THE region's global voyager, the Brigantine Zebu, will soon be sailing into dock for the Preston Maritime Festival on July 5 and 6.
But it won't just stay for the weekend as owners Tall Ships Haven have elected to change her home to Preston.
If the town's to become the new Port of Preference for the Zebu, then local business, education, charities, civic and other organisations must give their support to make the Zebu our own unique ambassador.
"Minus the Royal family, it's like having the Royal Yacht Britannia," said Andrew Harris of Preston and South Ribble Partnership, which organises the festival: "But we need to encourage people to see it as our ship."
In order to maintain it's high-profile as our Millennium Flagship for Preston and Historic Lancashire, the Partnership is now looking for backers to help secure sponsorship for the tall ship.
Now's your chance to take a new associate on board - companies and establishments should contact the Partnership on (01772) 558111 to see how they can benefit from the Zebu which sails into Preston around June 25.
The Zebu was built in 1938 to a design little changed in 300 years. It is one of the few tall ships to continue to be used on the open seas.
She has a permanent crew of eight volunteers, all from Lancashire, who will sail her in the 1988 Tall Ships race.
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