Tenacious - The Big Build

Tenacious - Tall ship built by volunteers

On the 6th of June 1996 HRH The Duke of York hammered golden rivets into Siberian Larchwood during the "keel laying ceremony" and work could officially begin.

The timber frames used to construct the hull were first cut in Aug 1996, whilst work began on the old office block the JST acquired. The building was to be transformed into accommodation for volunteers who would stay for "Shorewatch" holidays and offices for the JST. During their stay volunteers of all physical abilities enjoyed helping the shipwrights in the construction of the ship.
Constructed upside down, the wooden hull was finally turned the right way up on the 23rd October 1998 in an extravagant ceremony with The Duke of York. The turning process involved fitting large circular turning clamps to the hull and took just over one hour.

With the hull the correct way up, fitting out the interior of the vessel could begin. Prefabricated sections were put in place, including the fixed bunks designed to be wider on the bottom bunk to enable wheelchair users easier access.

On Thursday the 3rd of February 2000 Tenacious was ready to leave the yard, and to a great many people it was an emotional day. Crowds gathered to get a glimpse of Tenacious as she saw daylight for the first time. Transporters drove the ship towards the barge which was to send Tenacious into her natural element. The following day tug boats took Tenacious to Vosper Thornycroft to have the masts and yards fitted.

On the 6th of April 2000 Tenacious was officially named in a ceremony attended by HRH The Duke of York.

Tenacious sailed on her maiden voyage 1,548 days after her keel was laid, on 1st September 2000 from Southampton to Southampton calling at Sark, St Helier and Weymouth. She has been delivering freedom, fun and adventure for everyone ever since.