Largest wood/epoxy ship launched

Courtesy of The Jubilee Sailing Trust

We’ve followed the progress of the Jubilee Sailing Trust ship since construction began in the summer of 1998 in Southampton, England. The ship was launched in February and given the name Tenacious.

	Load Out was carried out on February 3, 2000, after a great deal of preplanning and design work. A 250' x 78' barge was butted up against the quay wall and the 690-ton Tenacious was moved from Jubilee yard onto it. Once safely on the barge and securely fixed, it was towed to Empress Dock.
	At 3:00 A.M. on February 4th, the barge was effectively sunk to allow Tenacious to glide into the water. Towards high tide, she floated free of her cradle and was towed across the River Itchen to Vosper Thorneycroft for stepping of the masts and final fitting out.

The official naming ceremony was held on April 6. Tenacious is scheduled to sail her maiden voyage June 22, 2000.

Tenacious is a three masted barque. She is 213' long including the bowsprit and is the world’s largest wood/epoxy tall ship. All voyage crew will be involved in handling her 21 sails under the guidance of the professional crew.

When not under sail, Tenacious has two powerful engines that are controlled from the bridge and chartroom, which is fully equipped with modern navigational aids. TENACIOUS also has three generators, ensuring a constant supply of electricity to heat the accommodations and supply hot water for the showers.

In addition to the sleeping areas below deck, there is a saloon with a licensed bar and the lower mess where the crew will be able to enjoy three meals a day prepared in the galley by the ship's cook.

For complete information on the Jubilee Sailing Trust program and the construction of TENACIOUS, visit the JST website at www.jst.org.uk.

Epoxyworks 15 / Spring 2000