Race to Helsinki aboard Tenacious

Setting sail from the historic port of Klaipėda, Lithuania, en route to the bustling metropolis of Helsinki, Finland, aboard the Tall Ship Tenacious promises an exhilarating experience, especially as the first leg of the iconic 2024 Tall Ships Races. This voyage will not only immerse participants in the world of competitive tall ship racing but also offer a chance to experience the beauty and culture of the Baltic Sea region.

Nothing can quite prepare you for the unforgettable atmosphere of racing alongside the biggest Class A tall ships (barques, brigs and ship rigged) to the smallest Class Ds (sloops, ketches and schooners). Picture yourself sailing on a beautiful Tall Ship, way out at sea, with the waves crashing against the hull, no land in sight, the sun rising behind you, and your closest competitor hot on your heels.

We want everyone who takes part to have fun… but don’t forget that it’s a race, with lots of trophies and prizes up for grabs when we reach Helsinki!

Setting sail from Klaipéda

As Tenacious leaves the docks of Klaipėda, you’ll be waving goodbye to a city that boasts a rich blend of Lithuanian and German heritages and also to the scores of visitors who have come to enjoy the spectacle! All of the vessels will want to look their best as they sail in company to the start line! Leaving the port, you head north, shoulder to shoulder with some of the biggest sailing ships in the world. While there’s work to do, make sure you take in the views! For the keen photographers, along the way there’ll be opportunities to capture a horizon dotted with the flotilla of other tall ships participating in the race, diverse coastlines, from sandy beaches to rugged cliffs, interspersed with picturesque lighthouses and if you’re lucky you may even spot harbour porpoises, grey seals, and a variety of seabirds such as guillemots & razorbills.

Arriving in Helsinki

After the adrenaline of the race, the ship will make its approach to Helsinki, Finland’s capital and largest city. With a rich maritime history, unique urban culture and stunning natural landscape, the city is sure to offer a stunning welcome to the international fleet of Tall Ships as they return for the first time in over a decade.

This voyage will allow ample time in port to enable you to enjoy the fantastic event programme laid on by the Tall Ships Race Host port organisers. You will be able to explore other tall ships and take in the sights and sounds of the local culture and history. You will likely also be asked to help out for a few hours whilst Tenacious hosts her own ‘open ship’. As the hardened seafarers who sailed her there, who better to tell people all about your experience and our wonderful tall ship!

The Buddy System on Tenacious

On Board Tenacious we operate a buddy system, which pairs able bodied and physically disabled people together. Everyone is there to help one another and share the experience, so the buddy system works both ways! You’ll get the chance to share skills and life experiences and, as many of our crew have found, make friendships that can last a lifetime.

A Challenge for All

The safety of everyone is top priority and so every activity is conducted at a pace comfortable for all. The forces of nature show no compromise and Tenacious is still a powerful square rigger so with main course, upper and lower topsails traditionally rigged so there is still considerable challenge in every voyage. Perhaps going aloft (climbing the rigging is optional) will be the biggest adrenalin buzz or simply the challenge and rewards of being part of a very special floating community.

Accommodation & Special Facilities

TENACIOUS has many facilities to enable physically disabled crew to work alongside their able-bodied shipmates, without taking away the element of challenge.
The bowsprit has a walkway so everyone can enjoy that spell binding moment when the dolphins come to play in the bow wave, or you just want to get that classic shot of a square rigger under full sail.
The ship has large ships boats with metal floors so we can get everybody ashore for a beach barbeque or to explore more remote locations where the ship can only anchor. In bigger ports the ships gangways can cope with most waterfronts, but sometimes wheelchair forays ashore require a bit of teamwork.

Specific built-in features include:
• Wide, flat decks with lifts between them.
• Fully adjustable helmsman’s seat, which is fitted with a seat belt.
• For visually impaired voyage crew:
• An audio compass
• A guidance track around most of the upper deck to keep you central
• Arrows on most handrails pointing to the bow
• Tactile strips at the tops of companionways (stairs) and bright coloured edging
• Bright track radar screen.
• For deaf and hearing impaired voyage crew:
• Berths are fitted with vibrator pads connected to the alarm bells and alarm lights circuit.
• Induction loops.
Below decks there are bunks in the fo’c’sle for the majority of the crew, and eight cabins amidships for wheelchair users and their buddies. Bathrooms on board have specifically designed toilets and showers for those with more severe disabilities.
Accommodation below has heating and air conditioning. There are hot showers, points for electric shavers, toothbrushes and hair driers.

Bar on Board
Tenacious is a very sociable ship and the bar is often a focal point for events in port. At sea you can buy alcoholic drinks if you are not on watch or about to go and handle sails or climb the rigging.

There is also a large mess room for meals or where you can write a diary or perhaps enjoy a board game.
Tenacious is well fitted with a messroom, fully equipped galley, workshop, library plus a well-stocked bar.

No other vessel can give you the unique double challenge you’ll love on Tenacious.

PLEASE NOTE

On a sailing voyage we never use the word itinerary, as skippers will always be aiming for the best sailing and shore landings for the forecast and most idyllic or sheltered anchors and ports. They are as keen as you to include some of the highlights described above, but when it comes to sailing, you have to go with Mother Nature, not fight her. The description provided is based on what we think might be possible, based on past trips, or experience, but nothing is guaranteed on a sailing voyage. As such, the scheduled joining ports, routes, activities and/or destinations may be altered. Due to the complexities of weather systems, this may be at very short notice. 

HANDS ON HOLIDAYS

Whether you are an experienced sailor or a complete beginner, the professional crew will train you to be guest crew from the moment you arrive, with the intention that everybody works together to sail the ship. The common thread to all Classic Sailing holidays is ‘Hands on’ participation on ships that use ropes, blocks and tackles and ‘people power’ to set sail.

SAILING STYLE & LIFE ON BOARD

We cater for a wide range of ages and physical abilities and how much you are expected/encouraged to do varies a bit between vessels. See the vessel tab above which explains all about the ‘sailing style’ and what to expect in terms of hands on participation. There is a lot of information about day to day life, the ships facilities and accommodation on the vessel pages.

AGILITY & FITNESS

Every customer sailing with us will need to fill in basic medical questions on their booking application. If you are not sure if your current level of fitness and agility are up to a voyage, then please ring the Classic Sailing Office on 01326 53 1234 and we can chat through your concerns and possibly find options that might suit you better.

What to pack for a sailing holiday on Tenacious

Included

• All bedding
• Heavy duty wet weather gear and boots
• Harnesses
• All meals and soft drinks throughout the voyage

What is not included

Travel to and from the start and end port
Alcoholic Beverages
Towels - You will need to bring your own towels (including one for swimming if you plan to swim)

What to bring 

Please keep personal gear to a minimum as there is very limited stowage space.

Clothing - What to wear
It can be noticeably cooler at sea than on land, especially at night. So come prepared. Also, please bring enough clothing for the duration of the voyage as we are not able to do personal washing for you, except on ocean passage voyages.

Shoes - Soft soled shoes – deck shoes or trainers. In warm weather, sandals are fine, but not flip-flops.
Gloves - You will be handling ropes so sailing or other non-slip gloves will be useful.
UK AND EUROPE SUMMER VOYAGES/ CANARIES
Fleece/warm sweater, sweat shirts, warm hat
Jeans/Trousers (+a pair for mess duty)
Shorts, T Shirts
Shower proof jacket/sailing jacket
Sun Hat, Sun Screen
Swimming costume

You may want to bring some warmer clothes in early/late season

CARIBBEAN VOYAGES
Thin fleece/light sweater
Shorts, T Shirts, Tops
Sun hat
Thin trousers and long sleeve shirts/blouses (in case of sunburn)
Long trousers plus closed front shoes for mess duty
Swimming costume
High factor sun screen, mosquito repellent
Thin shower proof jacket

On voyages from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, you may require a few
items of warmer clothing at the start.
PASSAGE VOYAGES (e.g.UK-CANARIES, CANARIES-UK, BERMUDA-UK)
These voyages are in the spring and autumn so the weather can be cold.

Fleece/warm sweaters
Sweatshirts/light sweaters
Jeans, Trousers (you will need long trousers for mess duty)
Warm hat, scarf, gloves
Long Johns, vests, T shirts
Socks
Warm shower proof jacket/sailing jacket

Remember that several thinner layers are warmer than one thick one!

PLEASE NOTE
Flip-flops are not considered suitable footwear on board ship, though sandals may be appropriate in hot weather.

Paperwork
• Passport (Even voyages with UK departure and arrival ports usually call into at least one foreign port during a voyage)
• Joining Instructions from Tenacious Ship's Office (please leave a copy with your next of kin)
•Insurance Policy
•Your return air ticket if you are joining or leaving the ship outside the UK. (Antigua will not allow you into the country without an air ticket out or proof of your means of departure. Your joining instructions are your proof.)
•Tall Ship Guide and Logbook

• You must bring enough to last the duration of your voyage and your journey. If you are flying to join the ship we suggest you pack your medicines in your hand baggage – but please check current airport security regulations.
• Earplugs/Eye mask,  If you think your sleep might be disturbed by the noise of the generator engine or lights.
• Spectacles/ Sunglasses with a cord to keep them safe.

Toiletries
• Enough for the whole voyage.
• High factor sun cream
• Mosquito repellent.

There are 240v UK sockets for razors and hairdryers

Money
• Sterling – to use in the bar for drinks, crisps, chocolate and to buy souvenirs in the shop (including JST clothing etc.)
• UK Voyages usually call into a European port so you will need Euros
•Canary Island Voyages – Euros
•Caribbean Voyages – US$, East Caribbean $ and Euros (many of the
Caribbean Islands are French)
•For countries outside the EU – local currency
•On leaving the Caribbean you may be charged $50EC departure tax
at the airport.
•On board we only accept Visa and Mastercard Credit Cards although
we would prefer cheques (sterling only)
•We DO NOT accept: debit cards, Solo or Maestro on board

DO NOT BRING
• Valuables – we do not have any lockable spaces on board.
• Suitcases or rigid bags – your personal possessions must be brought in soft bags for ease of stowing.

Tenacious - Reviews

The ship is exceptionally well appointed for it's role in enabling people of all ability levels to experience sailing. The permanent and the volunteer crew were the most capable and thoughtful people I've met afloat in 57+ years sailing. I won't hesitate to recommend the JST to my sailing and non-sailing friends. For me it was the experience of a lifetime.

Gordon July 2023

A bucket list ambition to sail on a square Rigger was met. No problem with me being 72 and some mobility issues. 

John

What was the best bit? Experiencing life on a tall ship and what it must have been like for sailors In the past.  

R. Waters

The best bit was setting the sails. The voyage had a good mix of sailing and ashore. I sailed because it was part of my Bucket List. The Captain and crew, the food, accommodation and safety briefing were all excellent.

Kenneth C

5 stars - I found a ship (Tenacious) on your site that was sailing from Auckland to the Falklands. I jumped at the chance and now can say with a bit of pride that I have sailed around Cape Horn on a square rigger. WOW and THANKS for your site." Classic Sailing Facebook.

Mike N

I was on board the Tenacious with Mates4Mates when it sailed from Brisbane to Sydney. After getting over some seasickness, I had the time of my life. From climbing to the top of the main mast, helping to brace the yards and set the sails, helping stow away the sails, and helping out in the kitchen. It was a mind blowing experience that I would recommend to anyone and everyone.

William H

Made me think about my life in a hole new light . I came out of hospital after a double fracture to the skull & a bleed on brain , feeling sorry myself when I was helped other people on the ship , people in wheelchairs & other disabilities I give myself a kick up the arse an thought wake up Vinnie you haven't such a bad injury have you? Thank you JST Clan  

Vinnie S J

I Recently returned to Florida from a three week voyage on Tenacious, sailing from Panama to Costa Rica. Exceeded all my expectations by a long shot. Fun, hard work, and great food. Beautiful and educational adventures ashore, along with wonderful friendships with a diverse crew. I feel totally rejuvenated. Try it!"

Ernest R C

I am wheelchair bound and went on the Tenacious on Saturday. It was absolutely fantastic, to learn the ins and outs of a sailing. All the crew were so helpful and accommodating. Would do it again definitely. "

Troy W from Melbourne, Australia

 

Barque Tenacious is a purpose built wooden tall ship with special facilities for able bodied and disabled crews to sail as equals. She has sailed around the world, spent a year in Australia and rounded Cape Horn. Photos from Classic Sailing customers, ships crew and professional photographers. We hope it gives a flavour of her sailing, life on board, the people that come, her beautiful sailing grounds and what it is like to live below decks.

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