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Tall Ships Race 2008,
Port of Liverpool
THE turnout to the Tall Ships
Race can truly be described as stupendous. On Friday, 18 July 2008,
it was difficult to imagine where the estimated 300,000+ visitors
had come from, but mingling among the crowds it became very apparent
that amongst enthusiastic Merseysiders were visitors from all over
Britain and indeed, from all around the world. Despite some
confusion and grumbles, the one-way-system, imposed at the Albert
Dock complex and at Wellington Dock, were largely accepted as a very
essential safety factor. It would be a good idea, in future, to have
more prominent notices at the Docks’ entrances warning people of the
system before becoming separated from their friends and relatives.
On Saturday, the crowds swelled to 600,000+ and visitor numbers
exceeded that by several thousands on the Sunday. However the mood
of the crowd remained remarkably genial despite the inevitable
queues for the major attractions. This was helped when interesting
entertainers kept them amused. It was a Herculean task but one which
was successfully negated by friendly, helpful stewards.
The Tall Ships had been appearing throughout the week, but viewed
when berthed en masse in the Albert, Canning, Sandon Half-Tide, and
Wellington Docks, the effects were breath taking.
The ships are divided into 4 classes, A,B,C and D, so that like
competes with like. The world’s larger ones are in Class A like the
Russian “Mir” and the Polish “Dar Mlodziezy”
( Gift of Children) which are longer than Wembley Football Stadium.
Also up there for size, and crowd appeal, the Mexican “Cuauhtemoc”,
the Brazilian “Cisne Branco” (White Swan) and the
Norwegian “Christian Radich” (built in 1937) well
known throughout the world. However, all ships have their own
individual charm.
Friday, when the weather was less than clement, saw the official
opening of the docks for the Tall Ships by HRH Princess Anne, who
also briefly greeted those on board the TS Royalist, which is
operated by the Sea Cadet Corps. She then continued along the
broadwalk at the Albert Dock, to speak, at length, to the young crew
of the Class B Danish “Jens Krogh”. Thence on to meet
those aboard Ocean Spirit of Moray, entered by Gordonstoun School,
Elgin. This was followed by a brief spin around the Albert Dock
before the watching crowd. Later that day, HRH the Duke of York,
boarded the UK’s “Lord Nelson” where he met many of
the Captains and Masters of the International Tall Ships Fleet.
Among them he met the “Lord Nelson’s” Captain, Clare
Cupples, sailing with the first all female crew in the Tall Ships
Race. “Lord Nelson” is splendidly adapted to allow
wheel-chair users and those with other physical difficulties to be
amongst the crew. On Saturday there was a Crew Parade in the new
Conference Hall, which is attached to the new Arena. Above all, the
Tall Ships have brought gaiety, and pleasure to many, many people.
Dressed overall with bright flags and pennants fluttering in the
stiff winds, polished brass, intriguing, complicated masses of ropes
and pulleys and the odd figureheads to be admired, these elegant
vessels, were a fabulous sight, beckoning people to explore them.
Over the course of the 3 days, visitors did just that and packed on
board those open to the public.
On Sunday they could even be seen climbing the rigging on
“Lord Nelson” and “Stavros S Nicarchos”. Crew
members answered many queries and coped with the invasion of
landlubbers with apparent pleasure.
Throughout the period, Shanty Groups, Theatre Groups, and Bands
entertained folk aboard ships and at various venues around the
Docks, but also in some of the surrounding area. All added to the
festive atmosphere.
The Royal Navy had quite a strong presence too, with “HMS
Argyll”, “HMS Mersey” and “HMS Grimsby”
in port. The former was open to the public, as was
“RFA Lyme Bay”, which was moored at the new Cruise Terminal;
a special treat at that venue was hearing the Band of the Royal
Marines playing.
The final drama was on Monday, 21 July 2008, the Parade of Sail,
preceded by a splendid aerial acrobatic display by the Yakevlovs.
The sailing vessels left their berths and gathered off Otterspool to
make their majestic voyage down the Mersey to the open sea, many in
partial sail. As they passed Pier Head, they were given gun salutes
from “HMS Lyme Bay” and from the Wirral side of the
river, water sprays from the fire boats, and hootings from local
vessels. Every available vantage point was packed with people eager
to catch their last glimpse of these vessels as they sailed off and
out to the Irish Sea towards Northern Ireland, where their first leg
of their race will begin in earnest, on Wednesday, 23 July 2008,
destination Maloy in Norway. Another rest and a chance for the crews
to exchange ship places for a few days in Bergen, Norway. The next
leg will take them from Bergen to Den Helder, the Netherlands.
Throughout, the message of what this race is all about has been
firmly proclaimed; strongly echoing what has previously been said
about the Clipper Race Challenge. IT is about giving young people a
challenge, through which they can establish self-confidence and self
reliance, which will help them in all aspects of their lives. Above
all, crew members must essentially learn to work as a member of a
team, valuing each other’s contributions, developing tolerance and
respect of others, plus the art of co-operation. Sailing can, at
times, be dangerous but members are taught to assess and plan for
risks and safety is paramount. On all ships crews are a mix of
experienced sailors and raw recruits, some of whom may never have
even seen the sea!
Accommodation may not be luxurious, but crews not only survive but
thrive on their experiences. Also, events such as this meeting at
Liverpool, gives youngsters the chance to visit places all over the
world, as well as an opportunity of meeting people of different
races and cultures. Kurt Western, Chairman of the Tall Ships Race,
said this is reflected in the award for a crew, not necessarily the
fastest, but the one that has contributed the most in co-operation
and support each other (last year, “Lord Nelson” won
the award). This award is decided by all the crews’ votes.
On a local level, 40 free berths were available, for youths between
16 to 24, as part of the Liverpool’s year as European Capital of
Culture. They will be aboard the “Stavros S Niarchos”,
the Tall Ships Youth Trust training ship. They were joined by 8
trainees, funded by the Mersey Fire Rescue Service. At a wider
level, having the Tall Ships Race has been a tremendous coup for
Liverpool in its Capital of Culture Year. Mersey Pride has been seen
to be truly alive, both among the administrators and participants
including, not least, the ordinary citizens attending the event,
heard chatting animatedly to the visitors about their City. One
elderly gentleman was reminiscing about Liverpool’s maritime past
and his grandfather, who had been at sea in the days of sail; he was
given one bottle of water a day for all his needs, drinking, washing
everything! Events like this week’s make the age of sail more
credible for children: History coming alive! The only sour note that
kept reappearing was that it was felt that too many franchises have
gone to firms outside the City. However Liverpool’s city centre was
awash with people, which can only have boosted trade.
Councillor Warren Bradley, justifiably proud of the successful
event, says that despite the present global economic difficulties,
Liverpool is bucking the trend. He is confident it will continue to
do so and that things will not be allowed to grow stale. This
optimism seems to be reflected by the citizens of this city. We seem
to be genuinely excited by the possibilities afforded.
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Obviously a great deal of effort has gone into the Tall Ships Races;
from all quarters, from organisers to crews, to those who grapple
with the logistics of berthing the ships, arranging entertainments
and the myriad tasks associated with such an event, including the
stewards and Police officers who did sterling work and helped make
this a peaceful and happy event. The emergency services, St John,
travel companies, who ferried people between the car parks and the
centre. Arriva did sterling service ferrying people between St
Nicholas Place and Wellington Dock. The Northern Line staff were
tremendous with the service they provided, not only for the Tall
Ships but for the Open Golf Championships, at Royal Birkdale, at the
same time. We all owe these people and many, many others a huge debt
of gratitude for such a thrilling weekend. To all those venturesome
youngsters and their intrepid instructors, “Bon voyage. Have a
safe and successful trip” and please let us have a future
visit in the not too distant future. Well done everyone and thank
you.
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