FANTASTIC TALL SHIPS ADVENTURE
Dozens of keen trainees have signed up for the adventure of a lifetime.
About 100 young adults officially became sail trainees for The Tall Ships Races Sunderland 2018 on Saturday and chose the ships they will sail on.
It’s a major step towards their dream becoming reality, said Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, Councillor John Kelly.
He added: “Sail training uses people’s experiences of being at sea as a wonderful way of learning about themselves and their crewmates.
“By sailing on one of these majestic ships, they will have an almost unique opportunity to discover their own strengths and talents as well as those around them, as they learn to appreciate the value of working as a team.
“Saturday’s sign-up at Sunderland Yacht Club saw many young adventurers from across the city and the region taking a major step towards The Tall Ships Races Sunderland 2018 and will give many of our young people an adventure of a lifetime.”
But the keen young adventurers were not on their own for their big day.
Ship operators, sail trainee sponsor organisations and sail trainee consultants Windseeker from Holland joined Coun Kelly and members of the Tall Ships project team, to enjoy a full day of activity and team building.
Nearly 40 ships are now confirmed for the Sunderland event between Wednesday, July 11, and Saturday, July 14.
The races are expected to bring 1.5 million people to Wearside and they will get to see up to 80 ships.
“It will give young people an adventure of a lifetime” COUN KELLY
The first leg of The Tall Ships Races 2018 sails from Sunderland to Esbjerg in Denmark.
Sail trainees will begin their voyage with a spectacular Parade of Sail along the city’s coastline before spending about four days at sea.
Once in Esbjerg the adventure continues with cultural and sporting activities, a crew party and the renowned crew parade where sail trainees from all the vessels come together to celebrate the race and thank their hosts in Denmark.
For further information about The Tall Ships Races Sunderland 2018 go to www. tallshipssunderland.com, follow the team on Twitter @ TallShipsSund or Facebook at TallShipsRacesSunderland.