Sunderland welcomes visitors from all over the world for Tall Ships Races

That was the message from Sunderland to the world today as the tall ships started to arrive for a stunning spectacle of sights and sounds.

More than 50 ships are on their way, with the first arriving on Sunday, including class B vessel Wyvern, from Norway, class C vessel Tara, from Denmark and class D vessel Tuulelind, from Estonia.

Up to ten percent of the fleet could be berthed by this evening with the rest to come tomorrow and Wednesday, the Echo has learned.

And noteable figures from the city were keen to show their appreciation for Sunderland’s chance to take the spotlight.

Katie Bulmer-Cooke, fitness expert and former Apprentice star, said: “Anything that brings new people in to Sunderland or shines a light on the city is fantastic. It is going to be great for business owners.

“I hope it brings new visitors who will get to see all that Sunderland has to offer.”

Sunderland-born architect George Clarke told the Echo: “I think it’s truly amazing that the Tall Ships are coming to Sunderland in July. Wearside was the beating heart of British Shipbuilding back in the day building some of the greatest ships the world had ever seen. By welcoming the tall ships to Wearmouth we are writing another chapter in Sunderland’s incredible history”

The city’s MPs were just as keen to give a warm welcome.

Sharon Hodgson, MP for Washington and Sunderland West, said it was “very exciting for my constituents and I.”

She added: “This will bring people from far and wide to Sunderland to see what a great city it is and the amazing people who live and work here. This is a great opportunity for Sunderland and I hope that everyone is able to enjoy this great experience.”

Julie Elliott, MP for Sunderland Central, added: “Sunderland has a long and proud history – a rich heritage built on industry and hard work – which makes it a fitting choice to host the stunning spectacle of the 2018 Tall Ships Races.

“Our city has close ties to ships and sailing dating back centuries. Iron Age settlers used dug-out canoes to navigate the Wear, and the first shipbuilder was recorded at Hendon in 1346.

“Generations of shipyard workers – including my father, Harold – produced many thousands of vessels. Many were clipper or merchant ships, others were minesweepers and frigates.

“Indeed, Sunderland was once known as the biggest shipbuilding town in the world. Our great ships, and the locally produced goods that they carried, became globally famous.

“This proud shipbuilding history makes Sunderland the ideal host of the Tall Ships Races. The event will celebrate both our wonderful maritime heritage and our cultural renaissance.”

Bridget Phillipson, MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, said: “I share the excitement of people across our community that Sunderland is the starting host port for this year’s Tall Ship Races.

“With ships and visitors travelling to Sunderland from all over the world, this is a great opportunity to showcase the best of our city, and to highlight its proud maritime heritage.

“I look forward to joining the people of Sunderland in giving a warm welcome to everyone who comes here for this fantastic event.”

Stewart Donald, Sunderland AFC chairman, said: “The Tall Ships is a fantastic event for the city of Sunderland and something that everyone can be rightly proud of. From the moment I arrived at the football club I have been so warmly welcomed and I know that the people of Sunderland will extend that warmth and friendship to all those visiting throughout the event and make it a brilliant occasion for everyone.

“On behalf of Sunderland AFC I would like to wish the very best of luck to the city council and all those involved in the organisation and delivery of the event , I know they have mammoth task on their hands. We also welcome and wish the best of luck to everyone participating in the races, I hope they enjoy a wonderful time here.”

Jimmy Montgomery, 1973 FA Cup winning SAFC legend, said: “It is going to do a tremendous amount for the city with all the crowds coming in. It is going to be a big plus for the economy. It is going to be fantastic.”

Coun Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, added: “I would like to welcome everyone that comes to the city. I hope they all have a fantastic time, enjoy the tall ships and all the activities and the things that are going on around the tall ships.

“We are expecting 1.5million people. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us and the city will welcome all the visitors that come. We are all going to have a good time enjoying seeing the tall ships, seeing the activity around them and, if the weather plays fair, even get a suntan.”