Today is #GivingTuesday, a global day for giving back. A day where everyone, everywhere can do something to support the good causes that mean so much to them.

It is also a day when I can say a personal thank you to the thousands of people around the UK and internationally who have given their support across four decades to the Jubilee Sailing Trust.

We have a unique mission, to give people of mixed abilities and circumstances the freedom to explore their ability, potential and place in the world through inclusive tall ship adventures at sea.

Since we launched in 1978, over 50,000 people have sailed with us. Each year over 1,000 more people will join us on a voyage of discovery. Some crew will be disabled, some may be living with mental health problems or social isolation. We support anybody who needs us through our life-changing platform: the tall ship Tenacious.

70% of our income comes from donations and the remainder from voyage contributions. Donations enable us to subsidise every berth, making our voyages even more accessible.

This has been a year like no other and charities like us are battling against the financial adversity caused by the pandemic to continue to deliver our mission.

Our supporters have told us that the current coronavirus pandemic risks making even more of us feel lonely and isolated. Sadly, people who are already isolated and lonely may become even more vulnerable than ever. Sailing on a tall ship can provide a perfect response.

As one of our supporters told us: “People thrive in the environment of a tall ship because it meets life’s most important needs. To belong to something bigger than yourself that you are proud of. To be valued . To be part of a community and to have something meaningful and interesting to do every day.”

Over the years we have created a great family of supporters who provide generous donations, gifts in kind and their free time to ensure we deliver our mission. You know who you are and we know what you give, so please accept our sincere gratitude.

Today, our tall ship Tenacious continues her journey following her successful Special Survey and refit in Sharpness to spend the festive period in Portland, Dorset before embarking on new sailing adventures in the New Year.

With hopes of a vaccine now real it is a time to look forward and plan.

Come and join us on our 2021 adventures as we tour great parts of the UK coastlines and join the Tall Ships race.

Find out more about our voyages here and and if you feel you can please support us with a donation here.

Thank you!