My Jubilee Sailing Trust Adventure: A Sea of Possibilities

My Jubilee Sailing Trust Adventure: A sea of possibilities…

The Jubilee Sailing Trust is accessible to everyone, designed for people of all abilities to experience sailing without restriction.

For those of you that don't know, I was first introduced to the Jubilee Sailing Trust, the Tenacious tall ship in 2011 having never sailed before, I then sailed again in 2013. Both times sailing with the inclusive sports, participation and leadership group, most of us were brought together by what was known as School Sports Partnership back when I began my sporting adventure at age eleven.

Sailing was another opportunity that came from my involvement within this network. My life really wouldn't be what it is today without such active support.

I loved sailing from day one, despite the sea sickness. Wanting to return almost immediately but it didn't happen this way. I had only ever known voyages to be in the summer months and summer meant track as soon as I started athletics. Before I knew it five years had passed, and I still hadn't returned to Tenacious.

Last year a close friend sailed again, and I just knew it was time for me to return! I needed a break, so I took it and goodness I am so thankful. What a delight it was being back, hard to believe six years had been since I was last on board and eight years since I celebrated my eighteenth birthday when also on board. I do treasure those memories.

This year though not only was I sailing overseas in the winter I was sailing with my close friend only no sporting network. Sure it would have been great to have them around but I was just super excited to be at sea again. My friend and I are getting used to this travelling lark, there is never any dull moments and plenty of giggles.

To add to the excitement we arrived in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, a week of a little winter sun and greeted by a few familiar faces from my previous trips too! My former watch leader and captain. It was like I had never been away. Sure enough sailing began and so too did the sea sickness, not for long thankfully. Nothing a twelve hour sleep couldn't sort. Not ideal I know and once awake again I soon adapted to the on board routine.

Of course the on board routine is there for a reason a ship doesn't look after itself, there's the watches throughout the day and night, making sure all is as it needs to be. When on watch there is a number of responsibilities: on look out, steering the helm and reading and monitoring the observations. It certainly keeps the brain active! Sailing (motor or sails – weather depending) to be done continuously unless the ship is stationed in port. Mess duty (setting up for meal sittings, taking food orders, tidying away and clearing up after meals) and Happy Hour daily (cleaning and polishing the ship!)

In between all that there is time to relax… Being on deck watching the horizon, surrounded by the sea and the fabulous crew onboard is so peaceful. I checked in with myself inwardly, reflecting on life and took time for the present moments, it was rather therapeutic. It was somewhat refreshing to be away from hectic normalities and press recharge. Witnessing the beautiful sunrises, sunsets and the moon shining brightly lighting up the night sky was lovely.

The fun didn't stop there, climbing aloft was amazing and sitting on the front netting was fantastic, most definitely a favourite pastime of mine, having the sea underneath you watching the world go by and the odd dolphin or two it's magical. The experience wouldn't be so special and unique without the company of all the wonderful people on board, friendships created, great laughter and immense joy.

Sailing with the Jubilee Sailing Trust is the way to see the world I wouldn't not recommend it. Huge thank you to everyone at the charity and all who continue to support the incredible work they do! For more information on opportunities to sail or voluntary involvement to help the trust please visit: https://jst.org.uk/