THE MRI Scanner Appeal is set to benefit from the visit of a three-masted tall ship, which will be in Guernsey for more than a week. The 153ft Kaskelot will be the biggest sailing ship to take part in the Long Port Group SeaGuernsey Regatta and islanders can take a two-hour sail for £20, with all proceeds going to the appeal.

It is one of the largest wooden ships remaining in commission, having been built in 1948 for the Royal Greenland Trading Company, supplying the remote East Greenland coastal settlements.

‘Kaskelot is a stunning ship. We are sure that islanders will be very keen to have this unique opportunity to go on board and raise money for the MRI Scanner Appeal at the same time,’ said Long Port chairman Charles Billson.

‘The appeal is a very worthy initiative and one that has brought the Guernsey community together as they try to achieve this goal and we wanted to support and encourage that.’

Kaskelot will take centre stage among an expected fleet of more than 100 visiting yachts for a week of racing and cruising. Ashore, islanders can join the crews for daily wining and dining and a host of live entertainment in the tented village on the Albert Pier.

The square-rigger arrived in Guernsey waters yesterday morning and spent the day and night anchored at Fermain. It was due to enter St Peter Port Harbour this morning.

The Sailing Trust, the Sea Cadets, the Dyslexia Day Centre and 220 schoolchildren will also all be given the opportunity of a day out on Kaskelot during SeaGuernsey Week.

MRI scanner trips take place this Sunday from 11am-1pm, on Tuesday from 10.30am-12.30pm and again from 1.45-3.45pm. The final trips will take place on Sunday 10 September from 10.30am-12.30am and from 1.45-3.45pm. Each trip has a capacity of 60 people and will leave from the Inter-Island Quay. People should ensure that they wear suitable clothing and footwear and take any refreshments they might need.

Tickets are available from BBC Guernsey and can also be bought onboard, but only by cheque made payable to the MRI Scanner Appeal.

In addition to the trips, Kaskelot will be moored alongside the Inter-Island Quay and open to the public from 6-8pm on Saturday and Tuesday.

The ship starred in Return to Treasure Island and was used as Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, in the drama depicting his epic voyage to the Antarctic.

Tonight, Cock and Bull house band Cuan will play Irish Folk in the tented village.

Riva, L’Escalier, La Cucina and Sawatdi will have special restaurants open to the public and to visiting yachtsmen all week and a variety of drinks will be on sale at the Village Tavern.