Five tall ships arrive in Waterford as elements work against organisers
While the sun shone brightly in Waterford yesterday, the elements out at sea on the crossing from Portsmouth to the south-east are already working against the organisers of the event. Harbour Master Cpt Phillip Cowman said it will be all hands on deck over the next 24 hours to ensure everyone gets berthed safely and on time.
"Some of the ships have left Portsmouth already, some have arrived and some will be hanging on a bit. The weather is a little broken so their arrival will be delayed until Tuesday afternoon or maybe into Wednesday. It's something which is completely out of our control. It will put an extra strain on our resources but we will be pulling out all of the stops," he said yesterday.
Huge crowds are already beginning to gather in Waterford and the buzz on the quays yesterday was phenomenal as the first five vessels arrived.
As many as 250,000 people are expected to view the tall ships from 21 different countries which are manned by as many as 3,000 supporters and crew. But it will be Wednesday morning before the larger vessels arrive.
"We have fantastic support from everyone," Mr Cowman added. "The navy have provided rescue and communications services. Sub-aqua clubs in the area will guide in the vessels and the Irish Water Safety people who are manning and patrolling the safety areas also have their plans in place," he added.
While yachts and other pleasure craft which normally tie up along the quays in Waterford have been banned from doing so during the four day event, those with pleasure craft are not barred from the waters along the quay. They are in fact encouraged to enter the area but under strict conditions.
Any pleasure craft are asked to stay out of the area up to mid-afternoon on Wednesday, but after that, the starboard side of the quay will be open to them, provided they stay within four to six knots. They should turn before Rice Bridge and also keep to the starboard side on their return journey.
Close to 7,000 permits have been issued to residents in the city environs, allowing them to enter a special cordon around the city during the event.
