Lord Nelson visiting Yarmouth
Depending on wind and weather conditions, the tall ship Lord Nelson is scheduled to arrive in Yarmouth either Aug. 13 or 14.
Commissioned by the Jubilee Sailing Trust and built in 1985, the 55-metre barque was the first tall ship in the world designed to enable people of all physical abil- ities to sail side-by-side on equal terms.
The ship is also part of the eight Tall Ships scheduled to visit Digby Aug. 15 and 16.
(Unlike Digby and Shelburne, Yarmouth is not a stop for multiple Tall Ship visits as part of Rendez-vous 2017.)
The Lord Nelson is used for charter and adventure holiday sailing and to spread the message of social inclusion.
Sam Webster, digital marketing officer for the organization, says there won’t be any public events or onboard tours in Yarmouth during the short stay, as the ship needs to dock in Digby for Aug. 15. From Digby it sails to Saint John, New Brunswick.
“After Saint John, Lord Nelson will go on an extraordinary 30-day trip to London, visiting the Azores on the way,” said Webster. He added that there are a few places left available on the trip, which costs about $5,000.
In the 1990s it became clear that the Lord Nelson, commissioned and specifically designed for the trust, was unable to continue to supply the growing demand for the mission. In April 2000, the Tenacious was launched. The modern British wooden sail training ship was the largest wooden ship to be built in the U.K. for over 100 years.
“The ships are normally very popular but we’re always adding new voyages to book,” said Webster. “We’re always trying to reach places we’ve never been before and give the opportunity to sail with us to new people – both with disabilities and able-bodied.”
During 2012-2014 Lord Nelson sailed around the world, with disabled and able-bodied crews. Together, she and her sister ship have taken over 37,000 mixed crews on sailing voyages since they were built.
Facilities on board include wide flat decks for ease of movement around the ship, wheelchair 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.
A buddy system is in effect on each ship, pairing ablebodied and physically disabled people together.