Challenging Opportunities for Disabled People

daresbury1978

I want to tell you about the Jubilee Sailing Trust and, in particular, about their wonderful sailing ship SV TENACIOUS which I saw tied up at one of the Canary Islands recently. I hope to be able to bring up all the information I want to bring to your attention below. Here goes:

SV TENACIOUS is currently  the only sea-going tall ship in the world that can be sailed by a mixed ability crew, including disabled people, those with mental health conditions or long-term ill-health issues, and the socially isolated. 

The accessible features of Tenacious, make every aspect of shipboard life available to all, from setting the sails, going aloft and helming the ship.

Among the many accessible features found on board are:

• wheelchair lifts and wide decks that provide equal and easy access throughout the ship
• a speaking compass that enables those with visual impairments to steer the ship
• power assisted steering and a joystick for people with limited dexterity
• unique ascender systems that allow wheelchair users to experience ‘life aloft’ up our masts
• Signage in braille, guidance tracks, tactile stair strips and raised directional arrows on handrails for people with visual impairments.

 There is so much more information about this wonderful disability friendly ship on the Jubilee Sailing Trust web site so do take a look. I have no idea whether any one with CP has got involved with ship board life as yet but, if not, why not become the first? I am telling you about this because I want the CP community to know about and to be able to take opportunity to experience challenging opportunities like this!