TWO magnificent tall ships will make their way up river to star in the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival next month.

And visitors to the festival, on Saturday and Sunday, September 1 and 2, will be able to go aboard and experience for themselves the workmanship of the Dutch square-rigged two–masted Brig Mercedes and the Spanish tall ship, Tres Hombres, as well as enjoying all the other entertainment on South Quay.

The 32-metre, two-masted square-rigged schooner, the brigantine Tres Hombres, was named after a collaborative project between three friends and began service in December 2009, pioneering the modern-day use of sailing ships as cargo vessels.

She maintains a shipping route for cargo transport between Europe, Atlantic islands, the Caribbean and America. In addition to her capacity for 35 tons of cargo, she can accommodate a crew of five professional sailors and 10 trainees.

The massive brigantine Mercedes is a German registered Tall Ship, which was fitted out in Holland and began sailing in 2005. It combines the latest technology in a modern, yet very traditional tall ship, which can also welcome wheelchair users.

It was designed to provide sailing in unashamed luxury with comfortable lounges, deck saloon and bar.

Ken Sims, chairman of event organisers, the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority, said: 'Sailings on tall ships at previous Maritime Festivals proved very popular with visitors who were keen to experience life under sail out on the high seas. We are delighted to welcome back the Mercedes to this year's Maritime Festival and look forward to exploring the Tres Hombres.'

The Festival will also feature music, street entertainment, arts, crafts, children's activities and refreshments.

The Mercedes will also be offering two to three hour sailing trips from the south end of South Quay on Thursday and Friday, August 30 and 31, and Saturday and Sunday, September 1 and 2.

Tickets for the sailings are available online at www.maritime-festival.co.uk, from the Great Yarmouth Tourist Information Centre on Marine Parade or by telephoning 01493 332200.