Twenty intrepid young women - including a dozen from Scotland – will today kick-off a 100-day Tall Ships voyage around Britain from Glasgow Docks in celebration of Girlguiding UK’s centenary.
The crew, who will also be accompanied throughout the voyage by Girlguiding Scotland Chief Commissioner Dinah Faulds, boarded the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s spectacular Lord Nelson ship to take part in the ‘Ultimate Tall Ships Adventure’.
For 100 days, 10 different crews on 10 different legs will sail around Britain celebrating 100 years of Girlguiding UK, the largest organisation for girls and young women in the country with over half a million members.
After leaving Glasgow, the ship will head on to the Scottish ports of Oban and Aberdeen – arriving later this month - before returning to Glasgow in mid-September to complete the voyage.
Over the summer, several hundred guiding members from across the UK will take turns to be a part of the adventure - just one of many action-packed activities open to all members throughout centenary which began last September.
Girls and women of all physical abilities will be onboard the Lord Nelson during the voyage. The ship is one of just two in the world built to enable people of all abilities to sail side-by-side. The other – Tenacious - is also owned by the JST.
Features include lifts between decks, widened decks for wheelchair users, and a speaking compass allowing those with visual impairments to play a full part in Lord Nelson’s journey.
Dinah Faulds said: “The Ultimate Tall Ships Adventure is such an exciting way for our members to celebrate guiding’s Centenary year.
“It is a unique event and a wonderful opportunity for our young women to move out of their comfort zone, try something completely different and learn new skills whatever their physical ability.
“Personally, I am delighted to be boarding the Lord Nelson in Glasgow. It really is a great thrill for me to be sailing again. I know we’ll have enormous fun over the next 10 days.”
Alex Lochrane of the Jubilee Sailing Trust, said: “Jubilee Sailing Trust and Girlguiding UK share many of the same aims; promoting equality and inclusivity in environments that promote challenge and teamwork. It’s because of this that we’re so excited to be working in with them
“The girls bring lots of energy and fun with them and everyone on the voyage really embraced what we are about as a charity.
“Girlguiding first came on board in 2008 and we’re delighted to welcome Guiding members from across the UK back on board to help to celebrate the organisation’s centenary.”
As well as the Tall Ships trip, other Centenary adventures experienced by Girlguiding UK members have already included spectacular visits to Botswana, Costa Rica and also the Arctic.