The tall ship Tenacious, one of only two tall ships in the world designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side-by-side as equals, will be arriving in Harlingen, the Netherlands, on Thursday 3^rd July, to take part in the 2014 Tall Ships Races.

The Tall Ships Races, organised by Sail Training International, is the world’s largest spectator sporting event in the world, after the Olympics – attracting over four million viewers. This year’s event is predicted to attract 100 tall ships from around the world, bringing with it thousands of people of all backgrounds from over thirty nationalities.

With races between Harlingen (Holland) to Fredrikstad (Norway) and between Bergen (Norway) to Esbjerg (Denmark), there will also be a cruise-in-company along the stunning Norwegian Fjords in between these two races, where the sight of 100 tall ships sailing together will be a spectacle not to miss.

During the visits to each of these ports, Tenacious will be open to the public and is fully accessible to people with disabilities.

Tenacious, which is operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) and is based in Southampton (UK), was purpose-designed to combine traditional square-rig 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. The special facilities on board ensure that everybody has the opportunity to participate in all aspects of tall ship sailing. Among the bespoke features 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.

James Crill, Chairman of the JST, said; “We are thrilled to be once again taking part in the Tall Ships Races and to race in the company of other fantastic tall ships from around the world. Tenacious is one of only two tall ships in the world purpose-built to be sailed by physically disabled and able-bodied people and we are delighted to be able to offer the experience of tall ship racing to all of these people. We are looking forward to visiting all of the host ports and getting involved in all of the festivities at this amazing event.”

You can come and see Tenacious and her crew at any of the ports of call during the 2014 Tall Ships Races. Interviews can be arranged with the Captain and/or crewmembers. Please call the JST Head Office to find out more and arrange your Tall Ships Races feature.