Set Sail on the SV Tenacious: An Unforgettable Adventure
Having seen pictures and watched videos, nothing could have truly prepared me for my first sight of the tall ship SV Tenacious.
At 64m long, 10.5m wide, and 37.5m from the deck to the tip of the main masthead, it is the largest single-hulled wooden ship still sailing the world’s oceans. This three-masted, 586-tonne barque, built from Siberian larch and teak, evokes the stunning aesthetic of the 19th century, making it a remarkable sight.
Sailing on a tall ship like the Tenacious is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially for individuals living with disabilities. Not only was my voyage a true dream come true, but I’m also part of a larger community. Both Tenacious and its sister ship Lord Nelson, operated by the UK-based Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST), are the only tall ships worldwide accommodating crews of mixed abilities. Since Lord Nelson was commissioned 38 years ago, over 55,000 people have sailed on these two ships, including a significant number living with disabilities.
Constructed in the late 1990s with the help of 1500 volunteers, of whom half lived with disabilities, the Tenacious cost around £14.5 million. It features six wheelchair lifts between decks, deck ribs, Braille signage, and an array of accessible facilities designed for the hearing-impaired, vision-impaired, and those with limited mobility.
I embarked on the Tenacious for its 500th voyage from Sydney to Melbourne, one of the last outings in its 18-month stay in the Antipodes. With no passengers on JST voyages, everyone must contribute to their utmost capability. Many crew members, including some with visible disabilities, shared the responsibilities onboard.
Our initial briefing dispelled any illusions of leisure cruises, highlighting that ‘happy hour’ was the time when we scrubbed decks and maintained facilities, emphasizing the importance of teamwork.
During my watch at midnight to 4am, I learned how to manage deck duties while enjoying the stunning night sky filled with stars. An unexpected meteorite sighting added to the magic of that nighttime adventure.
Throughout our journey, we encountered many natural wonders, including dolphins and whales, amidst beautiful sunsets and favorable winds. Despite using a manual wheelchair due to mechanical issues with my power wheelchair, I enjoyed the experience thoroughly, completing our voyage with adventure.
On day four, we rounded Wilsons Promontory, a highlight as the weather worsened. Anchoring in Oberon Bay provided a stunning backdrop, as we managed nightly anchor watches to ensure our safety.
As our voyage approached its conclusion, the opportunity presented itself for wheelchair users to be hoisted to the crow’s nest—a thrilling adventure that showcased the inclusiveness of the voyage. Everyone came together, encouraging one another to reach new heights.
In the end, we anchored outside Port Phillip Bay, enjoying one last excursion to a local seal colony amidst some light rain. Following this, we raised sail to enter the bay one last time, relishing the experience of being under sail.
Throughout our journey, we logged 635 nautical miles, with 65% of that distance covered under sail. Experiencing a voyage aboard the Tenacious serves as a powerful reminder of the benefits of inclusion and accessibility. It empowers individuals with disabilities to discover their potential while broadening the perspectives of those without disabilities.
Even though the Lord Nelson is not scheduled to return to Australia for a couple of years, I look forward to the opportunity to sail again. I strongly encourage everyone, regardless of disability, to embrace the chance to experience life on a tall ship.
Martin Heng sailed aboard the SV Tenacious with support from the Jubilee Sailing Trust.
