A CHARITY with ‘very strong links’ to Jersey that has run for 44 years could be forced to cease operations – unless it reaches a £1.2 million fundraising target by the end of the summer.
The Jubilee Sailing Trust, which operates Tenacious – currently the only sea-going tall ship in the world that can be sailed by a mixed-ability crew, including disabled people, those with mental-health conditions, long-term ill-health issues and the socially isolated – is calling for donations after it was hit hard by the pandemic.
Chair of the charity Charles Humpleby said it had so far received around £450,000 of its preliminary £500,000 goal, but needed to reach its ultimate target of £1.2 million by September in order to stay afloat.
‘The position is that Tenacious has been unable to sail properly for the last two years, so the main driver is to get her sailing, not just to make money from the voyages but also for fundraising and awareness,’ he said. ‘We felt £500,000 was enough of a starting point to get going again, but we still need to put ourselves in a position where we are financially buoyant going into the shoulder months,’ he added.
Prompted by former Senator Jean Le Maistre, the States of Jersey helped to build Tenacious in the late 1990s, donating £350,000 to pay for its masts and spars. The ship’s home port is Southampton and it cost £14.5 million to construct. There is a local branch of the JST and the vessel regularly sails to St Helier, with its next visit due to take place at the end of this month.
‘Without our supporters, this visit – along with many others – would not be possible,’ said Mr Humpleby.
‘We have very strong links with the Island – a lot of Jersey people volunteer their services and come aboard on a regular basis. She is an amazing ship and anyone who sails on her will say it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We want to be able to continue providing that experience,’ he added.
It is not the first time the charity has faced financial difficulties, having already been forced to put its other tall ship, Lord Nelson, up for sale.
Those who wish to donate to the JST can do so by visiting its website: jst.org.uk.
