In yesterday's post about the quad building a catamaran I mentioned the Jubilee Sailing Trust for disabled people.
"The Jubilee Sailing Trust is a registered charity whose mission is to promote the integration of people of all physical abilities through the challenge and adventure of sailing tall ships on the open sea.
There are two elements to the JST's mission: one is to overcome prejudices and misconceptions about disability amongst able-bodied people and the second is to enable people with a disability to show to themselves and to others what they are really capable of when the environment is designed to be inclusive.
In the UK there are over 10.8 million people with a disability, 6.9 million of whom are of working age - which equates to just over 18%, almost 1/5th, of the UK's entire working age population*.
Looking at the numbers, and considering that one-in-four of us is close to a person with a disability, it is amazing that there is still that element of prejudice, misconception about ability and a lack of awareness of the things that can make life inclusive. The JST is here to build the bridges of awareness and understanding and by using two fantastic, specially designed tall ships, break down barriers for a better, more inclusive world."
Our ships have been specially designed and built to acheive our mission. They are an example of what can be done to enable people with very different levels of physical ability to participate fully. They are also a reminder to people of how important simple design changes can be to making an environment inclusive. The ships have flat wide decks, raised markers on hand rails, lifts between decks and gangways that are wide enough for a wheelchair: all considerations that enable people to get around unaided. Equally there are speaking compasses and hearing loops on both ships.
Times have changed since the JST came to life in 1978 . While legislation has forced changes, positive role models such as Dame Tanni Grey Thompson and other paralympic athletes have helped to show everyone - regardless of physical status - what can be achieved with determination and some adaptations in equipment. Clearly we can't all emulate these superbly talented and dedicated athletes. The point is that with the right equipment and with small adjustments, everyone can take part in the same activity. Being a part of a mixed-ability crew sailing Lord Nelson or Tenacious demonstrates this beyond doubt."
"50% of the crew may be physically disabled, 100% are actively involved.
We believe that's just the way it should be."
Lord Nelson and Tenacious are pioneering tall ships. They are the only two Class A tall ships in the world to be designed and purpose 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.
Don't forget that you can also join us for maintenance click here for more information
Don't think you can sail with the JST? Check out the number of people with different disabilities
or conditions who already have.
Man that looks like FUN!
