Unique British Design
Tenacious (and her smaller sister ship Lord Nelson) are the only two of their kind in the world that have been designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side by side on equal terms. 36 000 people have sailed on the two ships since they were built.
This impressive 65m (213ft) barque with square sails was launched in 2000 and was the largest wooden tall ship to be built in the UK for over 100 years. Her whole build process was unique and disabled and able bodied volunteers helped to build her, so she is greatly loved by her guest crews and supporters.
With her unique design, wide decks, large platforms aloft, a wheelchair ‘runway’ out on the bowsprit and a whole host of design features enabling everyone to do their bit to sail an impressive 714 ton square rigger with 21 sails.
Tenascious’s only break with tradition are the t’gallant and royal sails which can be furled from the deck with the upper and lower topsails and courses stowed out on the foot ropes.
HANDING SAIL
When, for example, a topsail is handed, the yard is lowered until it is hanging in its lifts, which will then be taut. The clewlines and buntlines haul the sail up to the yard and the sheets, which pull in the opposite direction, must be released. Then to stow the sail it is fastened tightly along the top of the yard by short ropes called gaskets.
SETTING SAIL
To set the sail, the gaskets are cast off, the sail pushed off the yard and all clewlines and buntlines released. The sheets are then hauled, bringing the clews down to the yard below. The halyard is then hauled, raising the yard up on the mast. The yard can also be swung from side to side by means of ropes called braces.
