Peter Elson
The Tall ship sails past the Liver Building taking part in the Irish Sea Tall Ships regatta
LIVERPOOL’S maritime heritage took centre stage in front of crowds gathered at the Pier Head.
With perfect timing the first Irish Sea Tall Ships Regatta’s Parade of Sail glided past the annual National Merchant Navy Day ceremony at the waterfront.
The 11-strong Regatta fleet provided a memorable backdrop as seafarers past and present, dignitaries and representatives from all over the world paid their respects to the merchant seafarers who sacrificed their lives for Britain and her allies.
The event was further enhanced by the brilliant sunshine which broke through yesterday’s thick cloud and showers for a fine afternoon.
After the fleet’s arrival from Dublin last week crowds had packed the Albert Dock and Canning Dock on Friday and Saturday to tour the tall ships, as well as watching the fleet cast off yesterday morning for the Parade of Sail.
Liverpool City Council which organised the event estimated that 20,000 visitors attended on Friday and 30,000 people yeterday. This was 5,000 more each day than was anticipated.
Even the historic 110-year- old Liverpool-based schooner Kathleen & May, in Canning Dock, had 2,500 visitors on Saturday, even though she is a static exhibit and was not in the Regatta.
Claire McColgan, council director of culture, said: “I’m thrilled people came from far and wide to see the Regatta.
Source: Daily Post, Liverpool, UK.
No comments:
Post a Comment