Historic voyage forKilsyth dad and son

Rob Kay and 20-year-old son Jordan are embarked on the trip of a lifetime, as their voyage has included a starring role in the Falmouth to Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Regatta, in which their sail training ship the Swan was one of 44 vessels.

This spectacular was followed immediately afterwards by the return trip to Shetland – all adding up to a remarkable maritime adventure in which Jordan played a full part as member of the Swan’s crew.

What makes the trip doubly unusual is that Jordan has Down’s Syndrome, and it seems unlikely anyone with his condition has been involved in such a cruise before.

He and his dad are due to get home on September 17, in nice time to vote in the referendum on independence.

Rob said: “We saw the Tall Ships Race in Greenock three years ago and we thought ‘we must do that’

“It’s been a big challenge for Jordan, but then it has been for all of us.

“One of the reasons I decided to do it was because I had turned 60 and it seemed like a good milestone to take on a new challenge.”

During their memorable trip the pair have been raising funds for Carers UK, and have already raised more than £900.

The Tall Ships programme is strongly centred on providing opportunity for adventure and skills learning, and at least half of those taking part are aged 25 and under.