A host of trainees departed a North East airport as they prepare to crew boats taking part in the Tall Ships Races this week.

Teesside Airport bid farewell to 40 sail trainees on Saturday (July 1) as they left for the Netherlands in preparation for this year's Tall Ships Races in Hartlepool.

The trainees, aged between 15 and 24, departed for Amsterdam Schiphol with KLM where they board their vessels in Den Helder, North Holland.

The trainees will crew eight ships making their way to Hartlepool which will arrive at the harbour on Thursday (June 6).

Ellie Mae Travill, 20, from Skelton-in-Cleveland, who has been sailing for 10 years after joining the Sea Cadet Corps and will join the voyage, said: "I have sailed all around the world on multiple different types of vessels.

"It’s something I have always enjoyed and will continue to love. My most memorable voyage would’ve been sailing through the Gulf of California in Mexico. We saw so much wildlife and got to visit some amazing ports. 

“The biggest challenge during this sail would be maintaining a racing speed even during low winds. Hartlepool has a great maritime history. It’s important for the Tall Ships to come to Hartlepool to celebrate the town’s maritime heritage. 

“I definitely want to continue sailing as a hobby. I have had a previous career in commercial shipping and I feel that getting back onto smaller vessels would be more suitable.”

More than 35 ships will land at Hartlepool Marina for four days of free festivities, including a performance by Maximo Park.

This will be the first time many of the trainees will experience sailing, helping them build on their teamwork.

Additionally, 45 trainees will leave Hartlepool on Sunday (June 9) to sail to Fredrikstad, Norway, for the next leg of the races.

Local businesses and groups the Sea Cadets, Thirteen Group, Redcar College and the PFC Trust have provided their support to the trainees.

The Tall Ships Races is being delivered by Hartlepool Borough Council (HBC) with £2million of support from the Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s great that our airport can play one small part in getting these amateur sailors to their ships for one of the biggest events taking place in our region this year.

“Sail Trainees is a fantastic scheme to help the personal development of young people while making memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. I wish them all safe travels and look forward to welcoming them back to our area.

“The Tall Ships Races Hartlepool 2023 will see thousands upon thousands of visitors descend on Hartlepool for a fantastic weekend, getting people from near and far on our high streets and spending in our brilliant local businesses.

“This is the latest in a long list of huge events this year – coming hot on the heels of Arctic Monkeys’ gig in Middlesbrough which gave our region a £1million boost – and all of these are continuing to put Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool on the map as a brilliant destination.”

Cllr Mike Young, Leader of HBC and Combined Authority portfolio lead for tourism and culture, said: “The Sail Trainees initiative is a hugely important element of The Tall Ships Races Hartlepool 2023 in that it ensures a significant number of our young people benefit from this fantastic event.

“To have the opportunity to sail on a Tall Ship is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I’m sure will leave a lasting impression on the trainees for the rest of their lives. I’d like to take the opportunity to wish them all good luck as they embark on their amazing adventure.

“Hartlepool is an ambitious town and we have already started work on the impacts and legacy programme once the Tall Ships Race concludes. But for now, we're excited for what will be an incredible weekend.”