27 Oct 2013

World's first disability-accessible ship trains newest recruits in Auckland

9:47 pm on 27 October 2013

The world's first disability-accessible tall ship to sail around the world has begun training its newest recruits in Auckland.

The three-masted British vessel, The Lord Nelson, is designed to cater for people with all types of physical disabilities, and has made its first stop in New Zealand on its maiden round-the-world voyage.

People with and without disabilities join the crew for different stages of the global trip, which is expected to take 23 months.

Each stage can last between five days and two months.

The ship's features include wheelchair lifts, a talking compass and a hearing loop.

The Lord Nelson sets off for Wellington on Monday and will arrive on 4 November.