On Sunday 13th December William Gibbs, 78, from Kendal, Cumbria, set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. Although for William this won’t be his first tall ship sailing adventure…it will be his 37th!
William, known as Bill to his friends, will be sailing on board the 65m tall ship Tenacious, which is owned and operated by Southampton based charity, Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST).
Bill will be sailed from Malta on Sunday 13th December and will be travelling around the Mediterranean before arriving back in Malta on Monday 21st December.
Jubilee Sailing Trust offers disabled and able bodied people the chance to become crew members on board one of the only two Class A tall ships in the world that have been specially adapted to allow all abilities to take a full part in sailing.
Bill said this about his experience with Jubilee Sailing Trust:
“The year 2001 changed my life. Eighteen months earlier I lost my dear wife to cancer and was distraught.
“A brochure was sent to me by my son Peter, about an organisation called 'Jubilee Sailing Trust'
“After reading the brochure twice, I sent off an application to join a voyage from Las Palmas via the Azores to Southampton, places I had only dreamed of visiting.
“That was my first voyage with the JST. I am now embarking on number 37!
“During the intervening years I have met innumerable people from all over the world including people with disabilities I had never heard of. These people so impressed me with their courage and effort, I knew I had to work with them.
“The permanent crew--God bless them-- are amongst the finest people you would wish to meet. Their patience and humour is boundless.
“ Jubilee Sailing Trust has provided me with so many fantastic experiences and I think everyone should take the opportunity to sail with them.
For more information about Bill’s voyage or JST please visit www.jst.org.uk or call 02380 449108