Billowing sails and tall ships masts will come into view on the Western Isles horizon in the summer of 2011when the magnificent vessels taking part in the Tall Ships Race make their way from Greenock to Lerwick.
“Other ports”
The Tall Ships Race gets underway in Waterford, Ireland on June 30, 2011 before heading for Scottish shores. It includes a non-competitive element ‘Cruise in Company’ where from July 12th to July 21st the vessels will cruise north to Lerwick, Shetland at their own pace.
The ‘Cruise in Company’ will give the crews taking part an opportunity to explore the Scottish coastline and islands, as well as enjoying hospitality in ports such as Campbeltown, Port Ellen, Islay; Ullapool and Stornoway, before heading off to Orkney’s Stromness and Kirkwall; and finally calling in at the fishing port of Whalsay.
Project manager of Shetland Tall Ships 2011 Ltd, Fiona Dally explained: “As part of The Tall Ships Races every year, there is a ‘Cruise in Company’ leg, which is not a race but a chance for the competitors to relax, call at other ports, meet people and have fun.
“Sail training”
“For 2011, we are working with our colleagues in some of Scotland’s most beautiful harbours along the route to welcome the ships in style. A programme of events – from ceilidhs to beach barbecues – will certainly send out a real welcome to both the ships that choose to visit and to the people that want to enjoy the spectacle of the visiting ships in some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.
“This will be a rare opportunity to combine a visit to Scotland’s outstanding west coast and islands and – at the same time – get caught up in all the atmosphere and excitement that the visiting ships and programme of events will bring.”
Stornoway Port Authority on behalf of the ‘Cruise in Company’ are inviting applications from young adults in the Western Isles to be considered for placement as trainees aboard a sail training vessel on the Tall Ships 2011 circuit.
For more information log on to: www.stornoway-portauthority.com
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