I had a really good time aboard the Lord Nelson. The permanent crew were all really enthusiastic and made sure that we were always kept busy. They were easy to get along with and they are one of the main reasons why the trip turned out to be such a good trip. Having both able bodied and disabled people working together in such a close environment enabled both groups to understand better their way of living. I was able to meet lots of new people of all ages and make friends as well. Even when not sailing, there is still a load of activities put on when we come into harbour. Also being in close contact with the other tall ships is awesome as you can make friends with other sailors from the Netherlands all the way over to Brazil. Thanks very much. Jon R
The Jubilee Sailing Trust has been a very interesting experience. I came on board with very little knowledge of sailing and not knowing quite what to expect from the general running of the ship to what sort of people would be onboard. However it did not take long to get to know lots of new people from all over as well as getting used to the watches including the very exhausting 4- 8 am watch. The crew also made it very easy to settle down and take the time to explain things if some did not understand them straight away but another reason why this trip will remain so unforgettable is the opportunity to crew a ship of able bodies and disabled. The trip took the ship along some of the breath-taking scenery that Norway has to offer as well as giving opportunities when at port to further explore Norway whether by train or to visit the world famous glaciers which scatter the mountain tops. Thanks for the amazing experiences, Kirstie Hunter
Yesterday (Aug 7th) most of the voyage crew went for a trip on the famous Flam railway. It took about one hour to travel from sea level at the end of the very long Sogne Fjord up to the high mountain plateau at Myrdal. There are 20 tunnels on the track and many huge waterfalls. The mountains, partly shrouded in mist, were very spectacular.This is just one of the amazing experiences I have had this week while sailing in Norway. Jean Lamonby.
Through an acquaintance I heard of the Trust, so hot-footed it home to contact them in Southampton, keeping my fingers firmly crossed because of my age. I was highly delighted when they said yes, provided I had a doctor's certificate. He just said, of course, go for it, and here I am. A fantastic week in every way. The staff have got it just right - encouraging but not pushing us. They are without exception friendly and fun to be with. I must make special mention of Rachel. (M./P.) who always seems to be around whenever she is needed keeping a weather eye on us all, dispensing advice, support and even a safety pin and a toothbrush. To be able to make Happy Hour actually just that is a rare talent. Thank you everyone. Helen Parker.
If you are even thinking of joining a tall ship for a trip, then you are half way there... this week I started off thinking I'd never get up the mast, then a day later I was up there at the level of the second yard.
Through excellent teaching and encouragement it was then possible to progress to stepping up onto the yard itself. I then thought, "I'll never make it out on the yard when there are others out there making the ropes wobble and when we need to work". you guessed it, I soon found myself out there stowing sails with everyone else with the dramatic fjordic scenery gently passing in the background. Of course it was scary, but every little step has meant so much. The JST ship provides a perfect environment for enjoying the company of lovely people and extending your own horizons. don't miss out!! Joh Sidey.
Yesterday, I thought that the highlight of the voyage was meeting the crew of fully rigged ship, the Cisne Branco when we in the port of Flåm. The crew are all from the Brazilian Navy and they brought their own Samba Band. I haven't had so much fun and laughed so much for years. But I was wrong!
Even better was partnering Joh to climb the rigging this morning. We both said that we had 50% confidence that we could do it. Joh added that up and it came to 100% so we went for it. It was just the best feeling going aloft to practice stowing the topsail. There were 10 of us standing in a line on the yard and we had to work as a team. We were in Næröyfjord and the scenery was dramatic as we motored down to Bergen under clear blue skies.
It's my Galley Duty at 17:00 so got to sign off now. It's been a life-changing experience to sail with such a great bunch of people on the 'Lord Nelson'. Carol Richards
No one's mentioned our bad luck yesterday! We were supposed to berth at Balestrand, but there wasn't any room. So, because of that we had to go up the fiord as far as Flam (that "a" should have an "o" on top!), and then we had the train trip and the samba band, and the beer from the micro brewery, and the dolphins, and the QE2 on her last voyage, and the stunning scenery, and now we have sunshine. At present we're motor vessel Lord Nelson, but we hope to correct that this evening and sail on our midnight to 4am watch. Gwen Richards (no relation)
A lot of people believe that dreams never come true. I have to say, they are wrong. All my life I was sitting on the bank of the sea and dreaming that one day I will be involved in sailing as a crew member and I will taste the life on a ship. JST made my dream come true by involving me and others people to join Lord Nelson - the most amazing vessel I have ever seen. I was so happy to know that we will take part in Tall Ships' Races and look around spectacular Norway fjords. I am just happy, happy and once more happy. But don't even try to think we were just taking pictures and keep on repeating each other how beautiful everything around us is. We were supposed to work, hardly work (joking J) - starting for having Happy Hour and ending by climbing the mast. I have never thought it is possible to do that without any specific certificates, but guess what - it is easily done. After climbing a mast, I realized what does JST means by saying 'You will never forget this trip'. So I just want to use the opportunity and say thanks for the people working on this trust for doing such a great job. Also I can't miss to say thanks for the permanent crew who were teaching us and not making fun of us, while we were asking stupid questions J. Lastly, all the people on board - thank You for making this trip more exciting, amazingly fun and unforgettable. And don't forget Lithuania is waiting for You next year to take part in Tall Ships' races 2009 J. Don't forget to bring Your good mood. Waiting forward to have fun again, again and again. (I have to confess I got a feeling I will become a true sailor till that timeJ) Vilija Petrauskaite
Update By: Jon R,Kirstie H,Jean L,Helen P, Joh S,Carol R,Gwen R, Vilija P