The striking tall ship, Lord Nelson, a unique vessel that allows disabled and able bodied people to sail together, has set sail from India, bound for Singapore and a 20-day visit to the country.

Lord Nelson, a 55-metre square rigger, is owned and operated by The Jubilee Sailing Trust, a UK charity, and is taking part in the Norton Rose Sail the World Challenge, a two year, 50,000-mile circumnavigation that aims to promote inclusion and equality in every port of call.

It is the first time an accessible tall ship has undertaken such a voyage, which has so far visited Brazil, South Africa and, most recently, Kochi in India.

Before her arrival in Singapore on Wednesday 22 May 2013, Lord Nelson will make pit stops in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia.

The ship was purpose-built to be sailed by physically disabled and able bodied people and includes such features as wheelchair lifts, hearing loop, speaking compass, braille signage and a bowsprit that is wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair.

During the visit to Singapore the ship will undertake a seven-day local voyage, allowing Singaporeans to get on board and enjoy for themselves the life-altering experience of sailing with such a varied crew.

Captain Chris Phillips is in command of Lord Nelson for the passage to Singapore. He says, “We will be sailing from Kochi, bound first for Galle in Sri Lanka and then Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, and the new crew are full of expectation for an exciting and varied voyage, with some good sailing promised between Sri Lanka and Thailand, and then the transit of the Malacca Strait and final approach to Singapore.”

The ship will make an imposing sight in the Singapore Straits amid the usual traffic of huge container ships powering through the marine equivalent of a six-lane expressway.

The ship embarked on her 23-month voyage from Southampton in the UK on Sunday 21 October, riding the wave of success enjoyed by the London 2012 Paralympic Games, and arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 9 December, before setting sail again for a second transatlantic crossing, this time to Cape Town, and a first-ever visit to South Africa.

Norton Rose is supporting this unique global voyage under their banner of “All abilities. All aboard.” The international legal practice supports the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s values of diversity, inclusion and integration.

Berths are still available to sail on board Lord Nelson during the Norton Rose Sail the World Challenge, including on the coastal voyage from Singapore from 28 May to 3 June, and on the passage from Singapore to Fremantle, Australia. No experience is required and a wide range of physical disabilities can be accommodated. Bursaries to help with berth fees may also be available. For more information visit www.jst.org.uk or email info@jst.org.uk.