TALL SHIPS BELFAST :

Tall Ships Voyage

Belfast will host the Belfast Maritime Festival Tall Ships event from 13-16 August 2009 and an opportunity to get up close to some of the world’s best sailing vessels has literally been put online. 

With over thirty-five spectacular vessels expected in the Port of Belfast, the level of interest from leisure craft owners is expected to be high . Belfast Tall Ships and Belfast Harbour Commissioners have announced a pre-booking system to cope with the level of interest.

Trevor Anderson, of Belfast Harbour Commissioners, speaking about access for leisure craft to the Harbour during the Festival said, “We are delighted to welcome recreational vessels wishing to visit the Port during the event, but the need for safety is paramount. Following consultation with local yacht clubs it was decided that an online application process would be the best way to accommodate the demand and to ensure that visiting vessels were appropriately equipped and aware of safety requirements.”

On Sunday 16 August at approximately noon the Tall Ships will leave the Harbour in a ‘Parade of Sail’. This will be an incredible spectacle in Belfast Lough when seen from either the shore or from the water. Due to the preparations required for this activity it will not be possible to accommodate leisure craft in the inner Harbour on Sunday.

 Some Belfast Maritime Festival Facts 2009:                              

·         The Biggest Festival Belfast has ever seen

·         Thursday 13th - Sunday 16th August 2009

·         Footfall of 350,000 + expected

·         Support from NITB

·         Support from Tourism Ireland

·         Support from Belfast City Council 

·         Support from Belfast Visitor and Convention Bureau

·         Support from DETI / DCAL / DSD

The Festival will take place around the port on both sides of the River Lagan – at the Odyssey and from Customs House Square right down through Clarendon Dock to Ballast Quay, York Dock and Pollock Dock.

Visitors can expect to enjoy:

·         The unique and highly acclaimed Tall Ships fresh from their Atlantic adventure

·         A supporting ‘cast’ of over 35+ ships

·         Exhibition Marquee

·         Family Fun Zone

·         Continental markets

·         Day and evening concerts

·         Crew Parade

·         Parade of Sail on the departure day  

There will be plenty of activities for visitors along the quayside, with fun, food and plenty of excitement. Activities will showcase everything from music, street theatre, fireworks display and UK Strongest man competition to a variety of magical performances for the whole family to enjoy.

Check out all the Belfast info here - http://www.gotobelfast.com/tall_ships_2009.aspx