SAUNDERSFOOT resident Jean Bailey- Dering was delighted to see the sailing ship 'Tenacious' coming into Milford Haven last week. The vessel is one of two belonging to The Jubilee Sailing Trust, the other being 'Lord Nelson'. Both ships were designed specifically to enable teams of physically disabled and able-bodied people to work together aboard a tall ship at sea. Jean, who is a wheelchair user, will be one of the crew when Tenacious sets sail on May 28, bound for Ireland and France, before returning to her home port of Southampton. Although the normal pattern of crewing JST ships is to link a disabled person with an able-bodied 'buddy' on voyages, Jean needs more help and was delighted when Suzanne Morris, her clinical nurse-specialist at Withybush Hospital, volunteered to be her carer. "It will give my husband a break, but she doesn't know what she's letting herself in for!" said Jean. Jean, aged 56, has been sponsored by Texaco and the Haverfordwest branch of Arthritis Care. Suzanne, 36, has been sponsored by Snowdrop Mobility and Bland's Motors, both of Haverfordwest. Both women are raising funds for The Jubilee Sailing Trust, a charity that makes the dream of sailing outside coastal waters a real possibility for many physically disabled people. There will also be a cheese and wine evening on board 'Tenacious' on Thursday, May 26 from 7-9 pm. Tickets cost £7.50 and for an additional fee, there may be a chance to climb the main mast! The ship is open to the public in Milford Docks on Friday, May 27, from 10 am to 12 noon and 2.30 to 4.30 pm; admission is free. If you would like to buy tickets for the cheese and wine party or to make a donation, cheques should be made payable to The Jubilee Sailing Trust and sent to Jenny Brown, c/o Port Engineer and Estates Office, The Sail Loft, Milford Docks, Milford Haven, telephone 01646 600055.
