Thousands to see off Tall Ships

Thousands of people are expected to line the Waterford Estuary as the Tall Ships sail out in formation for the start of the 2005 race series today.

Hundreds of thousands have turned out over the past few days to see the 86 tall ships which have been berthed in Waterford Port.

Today’s Parade of Sail is formally kicking-off the 2005 race series and will see all the Tall Ships sailing down the River Suir in formation, led by the Irish sail-training vessel Asgard II.

Organisers said they expected vantage points to be thronged with onlookers as the ships sail down the estuary ahead of the Race start at 3pm.

Visitors are expected to watch the visual spectacle from spots all the way down to Dunmore East as well as from the Co Wicklow side of the estuary and from their own boats.

Spectators have already been treated to parades, an Air Corps fly-by and a firework display in Waterford, as part of the free festival.

A spokeswoman for the organising committee said 240,000 people had already taken part in the festival and that the atmosphere in the city was brilliant.

The ships, from countries as diverse as France, Uruguay, United States, Bulgaria, India, Ireland, Indonesia, Russia, Germany, Netherlands, UK, Poland, Finland, Belgium, Latvia, Portugal, Spain and Norway, have been open for free to visitors between 10am and 3pm for the last three days.