A voyage on board SV Tenacious can be life changing. It certainly was for me. Early retirement from a career I loved because of the deterioration of long-term illness and disability was heartbreaking. Resisting and eventually accepting the need to use a wheelchair battered my confidence. Going on a voyage on this unique ship changed my perceptions and my confidence began to return. Working together with people of differing abilities I was treated as an equal member of the team and felt valued. I was hooked and I have been lucky enough to take part in a number voyages since.
The freedom I feel when on board Tenacious is difficult to describe. Hauling and easing ropes to hoist and lower sails, helming in all weathers and conditions, flaking out mooring lines, organising and leading a Watch, swimming off the ship and self-hauling up the mast makes you feel alive in the best way possible. I have learned so much from the people I have sailed with and many are now good friends. The adventures, memories, fun, tears and laughter are priceless.