Long awaited adventures in store for those taking to the seas on sailing trust ship - despite charity’s financial woes

Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) has offered 80 fully paid-for places onboard its tall ship Tenacious as part of its collaboration with the easyJet founder’s Stelios Philanthropic Foundation.

The spaces, offered over two voyages, were originally meant to set sail in 2020 but were put on hold.

The pandemic has also posed a real threat to the future of the JST, which has also been hit hard by the cost of living crisis and the non-existent financial support from the government’s Covid recovery loan scheme.

However, it has successfully raised the £500,000 needed to stay afloat, and is now facing the challenge of bringing its total up to £1.2m by the end of September 2022.

The partnership between the JST and the Stelios Foundation is aimed at running voyages for people looking to build life and leadership skills, character and confidence – with particular focus for people facing challenges or limitations in their life.

Tanya Knowlton, the JST’s head of commercial income, said: ‘After a frustrating two years where the Covid pandemic forced a stop to all our activity it’s great to be back doing what we do best.

‘Our voyages are at the heart of what we do and we’re thrilled to see Tenacious back out on the water where she belongs, offering life-changing experiences that are accessible to everyone.

‘We are thrilled to be working with The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and Sir Stelios and our missions are well aligned. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone onboard.’

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Sir Stelios added: ‘I’m passionate about sailing – even more so where there are opportunities to be found for those who previously had to pass up on this fantastic sport for personal reasons.

‘The JST project fills that brief perfectly. I wish her crew and support staff the very best of weather and seas.’

The JST charity offers people of all abilities ages and backgrounds the opportunity to join the tall ship Tenacious for an immersive sailing experience, The JST, which has a base in Ocean Village, Southampton, is entirely reliant on public funding and was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Support the charity’s fundraiser at jst.org.uk/crc-donation.