The Royal Borough of Greenwich has officially confirmed Sea Cadets and Seafarers UK as the official charity partners for the Royal Greenwich Tall Ships Festival 2014.

From 5-9 September, the Royal Borough of Greenwich will host the first Tall Ships Regatta since 1989. Over 50 Tall Ships from around the world will be moored along the Greenwich shoreline with daily sails up the River Thames to London Bridge, including Sea Cadets flagship, TS Royalist.

The announcement was made at Cutty Sark Gardens in historical Maritime Greenwich, and as a part of Seafarers Awareness Week. Cllr Mick Hayes, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, was joined by representatives from Seafarers UK and the Sea Cadets to mark the agreement.

The two leading maritime charities, were chosen for their work in supporting both the maritime community and young people seeking new skills. As part of the festival, a number of young people from Greenwich are also being given the chance of a lifetime to crew on some of the tall ships that are taking part in the Tall Ships Regatta from Falmouth to Greenwich.

Also, this year TS Royalist, is a competitor in the Tall Ships Race from Falmouth to Greenwich and Sea Cadet volunteer Samantha Town is also taking part in the race, thanks to the financial support offered by Greenwich Hospital. Samantha said: “I am really hoping that this trip will give me the self-confidence needed to make friends if I get to university, or else to pursue a career in the maritime sector.”

It is especially fitting that TS Royalist should be taking part in the race this, its last year of service, since Royalist was originally built for the race in 1971.

Councillor Denise Hyland, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: “The Royal Borough of Greenwich thanks Seafarers UK and Sea Cadets for becoming our official charity partners. Their support is vital to ensuring that this is one of the most successful events to date. Playing host to London’s first Regatta for 25 years will provide us with a fantastic opportunity to boost the local economy even further as the Tall Ships sail past our historic maritime landmarks including the Old Royal Naval College and Cutty Sark. It will also provide opportunities for local young people to gain new skills as they experience life sailing on the high seas. We cannot wait to play host to this event and are looking forward to September.”

Source: MSSC