On Saturday 13th September 2008 a fleet of Tall Ships will sail from Falmouth bound for Ilhavo in Portugal and then on to the historic and beautiful port of Funchal in Madeira. The fleet are looking for trainee crews to go sailing on either one or both stages of the race. Anyone can apply, no sailing experience is necessary and participation of young people is especially encouraged.

This thrilling and fast paced ocean adventure will offer trainees experiences from learning to handle sails and climb the rigging, to seeing new places and forming international friendships.

John Hick, Chairman of the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta organising committee in Falmouth explained that “The Regatta will provide a wonderful opportunity for trainee crews to experience the camaraderie necessary to sail these beautiful vessels, it’s great fun and personally testing’.

A recent study commissioned by Sail Training International, found that sailing on a Tall Ship was both an adventure and a way of helping young people develop social confidence and their ability to work with others.

Cornwall Marine Network, the specialist agency for the marine sector and co-ordinators of the recruitment for the Funchal 500 Tall Ships Regatta from Falmouth, is now calling for people to register their interest via the website www.tallshipsfalmouth.co.uk or telephone 01326 211382. Registrants will then receive further details including information on the anticipated costs of the voyage.

The Regatta is organised by Sail Training International as the centre-piece celebration of the 500th anniversary of Funchal, capital of the island of Madeira. The official partners for the event are Carrick District Council as the lead accountable body, Falmouth Tall Ships Association, Cornwall County Council, South West Regional Development Agency, A&P Falmouth, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners, Cornwall Marine Network, National Maritime Museum Cornwall and Falmouth Town Council.

More information at www.falmouthtallships.co.uk & www.tallshipsfalmouth.co.uk