Hartlepool ship on lookout for local crew members ahead of Tall Ships Race

The Black Diamond of Durham has been confirmed as one of the ships which will be involved in Sunderland’s Tall Ships Race in 2018.

Sunderland will welcome dozens of magnificent ships and huge crowds from Wednesday, July 11, to Saturday, July 14.

Spectators can expect everything from the action-packed crew parade to the parade of sail.

The Black Diamond is a Class C 45ft vessel, has competed every year in the races since 1997 without fail, and has twice been the winner of its class in the races as well as of the Tall Ships Sailing Regatta at Blyth last year.

Owner Barry Nelson has said that he is open to looking at using North East sailors as part of the crew.

“We’re looking for a North East crew for it,” he said.

“If possible, we’d like to use local people, even though there might be one person from out of the area on board too.

“I know the organisers in Sunderland have got a certain number of trainees who are allocated to vessels.

“Our skipper Calvyn Whitehand is a Cornishman, but he lives in Hartlepool now so I suppose he’s classed as local.”

Just last year, Black Diamond was in Sunderland when she sailed into the mouth of the Wear to welcome Princess Anne on a visit to the region.

Those wanting to find out more about getting involved with the ship ahead of next year’s event should go to www.sailingnortheast.com for further information.