The UK’s oldest and largest youth development sail training charity, Tall Ships Youth Trust (TSYT), and one of its flagship Challenger vessels will return to Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool this week as part of the dock’s programme of celebratory events to honour the Eurovision Song Contest.

With longstanding links between the historic maritime city and the charity, including a record of voyaging to and from Liverpool, TSYT’s upcoming arrival will form part of the dock’s activities, culminating on Saturday 13 May with an electrifying performance set to excite local and international visitors.

One of the charity’s 72ft racing vessels, Challenger 4, will sail into the dock on Friday 5 May, where it will be moored for eight nights, scheduled with a line-up of various open events throughout the week, before departing on Sunday 14 May, the day after the Eurovision final.

TSYT owns four Challenger yachts, which were built in the year 2000 and are famous having raced twice round the world, as part of the Global Challenge races in 2000/2001 and 2004/2005. The race was unique in that it took the westabout route round the world against prevailing winds and currents – often referred to as the ‘wrong way’.

Open boat events onboard Challenger 4 will take place at Royal Albert Dock from 11am until 3pm on Sunday 7 May, and from 2pm until 5pm on Monday 8 and Thursday 11 May. Members of the public will have the opportunity to tour the world-famous vessel and take part in some fun onboard activities, with TSYT staff and volunteers present to offer a greater insight into the charity.

Decorated for the occasion with flags and bunting, visitors can learn about life at sea, explore seafaring roles and responsibilities and meet some of the 120,000+ youth ambassadors who have collectively sailed more than two million nautical miles with the charity since it was founded in 1956.

Mirroring the spirit of Eurovision, TSYT provides an inclusive and positive space for those onboard. The charity enables young people from all backgrounds to build confidence and learn new skills through transformational adventures at sea, from day sails and south coast residentials to more challenging overseas voyages.

TSYT CEO, Alastair Floyd, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Eurovision celebrations at Royal Albert Dock. At TSYT, we provide an inclusive and nurturing environment for young people from all walks of life, and being part of this event aligns perfectly with our core values.

“We can’t wait to share in the excitement of this event and increase our reach in the North West, which is one of the areas we’re establishing a regional hub to support even more young people from across the UK on their journeys into adulthood.”

To learn more about Tall Ships Youth Trust and its vital work with young people aged 12 to 25, head to: www.tallships.org

For more information on all of Royal Albert Dock’s Eurovision events programme, visit www.albertdock.com/eurovision/ and sign up to receive upcoming details. 

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