The second largest training tall ship in the world – the distinctive black and white Russian Kruzenshtern – will visit Bermuda in June.

The 375ft four-masted barque has signed up to take part in the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge 2009 and will come to the Island to participate in the Bermuda Tall Ships Festival in Hamilton from June 12 to 15.

The vessel will begin her 7,000 nautical mile ocean odyssey in Vigo, Spain, before racing to Tenerife and then Bermuda.

After coming here, she will head to Charleston and Boston in the US and Halifax, Canada, before crossing the Atlantic to Belfast.

Kruzenshtern is among between 30 to 50 tall ships from Europe, the US, Canada and Latin America expected to take part in the Atlantic Challenge, which has been organised as a special race to help Bermuda celebrate its 400th anniversary.

Most boats are still looking for young people aged between 15 and 30 to go on-board as sail trainees; no experience is required.

Race organiser Tall Ships Bermuda is also looking for sponsorship from businesses and says there will be corporate opportunities to host functions on-board tall ships berthed in Hamilton.

Volunteers of all ages are still needed for the festival, as are liaison officers aged 18 and over, and crew buddies aged 17 to 25. To find out more visit www.tallshipsbermuda.com.