James Cook’s recent stay in Hartlepool caused waves of enthusiasm, as we welcomed a whole host of youngsters from the region on board in a series of highly successful free taster sessions.
The youngsters were joined by leaders from their respective community groups and schools at the Marina. Our taster sessions provided everyone that attended the opportunity to have fun and test their sea legs in activities aboard the vessel.
Our stay generated some excellent regional press coverage including features in both the Northern Echo and the Hartlepool Mail. Ocean Youth Trust North’s General Manager, Steve Lennon and Skipper, Grace Metcalfe, also took to the air waves for a live radio broadcast on BBC Radio Tees’ Drive Time show.
With the world famous Tall Ships Races coming to Hartlepool next year, it’s clear that the town has certainly been bitten by the sailing bug.
Amongst James Cook’s many visitors last week were Hartlepool’s Mayor, Stuart Drummond and Hartlepool Council’s Tall Ships Officer Lesley Strickland, who came along to lend their support to James Cook’s endeavours in Hartlepool.
Lesley said: We’re delighted that James Cook, a frequent visitor to the marina, has come back to Hartlepool to give our young people the chance to find out what life is like aboard a tall ship. It’s a great platform for The Tall Ships Races 2010. We’re expecting up to one hundred vessels and up to a million visitors to Hartlepool in what will be a massive event for the town."
Stuart added: "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."