Greetings from us all onboard Tenacious.

We are just over half way through this maintenance period here at what has been a rather windy Portland at times, and our team of volunteers and permanent crew are making excellent progress.

A large amount of the mainmast standing rigging has been changed out, some welding aloft that required the fore topsail yard and fore course yard to be sent down has been completed, as well as some welding on deck. Numerous other painting and rigging jobs have been knocked off the to do list.

The engineering department have been really getting through the work list as well, far too much has been completed already to mention here, but with the help of our great engineering team, we are in an excellent position to finish the huge amount of work required to keep big T up to scratch and ready to go at departure time.

The annual MCA inspections were recently completed at Great Yarmouth, and all the Lifesaving and firefighting equipment has been serviced here at Portland and will be back onboard very soon.

The galley team have been keeping everyone fed and happy, the lower mess has been full and jolly at meal times as we have consistently had over 30 people onboard during this period so far.

Behind the scenes, our streamlined shore team have been working hard making sure that the JST continues to run smoothly, managing the booking processes, working on voyage programmes, and planning for the future as well as supporting the team onboard.

As I mentioned in my last update, the dedication, enthusiasm and willingness to get things done has been so encouraging to see, this despite the difficult times we find ourselves in as an organisation. If anyone needs a little dose of inspiration just now, you can find it onboard Tenacious here at Portland……

Captain Darren
Portland
9th October 2022

Photo Credits: Bosun’s Mate Linnéa

Bosun Stu and Fi in the basket after swapping out the T'Gallant shrouds on port and starboard on the main mast.

Bosun Stu and Fi hanging in the crane basket after swapping out the T’Gallant shrouds on port and starboard on the main mast.

A picture taken below deck in the ships bar area: "The Splice Girls" are splicing new ratlines to replace old ones on the Mizzen mast. Although not visible, the poor weather and high winds meant working on deck was much less enjoyable. All are holding newly spliced white ropes and smiling.

A picture taken below deck in the ships bar area: “The Splice Girls” are splicing new ratlines to replace old ones on the Mizzen mast. Although not visible, the poor weather and high winds meant working on deck was much less enjoyable. All are holding newly spliced white ropes and smiling.

Bosuns Fi and Stu preparing for the fore lower topsail yard to be craned back into position on the mast.

Bosuns Fi and Stu preparing for the fore lower topsail yard to be craned back into position on the mast.

Linnéa, Katie and Hannah replacing the ratbars used to climb the rigging on the starboard side, after all lower shrouds replaced on main mast. Linnéa is wearing a brightly coloured hat and is giving a thumbs up.

Linnéa, Katie and Hannah replacing the ratbars used to climb the rigging on the starboard side, after all lower shrouds replaced on main mast. Linnéa is wearing a brightly coloured hat and is giving a thumbs up.

Bosuns Stu and Fi are in the rigging and reattaching the fore course yard.

Bosuns Fi and Stu plus BMs Amy and Katie are in the rigging, preparing for re-attaching the fore course and lower topsail yards after they were taken off for welding on the mast earlier on in during maintenance.

Bosuns Fi and Stu plus BMs Amy and Katie are in the rigging, preparing for re-attaching the fore course and lower topsail yards after they were taken off for welding on the mast earlier on in during maintenance.

The Fore course yard is being craned off the quay and back into position on the mast. Several people in hi-vis are in the foreground helping to direct.

The Fore course yard is being craned off the quay and back into position on the mast. Several people in hi-vis are in the foreground helping to direct.