On 30 May 2008, a team of intrepid sailors from Ogier Jersey took to the seas on board the Jubilee Sailing Trust's ('JST') newest ship, the barque TENACIOUS, for a day's voyage in the island's waters.
Established in 1978, the aim of the JST is to promote the integration between able bodied and disabled adults through the medium of tall ship sailing. The TENACIOUS is one of only two tall ships in the world specially built to enable disabled and able bodied people to sail on equal terms.
With a permanent professional crew of around ten, TENACIOUS requires a considerable input from voyage crew (there are no passengers!) to enable her to be sailed. There is little distinction between able bodied and disabled for any task and the Ogier crew members were soon buddying up with other sailors for an enlightening and enjoyable day that was a great object lesson in teamwork, setting and achieving goals.
The day began with a briefing from the Captain, followed by a gentle motor assisted jaunt out to the south of the island. While the wind was calm, those brave enough climbed the mast to the Crow's Nest to enjoy a very different perspective of both the island and the ship.
"I thought I was going to fail at the first hurdle, as putting on the harness reminded me of something from 'The Krypton Factor'" said Karen Proper, Assistant Manager. "But after my initial concerns I made it to the top - a real sense of achievement."
As the wind picked up it was all hands on deck to help with the sails, cruising west along the south coast, around the headland and back to St Helier harbour.
Phil Gaudin, Senior Administrator said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, although climbing the mast was a little hairy for me - even in no wind or swell. It wasn't just the sailing, but the learning about the ship and interacting with everyone on board."
Martin Welsh, Senior Associate added: "It was a fantastic day. The Captain, Rob, David and the rest of the crew made us very welcome. I didn't actually appreciate that the day would be so 'hands on' and I now know what 'splice the mains' actually means!".
For further information about the Jubilee Sailing Trust, please visit www.jst.org.uk.