THOUSANDS of people lined the North-East coast today to witness a spectacular parade of tall ships as they prepared to leave the region’s waters.
The North Sea Tall Ships Regatta reached its climax with a Parade of Sail beginning at the Port of Blyth and making its way down to St Mary's Lighthouse in North Tyneside.
Once the Parade of Sail was complete, the fleet headed five miles out to sea for the start of the race to Gothenburg - complete with 80 local trainees.
The four-day event featured more than 20 of some of the finest vessels in the world including topsail schooners, brigantines, brigs and barques.
Northumberland County Council, which organised the event in partnership with the Port of Blyth and Sail Training International, believes the North-East economy is likely to benefit by as much as £13m from the regatta.
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