‘Goosebump’ moment as majestic fleet is finally here
Sunderland has shown its ancient maritime heart still beats strongly as event chiefs admit they were overwhelmed by the city’s welcome to the Tall Ships.
Every ship is now in port and pulling in sightseers by the thousand.
There was lots more to see as well with fairgrounds, a big wheel, live entertainment and exhibitions galore to enjoy.
Ben Stuart, race director of Sail Training International which runs the Tall Ships Races, said he had been overwhelmed by people’s response to the Tall Ships in Sunderland.
“I’ve been to a lot of these events, and I’m very impressed with the way so many people in Sunderland have come forward to volunteer,” he said.
“Some places have been more regimented but Sunderland is anything but – everybody has just mucked in to help.” “It is amazing.” Michelle Daurat, director of Tall Ships Sunderland, said the arrival of the vessels in the Wear had been a “goosebump moment. It feels extra special”.
The Sunderland project chief was previously Tall Ships director when the races came to Hartlepool in 2010.
“I took Hartlepool to my heart, but this is extra-special as it’s my home town. It’s a goosebump moment to see it,” she said.
She praised the “large team” of organisations – including the media partners such as the Sunderland Echo – for coming together and making one of Sunderland’s biggest0ever events an amazing spectacle.