Disabled-friendly Nelson

British bark Lord Nelson is a special vessel. It’s one of only two ships built by Jubilee Sailing Trust fully adjusted to the needs of disabled people. ‘Lord Nelson’ doesn’t take passengers - the disabled crew members have the same duties as everybody else on board. ‘Everybody is engaged with tasks and works hard’, say Matt and John, the sailors showing us to the inside of the boat. Most elements of the ship are foldable, its bar is modelled on a typical English pub, and wheelchairs are fastened to the floor for safety.
During short cruises, the disabled make 50% of the crew. Without any problems they get to any place of the boat, including yards equipped with special lifts.
Lord Nelson has a ‘talking compass’, a vibration alarm and special signs that help the blind sail. ‘We differ from healthy people in terms of physical abilities, however, every new crewman is always scared’, says captain Clare Cupples.