The James Cook arrived in Hartlepool Marina yesterday to offer free taster sessions for 12 to 25-year-olds.

But its three days in the town were already fully booked by schools, youth groups and charities by the time it docked, with organisers saying the Tall Ships Races 2010 has got everyone excited.

The Ocean Youth Trust North East (OYT NE) vessel will be among those sailing into Hartlepool in August next year for the finale of the major event.

Steve Lennon, general manager of OYT NE, said: "We are here to promote sail training and the race ending in Hartlepool.

"What we do here is not just about learning to sail, it's about character building and getting invaluable experience.

"We are all quite excited about the Tall Ships Races, which you can see by how fast our sessions have booked up.

"You can feel a real tall ships excitement in the air.

"Not only is it a great event, but it's in our back yard and that does not happen very often."

Hartlepool Mayor Stuart Drummond was among those invited on board.

He said: "It's great that the James Cook has come here to give young people a taste of what it would be like on a tall ship.

"We are delighted the staff are here, and it is exciting to see thing building up to the Tall Ships Races."