Campaign launched to save tall ship Tenacious

A tall ship offering sailing experiences to disabled people is up for sale.

Tenacious is sailed by a mixed ability crew, who are now campaigning to raise money and save the ship.

It comes after the Southampton-based charity Jubilee Sailing Trust, which owns Tenacious, went into administration.

It previously said trip sales and fundraising could not meet the ship's £150,000 per month costs.

A campaign group called Save Tall Ship Tenacious said it was "devastating news" to all who had sailed her.

In a statement, the group added: "If she is lost, people with disabilities and long-term health conditions will never be able to experience the life changing benefits of sailing a square rig tall ship.

"Nor be able to ocean sail as a crew member again as she is the only tall ship in the world that provides this opportunity."

Tenacious is a three-masted barque, which was built alongside the River Itchen and launched in 2000.

At 65m (213ft) long, it is believed to be the largest wooden ship built in the UK in more than 100 years.

Tenacious has a wide range of adaptations which mean people of all abilities can sail it, including lifts to all decks, a speaking compass for the sight impaired and ascender systems for mobility impaired crew to ascend the mast.

A community of supporters have come together to form Save Tall Ship Tenacious.

They explained: "Our purpose is to raise the profile of Tenacious, her unique status as the only tall ship in the world, built and sailed by disabled and non-disabled crew and the impact she has had on so many lives.

"Please help us tell the world about this very special ship and save her for future crews."

An online petition to save the ship has also been set up by one of the sailors on board Tenacious.

It said: "Let's stand together and call on relevant authorities and organisations to preserve this remarkable vessel. The Tenacious does more than sail; it breaks down barriers and changes lives."

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