A collection of classic cars paid a welcome visit to Southampton Docks on Tuesday 12th May in support of the UK based international sailing charity, the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST), raising almost £1,500 for their ‘800 Challenge’.
The cars, which are privately owned, and not part of any particular club, made the 100 mile journey from Tunbridge Wells, Kent to the port of Southampton at the request of one of the drivers, Mr Peter Gray who is a keen supporter of the Trust.
At the docks, there was no shortage of classic vehicles on show including a 1936 Riley 9 Merlin, a Lagonda 14/60 Tourer Special, a 1948 Bentley S1 Continental, a Lea Francis Hyper TT Replica, a Jaguar Kougar Sport, and a 1938 MG SA Saloon to name but a few.
The cars took pride of place in front of the 586 tonne 65 meter long Tenacious which is one of only two tall ships owned and operated by the JST, purpose designed and built to enable disabled and able bodied people to sail side by side as equals.
Alistair Meharg, JST spokesman said, “It’s been a delight to have these beautiful cars visit the ship today and a great tribute to Peter Gray and his friends who have raised much needed money in such a fun and engaging way.”
Peter Gray who has sailed aboard Tenacious on two occasions was joined by his son Simon, who said,” I’ve sailed on 12 voyages with the JST and am proud to raise this money for a charity that really changes peoples lives, giving them back a sense of independence and self confidence.”
Since the JST began in 1978, more than 36,000 have sailed with the charity. Some 12,000 have enjoyed the experience of a lifetime aboard Tenacious, which was launched in 2000 - the largest wooden hulled tall ship of her type to be constructed in the UK since the end of the 19th century.
The JST ‘800 Challenge’ is appealing 800 people to raise £1000 to pay off the remaining £800,000 build costs of Tenacious which was launched in 2000. So far the challenge has been taken up by a number of well wishing groups and individuals doing a variety of interesting activities to raise money.
For more information on the 800 Challenge please call the JST fundraising line on 023 8042 6868.