Bermuda residents — no matter what their age — have been given the opportunity of “a lifetime” to crew on one of the tall ships which will visit the island later this year.

The Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta takes place between April and September, with the ships scheduled to arrive in Bermuda at the end of May and early June. And the Sail Training Association of Bermuda (STA Bermuda) is looking for people who want to be part of the crew on the different legs of the transatlantic voyages.

Also invited will be those who want to volunteer to help in the run-up of the event, but not to sail.

Craig Nikolai, Project Management, Tall Ships Bermuda 2017 & Sail Training Association of Bermuda, said: “It is important to point out that no experience is necessary to be a trainee, who can be age 16 and up.

“Bursaries of up to 75 per cent of the total cost are available for those demonstrating financial need and who are between 16 and 25 years of age.

“We’ll also help with ways to raise the extra 25 per cent. The average cost of a trip is $150 per day which we hope many people will be able to afford as this really is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

Mr Nikolai said that so far more than 40 people had signed up and plenty of spaces were still available.

“We are taking our message out to the schools in Bermuda and we expect that the remaining places will be taken up, so if people are interested they should register soon,” added Mr. Nikolai.

The journey begins in Greenwich, London, on April 13 and ends in Le Havre, France, on September 3.

The first leg is from Greenwich to Sines, in Portugal. From there the ships come to Bermuda before leavingto Boston. From Boston the journey continues to St Lawrence Ports, Quebec City, and then Halifax to Le Havre, in France.

Volunteer opportunities are available for liaison and information officers, drivers, boat captains, photographers and office helpers among others.

• Anyone interested in volunteering should e-mail volunteer@tallships.bm. Those interested in being a trainee on-board a Tall Ship, can e-mail trainee@tallships.bm or call 296-2238.

For more information, visit the website at www.tallshipsbermuda.com or visit the Facebook page tallshipsbermuda.