The Chairman of Tall Ships Bermuda has been promoted to the Board of Tall Ships International Limited (TSIL).

John Wadson was a director of Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009, which brought the Tall Ships to Bermuda this summer.

TSIL Chairman Nigel Rowe said: "John did a great job for us during Tall Ships 2009. It is our intention to find ways to develop new events in the Americas region, the Caribbean and Bermuda — so he will be a great addition to our board."

Mr. Wadson, who is also the chairman of Sail Training Association Bermuda, said the promotion may help bring Tall Ships events to Bermuda more frequently, and provide more opportunities for Bermudians to get involved in sail training on the tall ships.

"It's going to give us influence at a higher level in the organisation on a more permanent basis," he said.

"It is my hope that in time we will see more sail activity closer to home. That should make sail training opportunities more easily available to more of our young people.

"In addition, it will bring international exposure to the Bermuda Sloop Foundation and there's also a real opportunity for tourism as well."

Sail training opportunities will be available for young Bermudians throughout North America and Europe in 2010 and beyond.