HE IS famed for staring alongside Russell Crowe in the Oscar winning seaborne swashbuckler Master and Commander.

But Hollywood actor Robert Pugh was treading the boards of a tall ship for real yesterday when he took part in a race to celebrate today’s 25th anniversary of Jubilee Sailing Trust’s flagship the Lord Nelson.

The Welshman is an avid supporter of the Southampton based charity, which unites able bodied with disabled sailors, and was recruited for the competition which saw his ship Tenacious lose against the Lord Nelson.

He said: “It has been a joy to work with everyone on the ship.”

Mr Pugh hopes to make a film promoting the trust’s work and charting the sea change it brings to the lives of disabled people.

The two tall ships, at berth 104, Dockgate 10, will be open for guided tours today from 2pm to 4pm