Steady flood of interest for next year’s Tall Ships Races

TWELVE class A vessels have registered for next year’s international Tall Ships Races, which are expected to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the south-east.

Organisers confirmed that magician Keith Barry will perform a specially- commissioned illusion live for the visiting crowds.

He will join The Waterboys, Sharon Shannon and O Emperor among others for the quayside festival in Waterford city.

According to Des Whelan, chairman of Waterford’s hosting of The Tall Ships Races 2011, more than 500,000 people are expected to flood the city during the festival, from June 30 to July 3. Visitors, he said, will enjoy the sight of about 70 of the world’s most stunning Tall Ships as well as local, national and international music stars — all for free.

Another highlight is the Crew Parade when thousands of young people from around the world take to the city’s streets for a celebration of their experiences on the Tall Ships.

Des Whelan said: “Many local businesses are starting to see the economic benefits of the event, with visitors having already booked their transport and accommodation.”

After the Parade of Sail along the Suir Estuary on July 3, the Tall Ships will race around Ireland’s south, west and north coasts and onwards to Greenock in Scotland.