Do you know a young person who would like to sail on a world-famous Tall Ship this summer?

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in an international event and sail across Europe – no experience is required.

We would like to offer this life changing opportunity to anyone within the Borough of Hartlepool who would like to take part and is willing to document their story through video, photography and diary entries.

Catherine Honey, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Event Director Tall Ships 2023, said “We are looking for five participants – from any walk of life – who are willing to work with us by taking part in the race and allowing us to interview them about their experiences.

“We want to be able to tell their story and we will work with the Northern School of Art and media partners to do this in creating a documentary series.

“We would like these five sail trainees to become ambassadors for us and help us promote and recruit further sail trainees for The Tall Ships Races 2023 which is taking place in Hartlepool.”

The Tall Ships Races are far more than a city festival with spectacular vessels, music and entertainment.

At the heart of the event is the life changing opportunity offered to young people, strengthening their skills and competencies through sail training.

Catherine Honey added: “Every year thousands of young people from all over Europe board one of the beautiful tall ships and participle in the race.

“Hartlepool trainees will be part of the crew and get to experience life and all of the tasks onboard.

“We will allocate trainees to an English speaking ship taking part in the 2022 race from Antwerp, Belgium to Aalborg, Denmark.

“We will arrange their travel to and from the start and finish. We have also organised mentors to take part in the race alongside them.”

Location: Belgium to Denmark

Dates: 25 July 2022 – 7 August 2022

Costs and travel: Covered by sponsorship

If you have a young person in mind please speak to them and see if they wold like to be nominated.

Complete the nomination form at www.tallshipshartlepool2023.co.uk and email it to holly.lister@hartlepool.gov.uk by Sunday 8 May.