 Liverpool Council wants to involve every child in a maritime activity |
Teenagers from Merseyside are getting the chance to experience the thrills of ocean sailing. The Liverpool Culture Company has arranged to fund dozens of youngsters to sail in the tall ships events for the next two years.
The first group, who are aged from 14 to 17, were boarding the Greater Manchester Challenge on Saturday in Portsmouth to set sail for Newcastle.
During their week on the ship, they will be trained how to sail and steer.
They will also be shown how to cook and clean the vessel.
The Tall Ships Sail Training Initiative is part of a two tier programme to involve youngsters in maritime activities, a pledge made by the city to mark its Capital of Culture themed year, Sea Liverpool 2005.
Liverpool is building up to being the European Capital of Culture in 2008.
The deal is based on a partnership with the Ocean Youth Trust North West.
Councillor Mike Storey, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: "The Tall Ships Race will be one of the highlights of our year as European Capital of Culture and we want Liverpool youngsters to be at the very heart of it.
"This initiative will provide life-changing experiences for dozens of youngsters and is a great boost to our Sea Liverpool pledge to involve every child in a maritime activity."
The Greater Manchester Challenge undertakes about 40 six-night voyages a year.
It takes on board 480 youngsters every year, sailing about 7,500 nautical miles around the British coast and northern French coastline.
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This initiative will provide life-changing experiences for dozens of youngsters
