Race is on for Tall Ships Crew

Two North East charities have urged the region’s businesses to help give 12 young people the opportunity to get ship-shape and take part in the experience of a lifetime. Ocean Youth Trust North East (OYT NE) and the North East Sailing Team (NEST) have joined forces with an ambitious new scheme to help raise funds for a group of youngsters hoping to compete in the 2010 internationally renowned Tall Ships Race. The two organisations are offering businesses the chance to purchase exclusive corporate hospitality packages aboard the OYT NE yacht, James Cook. Money raised will then be used to help the young people cover the cost of taking part in the Tall Ships Race to Hartlepool with over 100 other vessels from around the world. The adventure begins on 26 July finishing on 10 August. Ecclesiastical Insurance is one of the first companies to show their support for the venture by booking a three-hour luxury lunch trip for 15 of its staff members in July. Paul Lee, Director of the company’s Northern Region, said: “Ecclesiastical Insurance has a long reputation for supporting good causes and celebrating our rich cultural heritage. We're delighted to be able to support NEST and OYT NE during the prestigious Tall Ships event, and as a keen supporter of the North of England, we’re doubly pleased to be involved in this local community event.” The entire voyage, from Tyneside to Norway and back to Hartlepool, will be a significant event for the youngsters, many of whom would not be able to afford to go without this financial help. Rachel Robinson, 17 from Northumberland, is one of the lucky young people taking part in the race from Kristiansand, Norway, to Hartlepool. She said: “The opportunity to meet people from all over the world is an exciting prospect, second only to the three to four day race back from Norway. It's going to be a great adventure and I know I'll enjoy every minute of it. “It's only with the help of charities such as NEST and OYT NE that young people like me get the chance to learn how to do something this rewarding. I think it's great that they offer the chance for young people to get into sailing and would recommend it to anyone.” Steve Lennon at OYT NE added: “Taking part in an international sporting event such as the Tall Ships Race is often a life-changing experience for a young person. We are very pleased that we are able to help up to twelve young people make the most of this opportunity. “However we would not be able to do so without the help of those businesses and individuals who have contributed to funding the project. OYT NE and NEST are very grateful to those who have helped make this incredible journey a possibility for these youngsters” he finished. OYT NE specialises in the personal development of young people through Adventure under Sail on their purpose built vessel James Cook. They work with young people between the ages of 12 to 25 helping them to escape the challenges they face at home to become part of a real team. The young people develop their life skills by using their sailing experience as a tool. It can build up their self esteem and develop their awareness of the needs of others. Most activities onboard James Cook can be cross referenced to the School curriculum. If you are interested in learning more about Ocean Youth Trust North East please visit www.sailjamescook.com. If you would like to book a sailing trip or request further information please email office@sailjamescook.com or phone Rachel in the office on 0191 257 1212. ~ENDS~

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