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Nautical novices set sail for Tall Ships race

16/07/2008

A wave of Liverpool youngsters are to compete in the 2008 Tall Ships' Races after the city launched a special sea-faring search.

Up to 40 FREE berths were available for young people aged between 16 and 24 to take part of one the most spectacular highlights of Liverpool's year as European Capital of Culture.

The successful applicants this year, none of whom needed any sailing experience, will be stepping aboard 'The Stavros S Niarchos' on the first leg to Maloy in Norway. And some will be getting their sea legs in this week as they assist in bringing the Class A vessel to Liverpool from London.

The Liverpudlian sail trainees will be joined by a further eight locals funded by the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service. In total 3,000 trainees will be in the city to participate in a host of activities throughout the amazing, free, four-day maritime extravaganza. The highpoint of their social diary will be the Crew Parade on Saturday afternoon around the ECHO Arena Liverpool

Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Deputy Chairman of Liverpool Culture Company, said: "The 2008 Tall Ships' Races will be an unforgettable week and its fantastic that so many of our youngsters will be at the very heart of it.

''This a once-in-lifetime opportunity for them to not just learn maritime skills but about themselves and other people and cultures. I'm sure all of them will be excellent ambassadors for the city in what is undoubtedly our most important year.''

Judith Feather, Head of Events at Liverpool Culture Company, said: ''The Tall Ships Races' is an amazing opportunity for young people to learn so much be it maritime skills or valuable lessons about themselves, friendship, teamwork and other cultures. The competition for places was fierce and we are lucky to have such a great crop of youngsters to represent the city this year. To be leaving their home town in such a fantastic occasion will be an experience that will live with them forever.''

The Liverpool Culture Company and Liverpool City Council's Education Services have funded a youth sail training programme since 2005 - Liverpool's Year of the Sea - placing more than 200 youths on the high seas.

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