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!
