MAKING THE CITY SHIPSHAPE
The team which will help bring a sailing festival to Sunderland this summer has made a visit to ensure plans are shipshape.
Sail Training International has made a second visit to the city to check on the progress of Sunderland City Council’s Tall Ships Races team, as the Port of Sunderland prepares to host at least 45 ships during the four-day celebration, staring on Wednesday, July 11.
The latest inspection checked on logistical, commercial and marketing factors to ensure the event – Europe’s largest annual free family festival – will be safe and a success.
During their assessment trip, the directors heard the number of young people who have signed up to sail is above target.
Cabinet member for Public Health Wellness and Culture, Councillor John Kelly said: “Today’s visit is another step forward in the planning and delivery of this iconic event here in Sunderland.
“Organising such a huge event has relied on co-operation across council departments, emergency services, transport companies, event partners, voluntary groups, local businesses, support services and local organisations. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved so far for their dedication, help and support.
“This truly is a city-wide event and one that we should be rightly proud of.”
The visit considered site preparations, but also safety and security, event promotion, volunteer recruitment, sail trainees, berthing provision for the ships and care and activities for the crews.
Sail Training International’s race chairman Knut Western said: “The Tall Ships Races is the crown jewel of all the sail training activities in the world.
“As such it showcases what sail training is: developing young people regardless of nation, culture, religion, social background or gender.
“As an international event, we know we make a change in young peoples’ lives, and Sail Training International was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize some years ago to reflect our continued positive impact on young people’s lives.
“With these factors in mind, preparations are vitally important in delivering a successful event that delivers across a range of focuses.
“The visit to our partners here in Sunderland today has left us with every confidence that the proud history of spectacular Tall Ships Races events will be continued in 2018.”
The team said it was delighted to hear the recruitment of young people to take part has exceeded expectation, with 150 15 to 25-yearolds to set sail .
For more information on the celebrations, visit https://www.tallshipssunderland.com/.