15 April 2010

'Tenacious' in Port Hercule


Moored a few yards from the luxury yachts in Monaco's Port Hercule is 'Tenacious' a pioneering tall ship - but a tall ship with a big difference. Tenacious, along with her sister ship, Lord Nelson, is owned and operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST), a registered charity in the UK. They are the only two Class A square-rigged tall ships in the world to be purpose-designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side-by-side on equal terms.

Although the term 'tall ship' may evoke an image of a ship from a bygone era, both Lord Nelson and Tenacious are equipped with modern communication systems and navigational aids, as well as a host of additional features such as flat, wide decks which facilitate access for wheelchair users, lifts between decks for those with limited mobility and a speaking compass to enable blind and visually impaired crew to take the helm. Eight wheelchair users are welcomed on each voyage. These ships are a reminder of how important simple design changes can be to making an environment inclusive.

In the photograph below, meet Captain Simon Catterson who'll tell you that whilst '50% of the crew may be physically disabled, 100% are actively involved.'

You can read a more detailed article on 'Tenacious' by clicking HERE.

11 comments:

  1. Beau navire, beau ciel bleu et belle idée.

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great idea. Kudos to Captain Simon Catterson, and to the photographer!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unexpected in a luxury yacht like this, an example of civilized features for the physically disabled. Great post!

    ReplyDelete
  4. That's a magnificent ship! All aboard!

    BTW, your clay tennis court photos from a few days ago - perfect timing!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful boat, beautiful idea. I think I actually saw the Tenacious in Portsmouth, 5/6 years ago.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Great ship. Inspiring mission. Thank you for educating us by sharing this information with us.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What inspiring information. I had no idea such a thing existed and I'm touched that someone thought of the importance of this mission. Sometimes I wish I could quit working and volunteer to do wonderful works this these people.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I would love to go for a ride on that!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am amazed that this is possible on a ship but how wonderful for those with disabilities to all be included. Sailing on a ship like these must be an exhilarating experience!
    V

    ReplyDelete