Mariners’ fairytale has more wind in its sails

IT reads like a mariner’s fantasy tale - 100 of the most imposing and breathtaking tall ships in the world setting sail from a 12-mile stretch of coastline to race each other across the Irish Sea, the English Channel and the North Sea.

Yesterday in Waterford organisers of the Tall Ships Race 2005 confirmed that preparations for the event are at an advanced stage and promised to deliver a sailing spectacle never before seen in the South East.

Up to 250,000 people are expected to visit the city for the four-day event next July, the highlight of which will be the Parade of Sail when between 80 and 100 tall ships will sail down the River Suir estuary in formation to the starting line, five miles off Brownstone head.