Waterford bids a final farewell to the Tall Ships

IT was as if the elements were conspiring, wishing that the Tall Ships would never leave Waterford.

The official start off Hook Head had to be abandoned as winds failed. And it wasn't until yesterday afternoon that the race officially began, 66 miles of the south-east coast of Waterford.

The parade of sail was spectacular, as the vessels, which left Waterford's quays from 7am on Saturday, filed in perfect formation down from the city, via Dunmore and out to Hook Head where they were later forced to drop anchor and stay the night.