With as many as 10,000 visitors expected for the America’s Cup, Bermuda will be welcoming hundreds more from another mega event.

Organisers of the transatlantic Tall Ship Regatta are expecting at least 1,400 crew on more than 20 ships which have already signed up.

“That is a fantastic number,” said Craig Nikolai Project Management, Tall Ships Bermuda 2017 & Sail Training Association of Bermuda. “It is a going to be a tremendous sight to see all these wonderful ships berthed in St. George’s and in Hamilton.”

Bermuda is one of the stops in the regatta which will see the ships sail some 7,000 nautical miles, travelling across the Atlantic and back to six countries to mark the 150th Anniversary of the Canadian Confederation through its founders and founding provinces.

They will be visiting St George’s from May 26 to May 31 and Hamilton from June 1 to 5.

Altogether 21 ships, including eight large Class A ships, with 1,414 crew have so far registered, and according to Mr Nikolai, the numbers could still grow.

“We often find that there are last minute entries, but it seems we are set for a fantastic showcase. It is going to be a festival of sail with the Tall Ships and the America’s Cup here at the same time.”

Among the ships taking part is the Jolie Brise (http://www.joliebrise.com/) and according to its website “Bobby Somerset, a founder member of the Ocean Racing Club, purchased Jolie Brise,, in 1928 and competed in the Fastnet, Bermuda and Santander races.

Almost 30 Bermudians have expressed interest in sailing onboard as trainees, and there are plenty of berths still available for trainees throughout the race. Volunteers are also needed to help when the ships reach Bermuda.

Mr Nikolai added: “It does not matter what age you are, this is an experience of a lifetime and I would urge people to sign up as trainees. No sailing experience is necessary.

“Volunteer support is vital and we know there are more Bermudians out there wanting to help make sure our Tall Ships guests are well cared for. We need plenty of help to do that.”

Trainees can be aged 16 and up, and bursaries of up to 75 per cent of the total cost are available for those demonstrating financial need and who are aged between 16 and 24.

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

For more information, visit the website at tallshipsbermuda.com or follow the event on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.