Girlguiding UK Tall Ship sets sail!

Twenty intrepid young women have set sail on a 100-day Tall Ships voyage around Britain from Glasgow Docks in celebration of Girlguiding UK’s Centenary.

 The crew, who will also be accompanied throughout the voyage by Girlguiding Scotland Chief Commissioner Dinah Faulds, boarded the Jubilee Sailing Trust’s spectacular Lord Nelson ship to take part in the ‘Ultimate Tall Ship Adventure’.

For 100 days, 10 different crews on 10 different legs will sail around Britain celebrating 100 years of Girlguiding UK. After leaving Glasgow, the ship will head on to the Scottish ports of Oban and Aberdeen – arriving later this month - before returning to Glasgow in mid-September on completion of the voyage.

Over the summer, several hundred guiding members from across the UK will take turns to be a part of the adventure - just one of many action-packed activities open to all members throughout the Centenary.

Girls and women of all physical abilities will be on board the Lord Nelson during the voyage. The ship is one of just two in the world built to enable people of all abilities to sail side-by-side.

Features include lifts between decks, widened decks for wheelchair users, and a speaking compass allowing those with visual impairments to play a full part in Lord Nelson’s journey.

Dinah Faulds said: 'The Ultimate Tall Ship Adventure is such an exciting way for our members to celebrate guiding’s Centenary year. It is a unique event and a wonderful opportunity for our young women to move out of their comfort zone, try something completely different and learn new skills whatever their physical ability.'

'Personally, I am delighted to be boarding the Lord Nelson in Glasgow. It really is a great thrill for me to be sailing. I know we'll have enormous fun over the next 10 days.'

Alex Lochrane of the Jubilee Sailing Trust, said: 'Jubilee Sailing Trust and Girlguiding UK share many of the same aims; promoting equality and inclusivity in environments that promote challenge and teamwork. It’s because of this that we’re so excited to be working in with them. The girls bring lots of energy and fun with them and everyone on the voyage really embraces what we are about as a charity.'

'Girlguiding first came on board in 2008 for a trial run and we’re delighted to welcome Guiding members from across the UK back on board to help to celebrate the organisation’s Centenary.

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