Norwegian Tall Ship Visits Southampton

Norwegian Tall Ship, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, a regular participant of The Tall Ships Races, made a rare visit to Southampton, UK,  today.  This spectacular ship is one of the worldwide fleet that takes part in The Tall Ships Races presented by Szczecin and organised by Sail Training International.

The Tall Ships Races 2012 will take place during July and August in France, Spain, Portugal and Ireland.  The race series is the world’ largest mass participation sports event and offers young people an adventurous and life-changing experience.

Statsraad Lehmkuhl was second (in Class A) during The Tall Ships Races 2010, a continuation of her long record of success in the race series as one of the fastest square riggers sailing today. She is owned by the Statsraad Lehmkuhl Foundation, a Norwegian charity, and offers opportunities to young people from all walks of life and nationalities.

Sail Training International’ new CEO, Peter Cardy, originally took part in The Tall Ships Races when aged just 15.  He comments: äóìSail training was certainly a life changing experience for me. Over the course of many voyages I have seen how it can build self-confidence and teamwork skills, and really change the lives of the most disadvantaged and despondent young people. The current problems of youth unemployment, of alienation and hopelessness, mean that sail training and the Tall Ships Races are more relevant than ever.äó

To find out further information about taking part in The Tall Ships Races 2012 and for details about funding, visit www.sailtraininginternational.org/getonboard

Photo: Captain Marcus A Siedl, Statsraad Lehmkuhl, Southampton