Tall Ship docks in city ahead of main event
WEARSIDE has been given a taster of what to expect when the Tall Ships sail up the Wear next year.
The STS Lord Nelson, which will be one of 80 vessels arriving in the city in July, 2018, has been docked in the Port of Sunderland for the day.
Sunderland City Council hope that, as well as providing an incredible spectacle, the Tall Ships will give the area an economic boost.
The crew hosted an on-board event to showcase business opportunities associated with the event, as well as with the Sunderland Illuminations and the Sunderland Airshow.
John Kelly, portfolio holder for public health, wellness and culture, said: “Hosting the Tall Ships race in 2018 will showcase this city’s ambition and will no doubt contribute towards out City of Culture 2021 bid.
“It will give us a chance to showcase our culture, heritage and our friendly reputation.
“Sunderland has been a strong maritime port for many years and was the biggest ship-building area in the world at one point.” Commenting on the historic significance of seeing the STS Lord Nelson in Sunderland, Mr Kelly said: “There were a lot of Sunderland seamen at the Battle of Trafalgar.
“The admiralty commissioned Trafalgar Square about a mile from here in honour of the people from this part of the world who fought in that battle.”
The STS Lord Nelson is one of only two ships of its kind, as it’s fully accessible.
Throughout the ship, adaptations are made so that those living with disabilities can join the crew and
tour the world. Andy Spark, head of programming for Jubilee Sailing, urged people from all backgrounds to get involved in the event.
The 50-year-old lost part of his leg in a motorcycle accident when he was in his 20s and credits sailing with helping him get his life back on track.
He said: “At 20 years old, I thought my life was over.
“I came sailing, one of the first disabled people to join a crew, and I realised there was hope.
“I’ve been sailing ever since, including on this ship about 60 times.”
That message was echoed by Darren Naggs, 49, the captain of the ship. He said: “You would think having a crew of mixed abilities would affect how things are run but, when people come aboard, they adapt.
“I’ve worked on ships with entirely able-bodied crews and you don’t notice the difference. “Sailing is a great equaliser. “It’s a cliché, but we’re all in the same boat.
“You can have a captain of industry and a kid from a deprived background doing exactly the same thing and living together.”
The Tall Ships will be in the Port of Sunderland from Wednesday, July 11, until Saturday, July 14, 2018.