The Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) is delighted to announce that 24 year old Antiguan, Petal Adams-Nedd, has successfully completed her training to becoming the first Antiguan national qualified to lead sail-trainees aboard the Trust’s impressive tall ships.
Petal, who comes from St John’s, the capital of Antigua, was chosen to train for this role after showing great potential as a sail trainee during a preliminary voyage aboard the 65 meter tall ship, Tenacious in the Caribbean in January this year.
During that voyage which sailed from Antigua, Petal was involved in many activities required to sail a tall ship, including handing sails, helming, learning to use the navigational equipment, keeping watch and of course, cleaning the ship – known as happy hour!
“Petal’s enthusiasm just shone through. It’s very unusual for anyone to be recommended for watch leader first time, however the permanent crew felt that Miss Adams- Nedd had the right stuff and gave the order to recommend her straight away.” –Hannah Watson JST Youth Coordinator.
For her trip to the UK, Petal was sponsored by the International Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. This exciting self-development programme is available to all young people between the ages of 14 and 25. It aims to equip them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world.
Before starting her course Petal said, “I’m excited about the whole trip, I’ve never been to England before and think this will be a great experience for me. I hope being here will really put Antigua on the map. I want to thank the Duke of Edinburgh International for giving me this great opportunity”
After her two day watch leader course and a week aboard Tenacious learning more about the ship, Petal is now ready to sail under the supervision of the permanent crew as a watch leader on her first voyage. Sailing from Southampton to London on the 11th August 2008, Petal will instruct and guide up to 9 able bodied and disabled sail trainees as they get to grips with the historic art of tall ship sailing on a voyage that will take them to various countries which might include France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Tenacious is the second of two tall ships owned and operated by the JST. Launched in 2000 both she and her sister ship, Lord Nelson remain the only two ships of their type that have been purpose designed and built to accommodate both able bodied and disabled people wishing to experience the thrill and adventure of tall ship sailing on year round voyages to various destinations ranging from Northern Europe, the Canaries and the Caribbean.
As a charitable organisation where travelling to other nations is a routine activity, the JST is very proud of its part in inspiring people of all nationalities to undertake life changing activities such as this.
“We hope to see more Antiguan’s and indeed more people from all over the world sailing with us. We are proud of the work we do encouraging young people to lift their sights by improving their skills and in turn encouraging their personal development.” - Amanda Butcher, JST Chief Executive.
For more information on how you can get involved in our Youth Leadership at Sea Scheme which offers those between 16 and 25, fun, excitement and also helps personal development as well as counting toward the residential element of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award scheme go to www.jst.org.uk, or contact Hannah Watson on 023 8044 9108.
For all other information visit www.jst.org.uk.