THIS summer's Tall Ships Race appears set to break all records with 100 vessels already signed to take part.
The race comes to the Tyne in July, when visitors will be able to see the biggest fleet assembled for the race.
Already, 27 of the largest Class A ships have indicated they will be coming to the North-East, compared to 23 the last time the race was held, in 1993.
Tall Ships' manager Phil Payne said: "This is a phenomenal achievement.
"The marketing and publicity campaign to ships' captains started 18 months ago and has proved extremely effective.
"We know the event is a great draw to people living in the region, around the country and around the world, but it's great to know that it's going to be more spectacular than ever this year."
Class A ships from as far afield as Indonesia and Ireland, Poland and Portugal have already agreed to take part.
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