On Monday 13th April three Isle of Wight residents were in command of the 65 meter tall Ship, SV Tenacious, as she tied up at Trinity Landing, Cowes after an epic 1,500 mile voyage from Gran Canaria with a trainee crew.
Capt John Etheridge from Bembridge who is in command of the vessel was be joined by Bosun, David Millard from Sandown. Guiding the ship into Cowes was Pilot, Neil Duncan, a resident of Cowes.
Tenacious, not only a visually impressive ship, is one of only two tall ships in the world designed and built to enable up to 40 able bodied and disabled volunteer crewmembers to sail under the supervision of a professional merchant navy crew.
The ship is owned and operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST), the Southampton based charity that has been actively demonstrating for over 30 years that equality in sailing is not only a good thing but also a practical reality.
All three men are employees of the JST and were proud that IOW welcomed the ship home after its 23 day voyage. Capt Etheridge commented “I’m delighted to be involved with an organisation that promotes equality through sailing, having Tenacious in Cowes is a great statement for the Island.”
On the morning of the 13th Tenacious sailed from the Needles to Cowes under full sail, an impressive sight for all who saw her.
For more information on this story please contact Alistair at the JST press office on 023 8044 9108 or email pressoffice@jst.org.uk