Tenacious – one of only two fully accessible tall ships in the world, hosted Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, at the Tall Ships Regatta in Greenwich this morning
The Mayor of London came on board Tenacious to meet the crew – both able-bodied and disabled – and be shown the special purpose-designed facilities that make Tenacious one of only a few vessels available to all physical abilities in the sailing world.
Johnson’s visit came amid a period of unprecedented success for the Trust as they celebrate the first ever circumnavigation of the world by a fully accessible square rig tall ship. Lord Nelson, the Trust’s other purpose-built tall ship, returns to the UK on September 19th after completing the 50,000 nautical mile Norton Rose Fulbright Sail the World Challenge.
The National Lottery Awards recognised the organisation as 2014 Sports Charity of the Year. Ade Adepitan, the British television presenter, paralympian and wheelchair basketball player, presented the award at a ceremony earlier in August.
Owned and operated by the Southampton-based charity the Jubilee Sailing Trust, Tenacious was built with special features that make it possible for physically disabled people, including wheelchair users, to take a full and active role in crewing the ship. Among the enhancements are:
• Hearing loops
• Wheelchair lifts between decks
• Integrated Braille instructions
• A joy stick for people who want to steer the ship but cannot hold a wheel
• An audio compass for those who want to steer but cannot see.
Since the Jubilee Sailing Trust was established in 1978 they have taken over 40,000 sailing. Of these, approximately 15,000 people were disabled and 5,000 were wheelchair users.
The charity recently appointed Duncan Souster as its new Chief Executive. Souster, who is a life-long sailor and has grown-up living with disability in his family, will also be on board to welcome the Mayor on his visit.
Notes to the editor:
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