News / One year to go
THE ORGANISERS behind one of the largest community events Shetland has ever seen said last night (Tuesday) that they felt “excited” as the final countdown to the Tall Ships Races 2011 event begins, and which is being marked with a reception held on the Swan, the isles’ own tall ship.
More than 70 tall ships with 3,000 crew are expected to visit Lerwick between 21 and 24 July next year.
Shetland Tall Ships 2011 vice chairman Peter Malcolmson said preparations for the mega event were well under way.
The committee has so far raised well above £200,000 in donations and sponsorships and said they had nearly reached two thirds of their sponsorship target.
Lerwick harbour will play host to the many tall ships which are also encouraged to visit other piers and marinas across Shetland.
Mr Malcolmson said that members of the organising committee would be in Hartlepool later this summer, the final port of this year’s tall ships races, to continue recruiting ships for next year.
One of the highlights of next year’s event will be the Cruise in Company leg between Greenock and Lerwick when vessels are encouraged to visit ports along the route.
Project officer Fiona Dally said that communities along the Scottish west coast and in the northern isles were “developing an excellent programme of activities to attract ships”.
Mr Malcolmson added: “We are really pleased with our progress so far, and grateful for all the community effort that is already being put in to make this event a huge success.
“In particular, our local Cruise in Company ports are already working hard to give ships an excellent experience of Shetland when they visit next year.
“Through local businesses and external funding bodies, we have nearly raised two-thirds of our sponsorship target, and need to raise a further £168,000 to enable us to host a fantastic event for locals and visitors.
“We’d like to thank our sponsors so far and encourage anyone who would like to be a part of this event to get in touch through www.tallshipsraceslerwick.com.”
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