All kinds of volunteering can make a difference to society, but opportunities like these have community enrichment at their core.

All | Moira | Sharon | Will | Andy | Ray | EmmaM

Wednesday Aug 04, 2010

Tall ships race - Kristiansand

So here I am at the Tall Ships Race again. I've not joined the ship yet - that's tomorrow.  But I have met some of the ships crew.  So far we have two wheelies and a great mix of age.  But that's the beauty of the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST).  The ethos of the charity is that anyone can sail. And by anyone they mean anyone.  I think there is a lower age limit but that's about it.

I've already practised my wheelchair driving assistance on the cobbled pedestrian high street in the town and practised my reversing across tram lines so it bodes well for the future!  It's only when you have to assist someone in a wheelchair or someone who can't walk very well that you realise how unfriendly pavements and roads.  Being able bodied I take it for granted but I shouldn't.

Those of us who have arrived early (about 10 in total) have already sat down to an entertaining meal before we headed off to various hotels for some luxury (a shower that doesn't move and with water that comes straight down and not slanting to the side depending on the lean of the ship will be a luxury in a few short days).  But that is part of the charm and is definitely not a complaint!

Tomorrow we're boarding STS Tenacious.  We get to meet the rest of the crew and settle down to ships routine.  No doubt with safety drills first (we can't use the wheelchair lifts in an emergency so have to practice getting people on deck safely and quickly and believe me it needs practice)!

Posted by Emma ( 4:07 PM )
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