Lord Nelson - Dartmouth to Poole

Dartmouth to Poole

This 5 day voyage will take you along some of the UK's most spectacular coastline, and indeed England's first World Heritage Site - The Jurassic Coast. This unique stretch of coastline has joined the likes of the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef as one of the wonders of the world. 

The site was granted its status for its outstanding geology, which represents 185 million years of earth history in just 95 miles, covering from Exmouth in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks at Studland Bay on the Dorset coast. It displays not just superb Jurassic, but older Triassic and younger Cretaceous rocks too.

Along the way there are many ports to take overnight refuge, and delightful  villages to take you back in time. 

Your voyage will finish in Poole, itself a breathtaking natural harbour, which some say is the the largest natural harbour in the world.

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