The Tall Ships

It is estimated by organisers that approximately 500,000 people attended the Tall Ships Maritime Festival along the quayside at Belfast docks. That equates to almost one third the population of Northern Ireland.

What better way to bring communities together than this spectacular international event.

From Custom House Square to the Queens Road behind the Odessey Arena there was entertainment for everyone. Funfairs that encouraged the kids to pester their parents to take them down to the Festival, not that much pestering was needed. Entertainment in Custom House Square where people could sit and relax with a cuppa or a beer and for those who enjoy trundling around in crowds there was always the Continental Market for all your culinary delights.

 

On the Custom House Square side of the Lough was the Bounty. Possibly the big attraction that everyone wanted to see. No doubt this was very well planned to ensure full coverage of the event by all who attended. On the Odessey side the continental market was in full swing alongside the Tenacious and Europa amongst many others.

The total number was in excess of 40 vessels. They all varied in size, shape, age and colour. The Bounty looked very small from the shore, but sailing alongside it, it dwarfed everything in the vicinity. Although built to the specifications of the original from the famous film, it had all the character and props that everyone had come to see.

 

Thursday, the opening day, was the perfect day to lift the curtain on this exhibition of floating Picassos. Weather was pretty faultless that even Fletcher Christian may have had a kind word to say. The feel good factor was in evidence everywhere. Before leaving the house television presenters had smiles from ear to ear every time they uttered any piece of news about the event.

For me the afternoon was special. Accompanied by the staff from the Lagan Weir and a few colleagues I headed down Belfast Lough for a private audience with some of these incredible ships. As they sat still at the dockside they almost looked as if they were forcing out their chest in readiness for the happy snappers to take their shots.

TV cameras where in evidence at either side of the harbour. BBC at the Odessey and UTV on the Custom House Square side. It’s difficult to know who got the best side. One had the Bounty but the other had the great story of how people with disabilites can do just as well as able-bodied people onboard the Tenacious.

Is it really 18 years since this great spectacle graced our shores? Anyone who was alive and over the age of 5 will probably remember the occasion vividly.

Ropes, sails, masts and rigging are all the things I remember. I also remember how small everything was on board, although being a big lad I guess everything was quite small to me, particularly doorways.

A quick survey of some of those in attendance gave me such adjectives as :- great; superb; excellent; have you ever seen anything like this, to a man who whilst visibly very excited by the occasion was somewhat concerned about the lack of bins. A point not to be dismissed lightly.  Another person said the traffic and crowds were a ‘nightmare’ but she enjoyed every minute of her day.

Many had taken the afternoon off work fearing the ‘nightmare’ returning when people would be off work at the weekend. What good judges they proved to be. As the weekend progressed it was estimated that 70,000 were on site at one particular time. Considering there was an estimated 20,000 when I was there I am pretty happy with the time I chose to go along.

Radio and television stations were interviewing people from all over the UK who had travelled to Belfast just to see the Tall Ships. If they hadn’t been here before I expect they will al return again to sample the wonderful warmth and hospitality of the people of Northern Ireland. Many car registrations from south of the border where in evidence along the roads and at the Park ‘n Ride facilities, proving the success of the marketing team advertising campaign.

The vessels started to arrive about a week ago. I’m not sure that many people knew or cared much for who was winning the race, but there were many who scratched their heads in amazement that some of these very small crafts made it to Belfast at all.

On Sunday, in typical Hollywood fashion the Tall Ships took their final bow and sailed off in cinemascope-like fashion into the sunset. People waved, smiled, laughed and cried as the crews from the ships reciprocated from the decks. Everyone will have their own special memory of the event. Some may even have found a new career on the high seas with the navy, who paid a visit during the Festival.   

So at the end of it all, was this objective met? Bringing Communities together I mean. I think you will agree …..and some. This has far exceeded what anyone expected to see. Not only has this event brought communities together, it has brought people from different countries together in a ‘Spectacular’ that will be followed up with other International events in years to come.

Well done Northern Ireland!