The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was a show of true British patriotism that was soundly reflected by true British fashion. The streets were full of union jack flags, union jack leggings, and, quite fittingly, union jack umbrellas. Even one of the tall ships that took part in the river pageant had a chance to join in on the fashion craze by modelling their brand new Sebago Spinnaker Patriot Docksides as they passed by Her Majesty on her special day.

Adventure Under Sail’s Tall Ship Pelican passed by the Tower Bridge wearing their snazzy new Sebago Spinnaker Patriots. These Docksides were not only suitable for the Jubilee weekend, with their red, white and blue leather, sporting a union jack within the solid non-marking rubber sole, but are perfect for the rigors of the day to day operation and sailing of a tall ship.

Adventure Under Sail is a charity that specialises in providing young people with an opportunity to develop important work related skills through learning how to sail a tall ship. The charity believes that tall ship sailing encourages personal development by exposing individuals to situations that require them to solve problems, communicate their ideas with others, and evaluating achievements. These experiences develop self-confidence whilst also enhancing job opportunities and future prospects. 

“A tall ship is the best classroom there is,” commented Sailing Master Francis Noel Hudson. “Young people can see the purpose of what they are doing because it has immediate results. For example, you need to ease the sheets in order to turn the ship downwind.” But the lessons go a lot further than just learning how to sail. “They also learn to live and work with people. The watch system is a perfect example of this. If you are on watch for four hours, and someone turns up late, you have to think about how that makes you feel.”

Working as a team is a crucial skill to master when sailing a tall ship, and it is helped by having reliable footwear to help you on your way, especially if the footwear embraces the traditions that is shared by tall ship sailing.

Sebago Docksides are designed specifically for sailors like those who sail on the tall ship Pelican. Their comfort and durability, combined with their slip-resistant, non-marking rubber soles, provide the wearer with the knowledge that they have the agility and security required to sail a vessel of any size, including a 148ft tall ship.

“We have all been wearing them!” Karen Rigby, the Pelican’s Second Officer remarked. “They are comfortable and nicely made. They give good grip on the deck of the tall ship when the weather is rough. When you climb the rigging, they are nice and sturdy. This is good because the foot rope doesn’t dig into your sole. We felt quite patriotic wearing them on the day of the Pageant. Prince Michael of Kent came to visit the ship on the 10th June, and some of us were wearing them then!”

Join Adventure Under Sail and the Tall Ship Pelican by flying the flag for Great Britain this summer with your own pair of limited edition Sebago Patriot Spinnaker Docksides. Visit www.sebago.com, or visit their stores in London’s Regent Street, Cowes and Bath.

Kate Holmes

Last Updated ( Friday, 15 June 2012 )