Sunderland will be start port for the 2018 Tall Ships Races

Sunderland, once known as the largest shipbuilding town in the world, is set to welcome the world famous Tall Ships race in July 2018.

The city's successful bid for the race was confirmed in November 2014.

Now, it has been given the honour of starting the race on Saturday 14 July 2018.

More than 70 ships are expected to begin arriving from Wednesday 11 July.

They will be berthed at the Port of Sunderland and along the city's waterfront.

Councillor John Kelly, Sunderland City Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Wellness and Culture, made the announcement on Sunderland being the starting port from the deck of the tall ship Stavros S Niarchos.

Stavros S Niarchos, a 200ft two-masted brig, the largest to have been built in the UK in the last century, is on a four-day visit to Sunderland and berthed at Corporation Quay.

She is open to the public tomorrow (July 4) between noon and 5pm.

The races bring hundreds of sail training places and volunteering opportunities for young people. These are whether as part of a trainee crew

developing new skills as they sail on the ships in the races or as volunteers helping deliver events.

As part of the legacy of such a popular event it is envisaged that sail training will continue in the city.