OWNERS of sailing vessels are being urged to chart a course for the North-East next month to join the Hartlepool Maritime Festival.

The highlight of the festival will be the visit of replicas of Captain Cook's ship HM Bark Endeavour and Tsar Peter the Great's Russian frigate Shtandart.

At 9am on Saturday, July 3, the ships will rendezvous off Redcar, and after firing a welcome salute they will sail to the town's marina entrance.

Claire Munroe, of Hartlepool Council's arts and museums service, said: "Let's give them a warm welcome by filling the horizon with boats - everyone is welcome, from sailing dinghies and jet skis to super yachts."

Berths will be available for visiting ships in the marina, as well as two slipways with trailer and car parking.

For details about escorting the Endeavour and the Shtandart contact Alan Henderson on (01429) 865744 or log onto the website www.hartlepool-marina.com