From 10th – 16th October, Jubilee Sailing Trust ships Lord Nelson and Tenacious took part in their first ever race. The event was held especially to mark the 25th anniversary of Lord Nelson’s launch and maiden voyage.
The race was from Southampton to Cherbourg and then back again. Its rules differed from the usual Tall Ships Races. The aim in this event was to cover the maximum distance in the time allowed (Race 1 to Cherbourg was 40 hours, Race 2 back to the Solent was 26 hours) rather than being first across the finish line. The challenge was one of a tactical appreciation of the tides, potential weather conditions and the capability of the vessel in order to cover as many miles around the course and cross the finish line by the time limit.
The winner was Lord Nelson; she sailed 86 nautical miles whereas Tenacious sailed 62 nautical miles. Talking to the crew afterwards – many of them seasoned JST sailors – they said they had had a brilliant time sailing the ship as hard and efficiently as they could, making the most of the tides and wind shifts.
All the voyage crew and permanent crew congregated on the shore side for the presentation of the Jubilee Sailing Trust "Battle of the Barques" Trophy. Lord Nelson being the inaugural winners. The picture shows Captain Barbara and the Permanent Crew after receiving the 'Battle of the Barques’ trophy - it was presented by Jacquetta Cator. It now has pride of place in Lord Nelson's bar.
Other trophies were also awarded, including the golden sick bag award to a member of Tenacious voyage crew and the award for the best dressed person having a shower (the person concerned accidentally put on the shower during happy hour getting herself and her buddy completely wet) - this award also went to Tenacious; along with the award for international relationships to Bill Gibbs after an incident in Cherbourg where he left a bar and knocked against a stack of chairs which knocked against another stack and so on down a line with the domino affect of them all falling down. A special award on here was for the best stern lookout award - Paul seldom left his post coiled up in a mooring Warp for the best part of a day and night until persuaded to find his bunk. All the crews enjoyed the presentations.
With thanks to Ron Dadswell, Trustee and ex-Race Director of Sail Training International for directing the race, Bob Milner for officiating at the start of the race, the Royal Yacht Squadron for allowing the ships to use its start line, and to Rosemary Mudie for firing the cannons.
Also with thanks to Max Mudie who photographed the race start – you can see/purchase the pictures here
http://www.tallshipstock.com/2011JST.html