Another sponsor revealed for Tall Ships Sunderland

Everyone Active, the UK’s longest established leisure operator, has been announced as one of the sponsors of this year’s Tall Ships Races Wearside leg.

The sports and leisure provider manages eight leisure centres across Sunderland on behalf of Sunderland City Council.

Its backing of the Tall Ships leg includes the chance for a young sail trainee to enjoy the adventure of lifetime.

Everyone Active colleague and budding young sailor, William Harrison, 21, will be embarking on the voyage, thanks to the leisure provider’s backing.

Martin Miles, area manager at Everyone Active, said: “It is fantastic that Sunderland will be the start host port for The Tall Ships Races 2018. Everyone in the local community is really excited to welcome these iconic ships from across the world to the city.

“The event provides a great opportunity for aspiring sailors to be able to join the crew on their voyage to Denmark. We wish all of the sail trainees all the very best on their journey.”

Coun John Kelly, Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, said: “This event would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors such as Everyone Active.

“Their sponsorship will enable a young person to enjoy the experience of a lifetime – something they will remember forever.”

Sunderland is the start port for this year’s iconic event.

Vessels will sail into the city’s port by Wednesday, July 11. They will stay in the city for four days before setting sail on their first race on Saturday, July 14, to Esbjerg, Denmark.

Fifty-five ships from 16 countries are now making final preparations before setting sail for Sunderland.

As host port for the event, Sunderland has laid on its biggest ever, free public festival – spread across four event zones; the Port of Sunderland, the Town Moor and East End, St Peter’s Riverside, and Roker and Seaburn Seafront.

There will be a massive 200 performances of theatre and music and 233 Wearsiders have signed up as Event Makers (volunteers), advising the estimated 1.5m visitors what to see, where to see it and how to get there.