Tall ship Tenacious leaves Great Yarmouth for London

The SV Tenacious had been docked at South Quay as a thank you to the people of Norfolk for their ongoing support of the 65m square-rigged ship over the past few years.

With a new crew of 30 people, she set sail on Friday afternoon in a race against an overland team of cyclists to London.

The Tenacious had been docked at South Quay Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

Organised by the ship's owners, the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST), the Race the Ship challenge sees the Tenacious pitted against a team of 10 mixed-ability cyclists as they aim for West India Dock, in the capital, where the vessel will anchor for a week.

JST's Sara Fleming said the ship's latest fundraiser is to challenge people's perceptions of what is possible.

Some of the crew of the SV Tenacious at Great Yarmouth, all from Norfolk. From left, back row, Jordan Lin, Hugh Smith, Steve Mikulik and chief mate Ben Ransom. Front row, Sophie Connah, Kate Healey and Canon Simon Stokes and his daughter, Mary (Image: Denise Bradley)

The crew gets ready to set sail (Image: Mike Page)

"We have a mixed-ability crew working on the ship thanks to her enhanced accessibility features," she said.

"And for this unique cycling challenge, we thought why not bring our mission ashore?"

The overland team in the cycling relay race contains people with varying ability levels, including blindness.

"We want to challenge the things people think are impossible," Ms Fleming added.

"Last year, some of our team - including people using wheelchairs - climbed Mount Snowden.

The Tenacious sets sail for London Picture: Bill Ditcham (Image: Bill Ditcham)

The SV Tenacious is the world's largest wooden tall ship (Image: Mike Page)

"We want to show the world that nothing is impossible. Even if people have to do something a different way, it can be done."

The ship's captain, Simon Catterson, said the Tenacious' new crew also have mixed abilities and will have a chance to try each task while onboard.

The crew of the Tenacious wave off the cyclists in their race with the ship to London Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

"Training started as soon as the new crew arrived," he said.

Looking ahead to the race he added: "The winds look light and variable, so it will prove to be an interesting passage."

Captain Simon Catterson of the SV Tenacious. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Capt Catterson said the Tenacious has received a warm welcome in Great Yarmouth over the past week.

"This is our second time here in Yarmouth and we've always been made very welcome," he said. 

The tall ship drew admiring glances at Great Yarmouth's South Quay Picture: Denise Bradley (Image: Denise Bradley)

"It's a nice spot, and we're so grateful for our supporters in Norfolk."

To track the Tenacious' passage to London, visit www.jst.org.uk/ship-tracking/

The Tenacious arriving in Great Yarmouth Picture: Luke Martin Photography (Image: Luke Martin Photography)

The tall ship seen arriving in the town Picture: Luke Martin Photography (Image: Luke Martin Photography)