Set sail with the Jubilee Sailing Trust
Published on: 16th May 2011
The Jubilee Sailing Trust is a registered charity that owns and operates Lord Nelson and Tenacious, the only two tall ships in the world designed and built to enable physically disabled people to sail with able-bodied people, side-by-side as equals. No previous sailing experience is required.
The Trust provides a unique tall ship sailing experience both to physically disabled and able-bodied people. I sailed with them recently, and found it the most amazing experience.
There are no passengers on board! Everyone can be involved in almost everything - taking the helm, setting sails, keeping watch - regardless of your physical ability. You might imagine that being blind would stop you steering the ship, or that being a wheelchair user would prevent you going up the mast, but that’s not the case. They try to find a way of letting everyone do as much as they possibly can (though you don’t have to go aloft if you don’t fancy the height!). You do not need to have sailed before as they teach you everything you need to know.
The ships operate throughout the year – in the UK, Europe, the Canaries and the Caribbean. Most voyages last between 4 and 12 days, but there are also a few day-sails, and the occasional mammoth 30-35 day transatlantic voyage back from the Caribbean to the UK. Those sailing with the Trust for the first time may be eligible for bursary funding towards the cost of the voyage - you can find details of this on the web-site: http://www.jst.org.uk/.
