Lord Nelson - Autumn Solent Adventure

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

Explore British, French and Spanish waters in 2012.

In 2012 Sail Training Ship Lord Nelson is sailing to many different ports around Britain and across the channel to France and Spain. With a tall ship potentially on your doorstep that takes guest crew of all abilities there is really no excuse not to try the experience. Please note that on this voyage there is limited availabilty for wheelchair users.

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

Southampton

Southampton is the home port for both the Lord Nelson and Tenacious, and ideally located for a variety of passages, which may include a voyage over to the Isle of Wight, perhaps even a circumnavigation, or a channel hop over to France.

Belgium and Northern France Ports beckon

Even a ferry port like Ostende feels different when you arrive as part of a community on your own ship.  The English Channel is so narrow at this end you can sometimes see the lights of France and UK towns in a single night watch.  Lots of shipping to dodge and dont be surprised to hear "All hands on deck" if the ship needs to manuvre quickly. Bring your passport on this trip as several Normandy Ports to chose from.

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.

Please note that on this voyage there is limited availability for wheelchair users.

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