Image demonstrating Setting sail on a journey of discovery

Setting sail on a journey of discovery

A charity expedition is due to set sail on an epic journey around the British Isles later this week.

Blyth Tall Ship will be leaving Blyth harbour on March 17 with a crew of volunteers onboard the 100-year-old ship.

Stopping at 10 ports along the way, before returning to Blyth on June 1, the voyage is part of The Williams Expedition, which aims to recreate the discovery of Antarctica made 200 years ago by Captain William Smith, of Seaton Sluice.

The crew of volunteers have been recruited from the all corners of the county and from all walks of life. This includes 4 members who have been funded by local councillor Eileen Cartie through her Members Small Scheme.

The former Danish ship has been restored by local volunteers and apprentices and The Williams II, is now very similar to the original and ready for the journey.

In total 120 people will take part in the voyage with each crew member doing approximately 6 days at sea.

A group of experienced crew members, who have been trained up by the project, will be there to help the more inexperienced and show them all the skills needed to safely navigate the ship back to Northumberland.

The project is still hoping to make the trip to Antarctica, as well as a shorter trip to the Arctic and funding is still being sought.

Clive Gray, chief executive of Blyth Tall Ship, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to finally be ready to set sail on this exciting journey around the British Isles.

“We can’t wait to get started and although there are likely to be challenges along the way, not least the weather, this journey is the realisation of years of hard work and dedication.”

Blyth Tall Ship is one of a number of businesses supporting the Discover our Land campaign, being led by Northumberland County Council. The charity features in a campaign video helping to spread the message about Northumberland.

Discover our Land is promoting Northumberland as a great place to live, work, visit and invest by sharing the stories of people and businesses doing just that in the county.

Clive added: “We are delighted to be part of the Discover our Land campaign and will be proudly flying the flag for Northumberland throughout our journey.

To find out more about the campaign go to www.discoverourland.co.uk

 
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