Hartlepool Sea Cadets to set sail on a once in a lifetime opportunity as part of town Tall Ships Races

Lilly Brandt, Olivia Fox, Oswald Roberts, Kirsty Hatherall, Matthew Gooding, James Lilly, Emma Fox and Leah Iles are all taking part in the races, which have not set sail to Hartlepool since 2010.

Oswald, 15, and Mathew, 15, who both attend Manor Academy, will be sailing on the Wylde Swan alongside James, 15, from Dyke House Academy.

Lilly, 15, has only sailed on a powerboat before and will be joined by Olivia, 15, from the Academy at Shotton Hall, who has already sailed from France to Ramsgate on the TS Jack Petchey.

Commanding Officer, Jane Fox, said: “It’s so nice for our cadets to be involved in something like the Tall Ships Races Hartlepool.

"We all remember what the event was like the last time it was here 13 years ago and it was so special.”

Three of the Cadets will be travelling from Van Helder, in the Netherlands, with the other five joining the journey to Fredrikstad, in Norway.

Commanding Officer Fox said: “This is what they do with us, they prepare for life at sea.

"They engage in a lot training, learn about sea turns, sailing, knots, all kinds of things.

"Being involved in the Tall Ships Races means they can put the good skills they have learned to good use.”

The Cadets have all taken part in their own fundraising to help pay for the trip, with some receiving support from the Oman Bursary Scheme, the PFC Trust and their schools.

They have also been given the opportunity to travel on The Morgenster, Roald Amundsen and Jolie Brise, all of which will be docked at Hartlepool Marina for the event.

Commanding Officer Fox added: “As a group we never thought we would get as many as this to go on the ships. It’s so exciting for them all.”

The Tall Ships Races takes place from Thursday, July 6, to Sunday, July 9, and is set to boast more than 50 live music and entertainment acts, including Maximo Park and The Wailers.