The first ever tall ships match race will take place off Portsmouth on 27-28 October. The Prince William and the Stavros S Niarchos, the only identical tall ships in the world, will compete for The Tall Ships Challenge Cup, and the Tall Ships Youth Trust, formerly the Sail Training Association is throwing the doors open to anyone wishing to take part.

The festivities will begin on the 25 October, at the Tall Ships Youth Trust’s annual Big Bash reunion celebration when up to 1,000 Tall Ship supporters, volunteers and members will gather at Portsmouth Guildhall. On board training will take place the following day where racing participants will be shown the ropes in preparation for the challenge. The racing will held over two days with one six-hour race per day.

Tim Law of the Tall Ships Youth Trust said: “We have had countless requests to race our ships against each other, but it is rare that they are in the same place at the same time. We’ve taken this opportunity, while they are both in their homeport of Portsmouth, to organise this unique match race.”

Ships’ dinners, receptions and parties – and 4 nights on board – are included in the price of £299 per person (discounts for group bookings) and places are open to anyone aged 18 to 69. To secure a place on board, contact the Tall Ships Youth Trust on 023 9283 2055, email tallships@sta.org.uk or visit www.tallships.org.