PICTURES

Disabled-friendly ship docks in Singapore as part of trip around the world

Lord Nelson tall ship is berthing in Singapore waters for the next few weeks as part of her voyage around the world. With her mixed crew of both able-bodied and disabled sailors, the ship aims to spread the message of inclusion and equality.

During the 23-month odyssey, as part of the Norton Rose Sail the World Challenge, she will visit 30 countries in seven continents. The ship started sailing in October last year.

The Lord Nelson is notable as one of only two ships in the world specially built with disabled access. The 55-metre square rigger boasts a number of features which accommodates the handicapped, such as an audio compass, hearing loops, and wheelchair lifts in between decks.

The ship will be berthed at VivoCity till June 10, and will be open for tours by the public on May 25 and 26 from 10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm. On June 4, local disabled Mount Everest climber David Lim will be climbing the mast of the ship together with the British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson.

The Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST), which owns Lord Nelson, is also looking for Singaporean volunteers to join in a one-week voyage along the coast of Malaysia from May 28 to June 3. No sailing experience is necessary and able-bodied as well as disabled people are welcome but must be at least 16 years old. For more information, the public may visit www.jst.org.uk or email info@jst.org.uk.

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