Crews sought for Tall Ships trial

The race attracts up to 4,000 competitors from 20 countries.

Would-be sailors on Tyneside are being offered the opportunity to work as crew members on one of the vessels in the world-renowned Tall Ships Race.

The North East Sailing Team (Nest) is looking for ten people aged between 18 and 25 to crew its six sailing vessels in a 220-mile preparation race.

Those who are successful will live aboard a ship for three weeks.

The preparation race sails in summer from Blyth in Northumberland up to the Firth of Forth and back again.

Those who are successful will have to get involved in crew events and find individual sponsorship to raise £1,200 each.

They will then receive certified training in sea survival, first aid and a competent crew course.

The actual Tall Ships Race sets off from Newcastle on 28 July and sails across the North Sea to Norway.

It attracts vessels from all over the world, and up to 4,000 crew members from almost 20 countries.