Get on board the VIP club

Members of the Tall Ships VIP Club will be among the first to find out the latest Tall Ships news and will receive exciting offers from sponsors and partners of the event, plus the chance to win some amazing prizes and enter competitions.

Membership is open to all and anyone who joins before Monday has a chance to win a short taster sail on the Tall Ship Maybe during its visit to the Port of Blyth from Monday to April 2.

Launched in 1933 and designed for round-the-world cruising, the 27.8metre Maybe was built by De Vries Lentsch, Amsterdam.

She was hidden during the Second World War and afterwards she underwent a complete refit with a new rig. Maybe took part in the first Tall Ships Race in 1956.

Up to 40 Tall Ships are expected to gather at the Port of Blyth for The North Sea Tall Ships Regatta 2016 which takes place during the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Northumberland County Council, in partnership with the Port of Blyth and Sail Training International, is hosting the prestigious Regatta which will be one of the largest events ever held in the county and the only regatta in the UK this year.

Fergusons of Blyth has been confirmed as the principal sponsor for the event in celebration of its 90th anniversary.

To claim free membership of the Tall Ships VIP Club, visit the Tall Ships website at www. tallshipsblyth2016.com

VIP members will receive a monthly newsletter and more regular updates throughout the summer as the August Bank Holiday approaches.

Martin Lawlor, chief executive, Port of Blyth, said: “I think the VIP Club is a great idea and we are encouraging all of our suppliers and customers to sign up.

“By becoming a member of the VIP Club, you will gain access to exclusive event updates and you could win a fantastic ‘day of a lifetime’ prize for an amazing day out at the Tall Ships Regatta.”

CounVal Tyler, cabinet member for arts, leisure and culture at the county council, said: “The VIP Club is a great way for our residents and visitors to find out about all things Tall Ships, including news of events, offers, entertainment announcements and exciting competitions.

“We have loads of amazing things planned for four days of family fun in Blyth over the August Bank Holiday weekend and joining the VIP Club is a great way of making sure you don’t miss the boat.

“The event will showcase what a fabulous place Northumberland is to visit.”

Entry to the Tall Ships Regatta is free and the event attractions will include five themed zones of entertainment from Blyth South Beach to the town centre.