There’s never been a better time to get involved in sailing in Bermuda.

So say organisers of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, who have launched a hunt for potential sail trainees and volunteers to help make their event a success.

Bermuda is currently preparing for one of its biggest-ever sailing seasons — in which the cutting-edge tall ships of the past will provide a spectacular contrast to the modern-day vessels of the America’s Cup — and the Tall Ships Bermuda 2017 and the Sail Training Association of Bermuda are encouraging newcomers to make the most of the opportunity. Organisers are looking for adventurous adults to train on any of the ships participating and on any of the many legs of the transatlantic journey, which begins in Greenwich, Britain, on April 13, 2017 and ends in Le Havre, France, on September 3. As well as stopping in Bermuda from June 1 to 5, the race will call at ports in Portugal, Boston, the Gulf of St Lawrence and Quebec City.

All manner of events are planned for early June, including public street festivals, a concert, trainee sports day and tours aboard the ships.

They are also looking for volunteers to help out in the run-up to and during the event. There are volunteering opportunities for liaison and information officers, drivers and boat captains among others.

The Sail Training Association of Bermuda, the charity sponsoring Tall Ships Bermuda 2017, has a number of bursaries that will be available, predominantly to those aged between 18 and 25.

Cindy Campbell, chairman for Tall Ships Bermuda 2017, told The Royal Gazette: “We have the America’s Cup here alongside the tall ships. We will have a whole host of superyachts here, so we will be a port that is second to none visually between all the events.

“Tall ships can really complement the America’s Cup because you have what were considered to be the sleek, cutting-edge ships of the past alongside the leading-edge ships of today — they have changed quite a bit.”

Sail trainees can participate on any leg of the race from April 13 in Greenwich, all the way through the end leg in Le Havre, ending on September 3.

Ms Campbell, who has sailed aboard tall ships herself, added: “As a former trainee I would say it is full of excitement and wonder.

“You will make lifelong friends, you will learn to challenge and trust yourself. You will see new places and meet new people.” A keen stargazer, Ms Campbell recalls one of the most memorable parts of her journey was looking up to the clear night sky and seeing the Milky Way in all its glory.

Anyone wishing to participate must be 16 or over and be in relatively good health.

John Wadson, chairman of the board for Sail Training Association of Bermuda, explained: “It helps to be fit — there is no question about it.

“For the younger people a lot of the excitement is in climbing to the top of the rigging and seeing further than they ever thought they could see.

“Any time you do a transatlantic race you have a choice of very long legs — 3,000 mile legs crossing the Atlantic itself or very short legs. For instance, from here to Boston which is about 700 miles, and there are numerous shorter legs up through the southern and northern Gulf of St Lawrence and down to Quebec City.”

For those lacking sea legs, or merely wanting to get involved outside of training, there will be chances to volunteer on land or on the ships when they are docked.

The committee has redesigned some of the volunteer time frames to make sure that individuals will also able to participate in and watch the America’s Cup races.

• Anyone interested in getting involved in sail training or volunteering can e-mail hello@tallships.bm or call 296-2238. For more information, visit the website at www.tallshipsbermuda.com or visit the Facebook page tallshipsbermuda