YOUNG people are being invited to sign up to the voyage of a lifetime as part of the famous Tall Ships Regatta which takes place in Liverpool this May.

The Sail Trainee project, will see 50 local youngsters, aged from 16, join the crew of a tall ship on a five-day voyage from Liverpool to Dublin.

Olympian Chris Grube, from Chester, who sailed for Team GB at the Rio Olympics in 2016, is encouraging local, young people to get involved.

He said: “This is a chance to experience life at sea and make new friends.

“It's an adventure that builds confidence, fosters personal development and teaches valuable life skills.”

The Sail Trainee project is part of the Tall Ships Regatta, which comes to Liverpool between May 25-28, before setting sail for Dublin and then on to Bordeaux, in France.

Claire McColgan, Liverpool’s director of culture, said: “No experience is necessary and you will get the chance to experience hands on sailing and being at sea. It really is the voyage of a lifetime.”

The regatta, which is a celebration of international friendship and understanding, represents countries from all over the world. It will be the fifth time Liverpool has hosted the Tall Ships fleet after having the vessels grace the River Mersey in 1984, 1992, 2008 and 2012.

The Three Festivals Tall Ships Regatta Festival forms part of the Liverpool 2018 programme which celebrates ten years since the city’ game-changing year as European Capital of Culture and will also include the prestigious Bordeaux Wine Festival and spectacular artistic commissions.

For further information about the Sail Trainee project visit https://www.cultureliverpool.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Three-Festivals-Tall-Ships-Regatta-Sail-Trainees.pdf