COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN FOR A YEAR OF FUN
The countdown has begun. In exactly 12 months’time, dozens of majestic tall ships will fill the Sunderland skyline. Just imagine it. Up to 80 schooners, barquentines, sloops and gaff cutters will be heading to the North East coast. And with more than 1.5 million spectators packing in to the city for the Sunderland’s leg of The Tall Ships Races, it promises to be an awe-inspiring
We will tell you more about the ships which have entered the Sunderland leg of next year’s races – from their dimensions to their history. We will share with you the very latest information on the events which you can look forward to next summer. And we will bring you interviews with the people behind the huge international event. Sunderland’s Tall Ships Races project director Michelle Daurat said: “It is a year to go and that is cause for celebration and reflection on where we are at, and how much progress has been made.” It was a chance to look at the “big issues and challenges in the next 12 months - and we are in a good position,” said Michelle. She said the race organisers from Sail Training International came to Sunderland recently and added: “They seem comfortable and happy with the progress we are making. “We have also found out that a sixth ship has registered and that includes four class A ships which is a really positive proportion as they are currently in the middle of this year’s races.” Michelle promised Echo readers there would be “plenty to see, do and experience” next year and not just at the port. There will be five event sites positioned around the city. Watch out for much more detail on that and loads of other Tall Ships news in the weeks and months to come. And to keep in touch with all news around the Sunderland event, give us your views on social media using #wearonboard @TallShipsSund #TSR2018. Let’s show the world what Wearside has to offer. Let’s show the world we know how to put on a fantastic event. Let’s show the world that Wear ALL on board with the races.