We were both honoured and delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness, Pricess Anne, onboard during our visit to Lerwick in late July, as part of the Tall Ships Races celebrations.
Captain Simon wote: “A grey, drizzly day in Lerwick was brightened by the visit to Tenacious of HRH Princess Anne. Met at the gangway by Captain Simon and Bosun Fi, HRH toured the ship, seeing many of the adaptations which allow the ship to sail with a mixed-ability crew and was interested in the painting showing the ship in build.”
Two fantastic photographs were taken by official TRS Photographer (and no stranger to JST), Max Mudie:
Captain Simon and HRH Princess Anne are in Tenacious’ Lower Mess. Simon is explaining the artwork on display that shows Tenacious’ hull being built upside down, frame by frame, by a team of mixed ability volunteers.
Bosun Fi and Captain Simon are in their best white shirts and uniforms to welcome HRH Princess Anne onboard. It is raining, and Princess Anne is wearing a dark blue rain coat with the hood up.
The following comes from the Sail Onboard website regarding the Royal visit:
“Lerwick was privileged to welcome royalty to the in-port celebrations on Day Two and Three as HRH Princess Anne made a special visit to The Tall Ships Races 2023…
The Princess Royal arrived on Thursday 27th, joining the Captains’ dinner that evening, and took part in a tour of the event on Friday 28th July. During the visit she was able to meet the captains of the fleet and tour several ships, meeting crews and young trainees.
Joining the traditional Captains’ dinner, Princess Anne was able meet captains of the Tall Ships fleet and hear about their experiences during this year’s race series. The dinner saw speeches from Convener of Shetland Islands, Andrea Manson, and Captain of Statsraad Lehmkuhl, Marcus Siedl, who led a rousing rendition of the traditional sea shanty, South Australia.
During her visit of the event site and fleet, Princess Anne was able tour several ships, including Christian Radich, Roald Amundsen, Zenobe Gramme, Alba Explorer, Atene, Tenacious, Swan and Ocean Spirit of Moray. As well as seeing the majestic ships up close, she was also able to speak with a number of trainees about the life-changing experiences and adventures they’ve enjoyed during the races.
Having made a number of visits to Lerwick over the years and having a keen interest in the benefits of sail training experiences, the visit was the perfect demonstration of the positive impact of The Tall Ships Races visit on the young people taking part and the Shetland community.”
