Maritime Ball looks to tall ships return

Some of the world’s most magnificent sailing ships are returning to Belfast in just over two years’ time.

Preparations are already under way to welcome the annual Tall Ships race, which docks in the city from 13 – 16 August 2009.

The first major event takes place next month, with a special Maritime Ball in the City Hall on Friday 20 April. In addition to raising funds for the Ocean Youth Trust Ireland – the sailing training organisation – the Ball will provide an opportunity for businesses to learn about commercial sponsorship opportunities around Tall Ships 2009.

“The return of the Tall Ships to Belfast will be a magnificent event and spectacle,” commented Councillor Bob Stoker, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Community and Recreation Committee. “The benefits to the city will be enormous. Last year’s Tall Ships visit to Newcastle Upon Tyne generated an estimated 1.5 million visitors to the city over four days, resulting in an additional £45 million being pumped into the local economy.

“However, such benefits are not reaped without hard work and preparation – and investment. We reckon it will cost somewhere in the region of £3 million to stage the 2009 Tall Ships event.

“The benefits to the commercial sector of becoming involved in an event as prestigious and high-profile as the Tall Ships, and next month’s Maritime Ball will provide the perfect opportunity for the leaders of the local business community to find out how they can support both sailing training in general and this fantastic event in particular,” said Councillor Stoker.

For further information on the Maritime Ball, being held in the City Hall on Friday 20 April, visit www.oyti.org.