Countdown is on for 100 youngsters taking part in Tall Ships – while final sponsors are announced

SAIL Training Shetland will support 100 young trainees in the upcoming Tall Ships Races.

The cruising leg from Fredrikstad in Norway to Lerwick will see 76 local young people take part.

They will arrive in Lerwick on 26 July and may visit some other guest ports, including Baltasound and Cullivoe.

Then an additional 24 sailing trainees will leave Lerwick on 29 July for the final racing leg to Arendal in Norway.

Sail Training Shetland spokesperson Melanie Henderson said: “There is always excitement for our trainees, whenever they are preparing to participate in the Tall Ships Races, but this year is extra special.

“The opportunity to be involved in an international event, the highlight being Lerwick is the only Scottish port in the series and home port for many participating.

“Not only will this summer’s sailing be great fun for the 100 young people taking part, but sail training gives them the life-changing experience of being at sea to help learn about themselves, discover hidden strengths and talents, and understand the value of working as a team.

“For those that take part it will be a truly unique experience they will never forget. We are grateful to all the new sponsors that have come onboard this year, to help remove the costs of participation and support trainees from their areas”.

Additionally, the final set of sponsors for the event have been announced.

EnQuest, the company that operates Sullom Voe Terminal, is one of the major backers.

It is joined by the Co-op supermarket, Ness Engineering and Frank L. Johnston (FLJ) Ltd.

“We are enormously grateful to all these companies and organisations, large and small, for their generosity,” said project manager Emma Miller.