Campbeltown, Port Ellen, Oban to be guest ports in 2011 Tall Ships Races

The Tall Ships Races are coming to Scotland in 2011. And anyone between 15 and 25 years old could be part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Sail Training International, which organises the event, is looking for young people to crew the the ships on the Scottish legs.

Around 100 vessels from 15-20 countries take part, with young sailors involved in the activities which range from racing and cruising-in-company between ports, to enjoying the activities taking place on-shore offered by host and guest ports.

In 2011 The Tall Ships Races sail from 30th June to 8th August from Waterford in the south east of Ireland to Halmstad in Sweden – via Greenock in Inverclyde, Lerwick in Shetland and Stavanger in Norway.

Individuals can decide for themselves which leg they’d like to take part in.

You may choose to race or perhaps join the cruise in company, sailing from Greenock to Lerwick, during which ships have the option of visiting the guest ports of Campbeltown, Port Ellen and Oban, amongst others on route up the West Coast of Scotland.

Councillor Neil Mackay, Argyll and Bute Council’s spokesperson for arts, culture, leisure and sport says: ‘With more than 5,000 young sailors involved, this is a fantastic opportunity for people to experience a unique type of sailing.

‘I know the people of Argyll and Bute will give the vessels and their crews a tremendous welcome and I would encourage anyone keen to take to the waves to sign up’.

If you are aged 15-25 years old in June – August 2011 you could be part of the adventure.

Sail trainees will need to contribute towards the cost of their voyage, but partial funding is available.

For more information:

• email martin.gorringe@argyll-bute.gov.uk or lisa.hardie@argyll-bute.gov.uk
• visit the Tall Ships Races Lerwick website or the Sail Training Interational website.