Races underway en route to Lerwick
As a sponsor of Sail Training Shetland (STS), Lerwick Port Authority has welcomed the charity’s successful recruitment of a hundred trainees for this summer’s Tall Ships Races when it will be a host port.
“The original expectation was that around 50 might be enlisted, but such was the enthusiasm and interest, twice that have been recruited, the highest number yet,” said Captain Calum Grains, Port Authority Chief Executive. “It is particularly pleasing given our long-term sponsorship for finding and funding STS trainees. Their participation will make a big contribution to their lives and to the success of the event.
“Supporting the trainees in the Races is an excellent fit with our commitment to sail training and to this international event, with all it brings to Shetland for the third time.”
STS is supporting 76 youngsters in the Cruise in Company leg from Fredrikstad in Norway to Lerwick, arriving ion 26 July. A further 24 trainees will leave the port on 29 July for the third and final racing leg to the Norwegian port of Arendal.
The trainees, aged 15-25, are from Shetland and throughout Scotland. In preparation, STS has organised a series of briefings for participants.
The Tall Ships Races is Europe’s largest free, family festival. This year’s event started in Den Helder, Netherlands, on Thursday 29 June racing to Hartlepool, then via Fredrikstad to Lerwick in a Cruise in Company before the final race to Arendal.
