Lord Nelson - Explore the South Coast and Islands

Working aloft on Lord Nelson. Photo Max Mudie www.tallshipstock.com

Southampton to Bristol

This 7 day voyage in May should offer you an exciting passage along the south coast, with some beautiful harbours and fishing villages along the way. You could easily hop over to France, so don't forget your passport, maybe visit the Channel Isles or the Isles of Scilly and stopping in ports such as Brixham, Dartmouth, Salcombe, Newton Ferrers, Plymouth, Fowey, Falmouth, Penzance before finally approaching Lands End and heading up to Bristol.

May can be a wonderful time to take a voyage, it is not too busy and the weather can be delightful. The skipper will decide the best route to take, depending on the wind and tides, but no matter, this particular voyage should open up the south west and take you to some wonderful anchorages and harbours.

PDF Crew Handbook - everything you need to know about life on board - 12 pages

Week Long Tasters - Become a Tall Ship Sailor

The voyage legs vary from 5-7 days and no experience is needed as full training is given from the moment you come on board.

Where do we go?

Each voyage is usually a mix of a couple of longer passages where you sail through the night, and shorter hops between ports or a scenic anchorage. Once at sea you are part of a watch so only on duty for 4 hours and then the next watch takes over. Watch duty day or night involves trimming sail and steering the ship under the stars and the watchful eye of the professional deck officers and voluntary watch leaders.  Some manouvres require 'all hands' to brace the yards or take in sail. Sometimes the ships boats are launched when sailing along in settled weather so you can take a photo of the ship under sail.  There are often lectures on board to teach you more about sailing square riggers.

First Tall Ship built for disabled and able bodied crew

Lord Nelson was the first ship in the world to be designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side by side on equal terms. Facilities on board include wide flat decks for ease of movement around the ship, wheel chair lifts between deck levels, a hearing hoop, a speaking compass when required and hydraulic power assisted steering to enable people with limited strength or mobility to experience the thrill of steering a large sailing ship.

(more details on her special facilities for the disabled).

Bone in her teeth - Lord Nelson by Max Mudie www.tallshipstock.com

A Challenge for All

The safety of everyone is top priority and so every activity is conducted at a pace comfortable for all. The forces of nature show no compromise and Lord Nelson is still a powerful square rigger so with main course, upper and lower topsails traditionally rigged so there is still considerable challenge in every voyage. Perhaps going aloft (climbing the rigging is optional) will be the biggest adrenalin buzz or simply the challenge and rewards of being part of a very special floating community.

The Buddy System on Lord Nelson

On Board Tenacious & Lord Nelson we operate a buddy system, which pairs able bodied and physically disabled people together. Everyone is there to help one another and share the experience, so the buddy system works both ways! You’ll get the chance to share skills and life experiences and, as many of our crew have found, make friendships that can last a lifetime

Lord Nelson squall coming. Photo Max Mudie www.tallshipstock.com