RSI and Disability Home A-Z RSI and Disability Having just returned from what has now become my annual 'fix' of tall ship sailing on the Lord Nelson, I am once again struck by the difference between other disabled people and those with RSI that I meet at work. The Lord Nelson is a three masted barque purpose built and operated by the Jubilee Sailing Trust . This requires many people to work together both on deck and aloft. It is remarkable that within a few days, complete strangers can learn to work together recognising each others very varied strengths and weaknesses and functioning as an effective team.
Most people get the chance to go aloft.
Those who can, climb the ratlines to manually stow the lower two square sails. On this trip, a number of individuals who normally use wheelchairs decided that they would like to climb the rigging under their own power. Of course, they needed some assistance. If you can only use one arm and one leg, you need someone to help attach the safety harness. But the sheer determination and grit of these individuals to overcome major physical disabilities was inspiring and humbling to witness.