‘The buzz is incredible. It’s going to be fantastic’

THOUSANDS of revellers wandered along the pedestrianised quays in Waterford from early yesterday as the Tall Ships festival got underway.

Chief organiser Nicky Fewer was beaming as he approached the quays. Only hours into the event, he said there are already making efforts to bring the Tall Ships back to the city.

"We will be re-applying for the event again in November. Its been a tremendous start to this event. Its very encouraging to see so many out here. Even at 11am, the crowds were fantastic."

Mary Kelleher, from Waterford City, saw an advert looking for crew for the ships and jumped at the offer. She said she found it tough crossing over from Britain but enjoyed every second of it.

"The experience way surpassed my expectations. We're withered. We had a bit of everything rough seas, a bit of sea sickness thrown in. But I've thoroughly enjoyed it.

"The big thrill came when I saw the Hook in the early hours of this morning. I got to finish my watch at 4am and our engines began at 6am. It was all hands on deck then and we were all up."

Local shops have captured the spirit of the four-day festival by adopting the Tall Ships theme in their window displays.

Fashions with a nautical theme have been brought to the fore and those with memorabilia from Waterford's rich maritime past have been put on display.

Even Superquinn has begun a Mediterranean promotion for the event, offering specials on foods from participating countries.

Mayor Hilary Quinlan said the event had surpassed his expectations.

"The buzz is incredible. It's going to be a fantastic few days and hopefully, we will get the 300,000 visitors. Hoping that everyone enjoys the next three days."

City manager Conn Murray was also happy. "The preparations are in place and we have to be very thankful to the people of Waterford who have been seriously inconvenienced. It will all be worthwhile."

Motorists experienced long delays trying to get through the city yesterday morning.

Roads from Wexford, Kilkenny and Clonmel were backed up and traffic diversions from the main quay, where only emergency vehicles will be allowed, are in place.

Over a quarter of a million people are expected to visit the city to view the 87 vessels berthed along the quays during the event.

A free park and ride system during the festival sees up to 100 Bus Éireann buses bringing visitors to and from parking sites on the perimeter of the city to the centre.

Highlights of the festival will include over 40 bands playing on seven stages around the city including musicians from Trinidad, Japan and the US.

Some of the other events will include the traditional Crews Parade, which will see all the sailors from each of the ships march through the city in formation today and a spectacular fireworks display tomorrow.

The ships will then set sail on the initial stage of the race from Ireland on July 9 when they head for Cherbourg in northern France.

Sailors will then aim for Newcastle before heading to Fredrikstad in Norway.

The 87 ships include the Russian Kruzenshtern which is 113.5 metres in length, and three Irish entrants, the Dunbrody, Jeanie Johnston and Asgard II.