Grand Turk to sail into Scarborough (From Gazette & Herald)

Grand Turk to sail into Scarborough

A NORTH Yorkshire coastal town is expecting a "grand" visitor this summer to help boost the tourist trade.

The Grand Turk, the majestic tall ship featured in ITV's Hornblower series, will be sailing into Scarborough Harbour as part of the resort's Seafest celebrations in July.

Scarborough will host the ship from July 10 to 28, and will prove one of the major attractions during the Seafest weekend from July 18 to 20.

Coun Michael Pitts, cabinet member for Economic Development and Harbours, said he was delighted the replica 18th century naval frigate was heading to the town.

"In the past, we have had the disappointment of not being able to have HM Bark Endeavour in Scarborough because our harbour cannot accommodate it for technical reasons," he said.

"This is very good news for Seafest, but it is also excellent news for the harbour and for Scarborough in general, as the Grand Turk will prove a major draw for visitors.

"This is the first time for many years that we will have a genuine tall ship in Scarborough Harbour and I expect the tall masts of the Grand Turk to be a majestic sight."

Once it has visited Scarborough, Grand Turk is due to go on to Whitby for an extended visit there, from July to September.

Updated: 08:54 Wednesday, March 05, 2003