Here’s where to see the Tall Ships fleet
Tall Ships organisers today revealed where the majestic vessels will be based when they come to Sunderland.
The event zones and quay sides have been identified.
Visiting ships will be berthed on both the north and south sides of the river near the National Glass Centre, on Manor Quay, with some of the largest vessels moored on the opposite bank at Corporation Quay.
Hudson Dock within the port will also be open to the public so that everyone can get up close and, in many cases, get on-board.
Sunderland City Council’s Head of Events Victoria French said: “With 49 ships signed up so far and the opportunity to get a few more, this is shaping up to be a huge event.
“By including quays on the north side of the river and also the west side of Hudson Dock, we will be able to host everything from crew activities and visitor entertainment to access to ships and even the opportunity to take a sailing trip on one of these beautiful vessels.”
There are also plans for fireworks, live music and a Georgian Festival, and Victoria added: “There will be something for all and I encourage everyone to come along and join in with this fantastic occasion.”
The vessel berthing areas are part of four main event zones.
They are Port of Sunderland (Zone A), East End (Zone B), St Peter’s Campus (Zone C) and Roker to Seaburn (Zone D) on Saturday, July 14, to give the perfect viewing area for the Parade of Sail as the ships leave Sunderland.
The Tall Ships Races Sunderland 2018 will give many residents their first opportunity to see the 106-hectare Port of Sunderland.
Director of Port of Sunderland Matthew Hunt said: “This is both a challenging and exciting time for us here at the port. We aim to deliver an event the city can be proud of.
“It will be a fantastic spectacle and I, like many, look forward to welcoming the ships and crews from across Europe and beyond.
“We’re also delighted that many residents will get a rare opportunity to come down and visit the site and get an idea of the size and scale of operations here.
“For centuries the river and port have been at the heart of Sunderland and we are working hard to keep this proud tradition going.”
The races come to Sunderland from July 11 to July 14.
For more information, go to https://tallshipssunderland.com or follow on Twitter.@TallShipsSund.