Learning from a tall order

Probably few women would want to, but to keen traveller Mimi Yeung, climbing up the 12-metre mast of a tall ship was a welcome challenge and a memorable start to an inspiring sea journey. As executive secretary for Adventure Ship, operator of the charity boat Huan, she has for years arranged boat trips for young, underprivileged and disabled children to help bolster their self-confidence. Little did she know that one day she would benefit from similar activities herself. Her chance came in May when she was on board the training ship Lord Nelson on a valuable eight-day sailing trip. She was not only taken to quaint, enchanting coastal communities in Britain but more importantly, learned valuable lessons. The disabled crew members who were with her proved a great source of inspiration. The 55 metre-long Lord Nelson is operated by a registered British charity, the Jubilee Sailing Trust, established in 1978 with the aim of strengthening integration between the physically disabled and the able-bodied through tall-ship sailing. At work, Ms Yeung runs a tiny office at a brightly-lit, renovated container in Aberdeen, where the Huan is anchored. She is not a physically fit person, she says. So climbing up the mast, which was required of all participants on the trip, seemed like a tough feat. But she complied and after a period of wriggling, and cheering from her fellow participants, she managed to reach the top. Her other tasks on the following days, from helping furl the sails (wearing the harness provided) to 'night watch' which included steering and keeping lookout, further boosted her sense of self-worth, an important asset to men and women alike. It was a test of stamina too, as all crew members had to observe a strict routine covering cleaning duties. Reminiscing about the adventurous trip (paid for by her boss), Ms Yeung said: 'A 66-year-old participant said he found himself reborn after the training.' There were 40 people on board, about half of whom had physical disabilities. Four teams were formed, each consisting of about five disabled people. All were expected to look upon each other as equals. Apart from the physical drill, the training was also meant to break down barriers, to let both the disabled and able-bodied know that they could achieve much, on their own. 'There was a rule that we would not give help to a disabled team member until she or he requested it,' said Ms Yeung. She was impressed with the high level of independence shown by her 'buddy', or teammate, Val, a diminutive woman in her mid-30s, who lost one of her legs in an accident at the age of six. 'She helped me a lot throughout the training. She knows so much about navigation, like how to control the sail with ropes. She also told me about the different stars at night. Starry nights are so beautiful. I never expected to see them in my life.' Equally inspiring was George, a former professor at the University of Reading in Britain. A stroke he suffered three years ago cost him his speaking and writing abilities. But his time on board saw a marked improvement in his ability to communicate with others. 'He even took part in a heated debate on women's status on our last night together,' Ms Yeung said, admiringly. 'Even disabled people whose condition was deteriorating actively participated in different activities. Some paid for the trip themselves.' One lesson Ms Yeung learned from them was to 'treasure and make the most of what you have got'. She cited the case of Charles, who became unemployed five years ago after being struck by multiple sclerosis, a disease of the central nervous system, that caused him to lose control of his limbs. His wife has had to support the family ever since. 'But Charles was very positive in life, he hopes to try different things even though he is now wheelchair-bound,' said Ms Yeung. The committed charity worker was glad to have had the opportunity to take part in this unusual cultural exchange throughout a journey which began at Southampton and passed the fishing community of Weymouth in the southwest, Alderney - one of the Channel Islands - and which eventually stopped at Penzance near the tip of Cornwall. 'The views were enchanting, but I got most satisfaction from the human interactions,' said Ms Yeung. In all, the trip taught her about the merits of group work. 'You can't navigate alone, life becomes more meaningful when you share it with others.' Now back in Hong Kong, Ms Yeung hopes more people can benefit from similar experiences, ideally through an integrated programme for the disabled and the able-bodied. One-third of the 6,000 who go on 'sea training' trips off Sai Kung or Tung Lung Island offered by Adventure Ship on their boat the Huan each year are disabled children. They may be blind, autistic, mentally handicapped or disabled in other ways. Integrated programmes are only available in June and September, due to difficulties in finding volunteer helpers. Some schools hesitated about sending their students on the trips, and disabled adults, in particular, were less likely to participate, she said. 'Culturally, Chinese are not encouraged to come out and take part in nautical activities. 'Also, our ship is not as big as the Lord Nelson. It is not equipped with the same facilities for the physically disabled. For example, it is very difficult for the wheelchair-bound to move around on our junk.' Those interested in a trip on board Lord Nelson can contact Lyn Kelleway, the Voyage Administrator, at Jubilee Yard, Merlin Quay, Hazel Road, Woolston, Southampton, England, S018, 7GB.