PLANS to encourage more tall ships to come to two coastal towns were announced yesterday.

Under the Scarborough Borough Council proposals, berth charges for tall ships and other vessels registered with Sail Training International at Scarborough and Whitby would be reduced.

The changes proposed include scrapping berth dues for vessels over 40 metres and offering berths for those under 40 metres at a 50 per cent reduction.

The proposals will be considered by the borough council's member for harbours, Councillor Jim Preston, on December 21.

Port manager Bill Estill attended a Sail Training International Conference in Newcastle in November.

He said: "There was considerable interest from a number of vessels wanting to utilise Whitby Harbour in July 2005 as part of the Cruise in Company Race, but also to visit outside the Tall Ships Races, which only take place in UK waters at infrequent intervals. Itineraries for these ships are often planned well in advance, so getting the right incentives in place now will enable us to market Whitby and Scarborough ports to these vessels during the 2005 Tall Ships Race and secure regular visits for the future.

"Enticing these captivating vessels to the borough in the early or late part of each season will provide additional attractions for the towns."