Next month 151 Sail Trainees will be starting the adventure of a lifetime when they take part in the first leg of The Tall Ships Races Sunderland 2018.
The Tall Ships Races Sunderland 2018 will give many young people the chance to use their experience of being at sea as a wonderful way of learning about themselves and their crewmates. By sailing on one of these majestic ships, they will have an almost unique opportunity to discover their own strengths and talents as well as those around them as they learn to appreciate the value of working as a team.
This evening (Thursday 21 June) The Mayor of The City of Sunderland, Councillor Lynda Scanlan hosted many of the Sail Trainees along with their sponsors at Sunderland Civic Centre as a sign of appreciation of their support, commitment and sense of adventure.
Councillor Scanlan said: “Next month will see many young adventurers from across the city and the region beginning the adventure of a lifetime.
“Sail training uses people’s experiences of being at sea as a wonderful way of learning about themselves and their crewmates. By sailing on one of these majestic ships, they will have an almost unique opportunity to discover their own strengths and talents as well as those around them as they learn to appreciate the value of working as a team. I am so very proud of everyone taking this fantastic opportunity and I’d also like to thank all of the generous sponsors and supporters without whom many of these voyages would not be possible.”
The first leg of The Tall Ships Races 2018 sails from Sunderland (UK) to Esbjerg (Denmark). The event begins on Tuesday 10 and will run until Saturday 14 of July 2018. Sail Trainees will begin their voyage with a spectacular Parade of Sail along the city’s coastline before spending around 4 days at sea. Once in Esbjerg the adventure continues with cultural and sporting activities, crew party and the renowned crew parade where sail trainees from all the vessels come together to celebrate the race and thank their hosts in Denmark.
Sail Trainee, Caitlin Buddy who will be sailing on board the 63m Schooner, Santa Maria Manuela said:
“It was great to meet the Mayor and learn more about the importance of this iconic event not just to us but also the city as a whole.
“When I heard about the chance to be part of this fantastic event I jumped at it and I’m really pleased I did. “I’m both a little bit nervous and excited about the voyage next month. I’m looking forward to having an adventure, making new friends and visiting Esbjerg at the end of the race”.
For further information about The Tall Ships Races Sunderland 2018 go to www.tallshipssunderland.com or Follow the team on Twitter @TallShipsSund or Facebook at TallShipsRacesSunderland