Bermuda is to be a host port for the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009, with the Island?s participation in the international event linking Europe and North America also part of the 400th anniversary celebrations of Bermuda?s permanent settlement.

At a gathering in Poland, the Island was given a standing ovation when representatives from the Bermuda Sloop Foundation gave a video-backed presentation of the work that had gone into creating the sloop and the youth programme that allows youngsters from the Island to learn about life on a tall ship.

A delegation from Government and the Foundation attended the Sail Training International annual conference at Szczecin, Poland, alongside representatives from across the US, Canada, Europe and New Zealand to discuss international sail training for young people and plan the 2009 challenge.

Bermuda has been named one of the host ports for the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge along with Vigo on Spain, Tenerife in the Canary Islands, Halifax, Canada, and Belfast in Northern Ireland.

The tall ships are expected to reach Bermuda between June 12-15 in 2009. It is anticipated that young Bermudians will be given the opportunity to be placed as trainees on some of the international ships as they sail from port to port. The is also expected to take part in some stages of the event.

Some 360 delegates listened to a presentation by the Bermuda Sloop Foundation?s education officer Leila Wadson, watch leader Melvin Martin and Captain Chris Blake. Also attending and spreading the word about Bermuda were Government Communications Assistant Director Beverle Morfitt and John Wadson, chairman of the Sail Training Association of Bermuda.

?The conference has provided a terrific opportunity to work with and to learn from the best of the best in the global sailing world,? said Mr. Wadson.

?As a founding member of STI, Bermuda has a seat on the international council and strategic planning committee and has established itself not only as a serious contributor and participant in international sailing, but also as a friendly destination for sail training vessels.?

He added: ?This event has also given us an opportunity to promote and to encourage sail training operators, in particular, the Spanish, the US, Canadian and Irish representatives to participate in the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge in 2009.?