ROYAL SAIL OF APPROVAL
Princess Anne to visit city’s Tall Ships Races
The Princess Royal is coming to Sunderland next week for the Tall Ships festival.
Her visit on Wednesday, July 11, was hailed by city officials as a “huge honour.”
She will come face to face with some of the young sail trainees she met two years ago when she helped launch The Tall Ships Races Sunderland2018 sail trainee ambassador programme.
This time, she will visit the National Glass Centre on the first day of the festival.
Princess Anne will also meet some of the many volunteers (known as event makers), and school children involved in making the event happen.
She will also spend time with representatives of the race organisers, Sail Training International.
And she will meet the captain and crew from a couple of the 50-plus tall ships taking part in the Sunderland to Esbjerg leg of the international event before unveiling a plaque commemorating her visit.
The Princess will also enjoy a brief guided tour of the National Glass Centre’s Young Glass Exhibition, showcasing the work of the best glass artists in the world under the age of 35.
The Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Lynda Scanlan, said: “It was a huge honour to have The Princess Royal launch our Sail Trainee Ambassador programme in 2016 and we’re delighted she has agreed to come back on the first official day of The Tall Ships festival.
“The Tall Ships Races are a fantastic opportunity for young people to use their experience at sea as a way of discovering their own strengths and talents and to find out what it means to work as part of a team.”
Paul Bishop, Race Director of Sail Training International added: “Sunderland is an excellent example of Tall Ships Race host port that puts young people at the heart of their event.
“Their Sail Trainee Ambassador programme is an inspiring project and highlights that Tall Ships Races are accessible to all young people with a sense of adventure and a willingness to work as a team member.”
The Tall Ships Races Sunderland 2018 will be officially opened at the National Glass Centre by the Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Lynda Scanlan immediately after The Princess Royal’s visit.
Sunderland’s leg of the races officially starts on Wednesday, July 11, with a preview day on July 10.
The Tall Ships event will bring five days of ships, markets, circus, theatre, music and entertainment to the city before the races officially begin.
“We’re delighted she has agreed to come back” COUN SCANLAN