TALL SHIPS TO DOMINATE LOWESTOFT’S SKYLINE
Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Port of Lowestoft is set to become a haven for sailing ships taking part in the Tall Ships Race 2005, an event which has been described as one of the most prestigious of its kind in the sailing calendar. Up to 130 vessels are taking part in the race, which is being held from 6 July to 6 August 2005.
Among the flotilla of ships calling at the port will be five ‘Class-A’ sailing ships – Jean de la Lune, Roald Amundsen, Shebab Oman, Shtandart and Pogoria – each of which sports more than two masts and has a waterline length of over 150ft.
For local residents, the most welcome sight during the flotilla’s five-daystay will be that of Excelsior, the last sailing Lowestoft fishing smack afloat. Based in Lowestoft and operated by the Excelsior Trust, the restored trawler has taken part in the annual race since 1989.
These six vessels, along with their fellow competitors, will be berthed at the port from 19 July to 23 July, when they depart for the race’s next destination. Peter Dyer, Waveney’s East Coast Festival Events Co-ordinator, said:
“Having the ships in port will provide a magnificent spectacle and will be a huge attraction. Visitors will have free access to the Trawl Dock on 20 July from 9am to 5pm and will be able to come on board some of the ships to have a look around.”
The Tall Ships Race 2005 is a two-legged race, with the first leg taking place between Waterford in Ireland and Cherbourg, France. The second will cross the North Sea, from Newcastle to Fredrikstad, Norway. Between the two legs, the fleet will undertake a ‘cruise-in-company’ voyage, which will see vessels visiting French and UK ports on their journey from Cherbourg to Newcastle. ABP’s Port of Lowestoft has been selected as one of the UK’s host ports for the fleet on their way to Newcastle.
This year’s competition promises to be an exciting occasion with a record number of awe-inspiring tall ships competing. More than 4,000 crew-members will take part in the event, comprising entrants from as far afield as Uruguay and Indonesia.
John Fitzgerald, Port Director for ABP’s Short-Sea Ports, commented:
“Lowestoft has a rich maritime history and it is fitting that the port should host vessels competing in the Tall Ships Race 2005. The local ABP team has worked closely with Waveney District Council, the Excelsior Trust and the race organisers in ensuring that the Tall Ships’ visit is a memorable one for the ships’ crews and the local Lowestoft community.”
 |
 |
Copyright © Associated British Ports Holdings PLC 2004. All rights reserved.
Contact us
