THOUSANDS of people lined Sunderland seafront to say a fond farewell to the fleet of ships which have made the city their home this.

The Tall Ships Race came to an end on Saturday with a magnificent Parade of Sail, with the ships leaving to head out on the next stage of their journey.

Those involved with the event have hailed it a huge success, with visitors from far and wide attending the four day event.

Race Chairman Knut Western, from Sail Training International, said: “Sunderland has been a marvellous host port.

“We are particularly impressed by all the volunteers and their hard work.

“The event has been a perfect venue to inspire international friendship and understanding among the crews, which is the main focus for Sail Training International.

“The crews leave Sunderland with lots of good memories that will last a lifetime, well prepared for the race towards Esbjerg.”

The event got underway on Wednesday and it is thought around 1.5m visitors descended on the city to take part in the family-focused programme of ships, circus, theatre and music on offer.

Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council said the event had been “absolutely amazing” for the city.

He said: “The sight of more than 50 of the world’s most magnificent tall ships berthed in the port and along the riverbank has been truly spectacular.

“While the breath-taking high wire walk across the River Wear on Friday night and Saturday’s stunning Parade of Sail provided the perfect ending to the five day festival.

“We’ve had an enormous amount of positive feedback both from people attending the event and from those taking part in the races.

“None of this would have been possible without the help and support of sponsors, residents, events makers and partner organisations and indeed our own staff who have worked so hard to deliver this fantastic event and show the city at its best.”

Michelle Daurat, Project Director for the Tall Ships Race, said the week had numerous highlights.

She said: “From the excitement of the Welcome Parade and the Crew Parade to the absolutely amazing performance by Cirque Bijou, the like of which has never been seen in Sunderland before, it’s hard to pick the best moment.

“It’s been an extremely emotional week but seeing all of the smiling faces and hearing so many accents and languages being spoken by the many visitors we’ve had really had made all the hard work worthwhile.”