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As part of XuiS' commitment to actively support both local and national charities our very own skipper, Tim Farrow, was "volunteered" to spend 5 days as voyage crew on a tall ship, the square rigged Tenacious, as she sailed from Poole in Dorset across the English Channel to Cherbourg and then back to Southampton.
I'm pleased to report that he did return to port safely if a little tired and wind-swept!
On this short voyage the Tenacious was crewed by 37 people - 6 in wheelchairs, 11 with other disabilities, 11 able bodied voyage crew and 9 permanent crew - covering a wide range of nationalities. Everyone is encouraged to go up the masts and out onto the yard arms to set the sails, then stow them in harbour. This most definitely includes wheelchair users who, without exception, loved the experience.
The weather was perfect with, as they say, favourable winds from the right direction (up to Force 4) plus lots of sunshine Unfortunately, the wind dropped away near the French coast and the last few miles were completed under power from Tenacious' twin engines, made even more entertaining by a thick summer fog! The return trip was equally eventful with stronger winds and some fun whilst crossing the busy shipping lanes when one enormous cargo ship decided that sail should give way to power! Nothing a lot of horn blasting and emergency manoeuvres couldn't handle though.
Sailing back up the Solent with many of the crew up out on the yards was an amazing sight - hence the many private boats that came out to look at one of the most beautiful ships currently based in the UK.
So, what's stopping you from clicking on the JST.org.uk web site and booking your voyage? It's all in a good cause and the chances of falling from the yard-arm are quite slim!
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