PRESS RELEASE
Date: 11/10/10
Local Teacher Takes off on a Tall Ship Adventure
Alison Head a teacher from Leighton Buzzard will be realizing a childhood dream and setting off on the adventure of a lifetime aboard a unique tall ship, just after Christmas this year.
Alison will be joining the crew of Lord Nelson for an eight day voyage around the Canary Islands, leaving Las Palmas on 29 December and returning there on 5 January.
Alison will be joining a crew of up to 40 other amateurs on board Lord Nelson which is owned and operated by Southampton based charity, Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST). The ship is one of only two in the world that has been designed and built to enable able bodied and disabled people to sail side by side as equals. The other ship Tenacious is also owned and operated by the JST.
Everyone on board has a part to play no matter what their level of experience or ability. With facilities that include wheelchair lifts between deck levels, a speaking compass and the option for joystick steering or the usual ship’s wheel, but with hydraulic power assisted steering, everybody has the chance to fully participate in the action on board.
Alison who did lots of dinghy sailing as a teenager growing up on the South Coast, has always wanted to sail on a tall ship as a crew member and is hoping to spend lots of time under sails enjoying the sights and sounds of the ship – seeing the stars and the seabirds; hearing splashing water and the timbers creaking.
Alison says of her forthcoming adventure: "I would also truly support the JST ethos that we all have something to contribute and need to work together. I think that’s an important part of the whole experience – getting on and working together."
Alison will be leading an assembly and mufti day at her school this autumn in aid of the JST.
The JST is excited about its new offer this winter – 'Bring a buddy for free’! This is the perfect opportunity to introduce a friend who hasn’t sailed with the JST before, to come on a voyage for free, or perhaps you could share the costs between you. This offer is available on 7 voyages in Las Palmas on Lord Nelson and 4 sailings in Antigua on Tenacious.