfully on Tenacious.
The Jubilee Sailing Trust, a registered UK charity, owns and operates the two tall ships - the Lord Nelson and Tenacious from their base in Southampton. The aim of the Jubilee Sailing Trust is to promote the integration of physically disabled and able-bodied people through the adventure of tall ship sailing holidays.
The voyage crew of mixed abilities were able to sail on the ship as there are special facilities such as a speaking compass, an induction loop system and lifts between decks to enable all to operate on equal terms. Tenacious was built in the UK by teams of able-bodied and physically disabled volunteers, working alongside dedicated and professional shipbuilders. Many of those involved in the project overcame obstacles and adversity to help build her. Tenacious is the largest wooden tall ship of her kind to be built in over 100 years. Her maiden voyage took place on 1st September 2000. Some of the voyages on Tenacious or the Lord Nelson are from UK ports and some visit the Caribbean, the Canary Islands or the Azores and are usually between 7 - 10 days.
On Friday 11th July Tenacious set sail heading south past Pendennis Head and out towards the Lizard. The wind was so favourable and the tides just right so instead of a leisurely first night at anchor in a sheltered bay, the voyage crew unfurled the sails, pulled ropes and started their night watches. A gentle wind blew the ship along throughout the night and after a dull start to the next day, the wind remained at a steady 4-5 knots and everyone suddenly developed huge appetites !
During the night watch on the 12th the wind came round to a favourable direction to enable Tenacious to sail through the Channel Du Four (Ushant) under a full moon. All the watches had a treat with both a wonderful sunset and stunning sunrise, so everyone's spirits were high. The ship continued to sail under a hot baking sun, entertained by shoals (pods) of dolphins. Having passed the Pointe Du Raz , the Ile de Sein and the Phare d'Eckmühl (a lighthouse on the Pointe de la Penmarc'h), Tenacious headed for the region of Brittany known as Cornouaille (Kerne or Kernew in Breton). Cornouaille is a land with many different faces and a huge diversity of dialects, costumes and characteristics.
On approaching Concarneau the crew could see the Ville Close where the old town's ramparts and narrow streets bear witness to the town's eventful history. Concarneau is France's third fishing port landing large catches of tuna with boats coming from as far as North Africa. The berth expected at Concarneau did not materialise so everyone took to the ship's inflatable boats and dashed ashore for a seafood supper. To finish off the evening the town gave a wonderful firework display being Bastille Day. Lots of little boats had come out to get a better view, creating a very pleasant party atmosphere.
It was then decided that Tenacious would make for Douarnenez. Sailing to the Baie de Douarnenez the ship anchored off and went in early the following morning. The town has a profound awareness of its cultural heritage and magazines such as Le Chasse-Marée and Ar-Men have encouraged this. The boat museum in Douarnenez is a most unusual place with a number of ships on display and also recreating the atmosphere of life at sea. You can take a course on ancient navigation or a trip on a sailing ship ! The Captain, John Fisher, had previously been presented with Douarnenez's medallion of honour when he took Lord Nelson into the port (& through lock gates barely wide in those days) at the time when they were first opening the museum.
Setting off on the home run with gentle winds and lots of sun the crew were able to experience some 'real' sailing which was very exhilarating. Tenacious flew along the waves during the night and those not on watch awoke to see the Cornish coast ahead of them. Thursday night was spent anchored in the Helford River having a party. On Friday morning Tenacious made her way to the Duchy Wharf in Falmouth to spend the weekend involved in maintenance with lots of volunteers assisting the permanent crew and a reception for the Coastguards who have raised £14,000 so far for the Jubilee Sailing Trust by walking the coastal footpath around the UK. Many of them had come along from various parts of the UK including the Cornish contingent ! Later on Saturday evening a reception was held to thank all the people throughout Cornwall who have supported the Jubilee Sailing Trust over the years.
Tenacious set sail for Milford Haven on Monday 21st July on a four day voyage. She will then make her way to Lisbon with another voyage crew.
For further information The Jubilee Sailing Trust can be contacted on (023) 8044 9138 or you can visit the web-site on www.jst.org.uk.
The Jubilee Sailing Trust
can be contacted on
(023) 8044 9138
or you can visit the web-site on www.jst.org.uk.
