Tenacious visit cut short by covid

Friday 10 September 2021

The world’s largest wooden tall ship has had to cut its 21st anniversary celebrations short in Jersey this week after someone on board contracted covid.

27-metre-high Tenacious arrived in island waters on Wednesday, and was due to host a number of events on board and on land to celebrate before sailing to London on Monday with a crew including local residents.

The vessel, which took four years and a £300,000 donation from Jersey’s Government, was completed in 2001 after four years. The Jubilee Sailing Trust, which operates Tenacious, has gone on to host thousands of trips for disabled people.

Tenacious’s return to Jersey marked two decades since her maiden voyage.

However, the Jubilee Sailing Trust reported yesterday morning that its Jersey activities, due to be supported by charity Wetwheels Jersey, had to be cancelled after one positive covid PCR test was reported on the ship.

No arrivals or departures to the ship are able to take place any more, and the planned voyage from Jersey to London has also had to be cancelled.

Jubilee Sailing Trust CEO Patrick Fleming said: “It is very disappointing to have to cancel our planned activities in Jersey and our voyage to London.

"As always the health and safety of our voyage crew is paramount.”