Eight Sydney-bound tall ships, including our own Young Endeavour, docked in Hobart on Friday for the five-day Tall Ships Hobart 2013 Festival.
Thousands flocked to Hobart’s waterfront to welcome the ships and enjoy a fireworks display on Friday evening.
The local festival organisers were delighted to report that over 30 000 people then visited the waterfront to see the ships over the weekend. A fully subscribed school’s program will ensure many more people enjoy the ships’ visit until they depart with a spectacular Parade of Sail on Wednesday 25 September.
Festival Director Mr Paul Cullen has been quick to ‘talk up’ the International Fleet Review at every opportunity saying that the primary purpose for the gathering of ships from around the world is to help our Navy celebrate its historic milestone.
Navy Headquarters Tasmanian has been active in its support of the event with personnel staffing the ‘100 years of Navy’ display at a maritime exhibition held as part of Tall Ships Hobart.
The Tasmanian Detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band has also been active, participating in a street parade to welcome the visiting crews and performing to an enthusiastic crowd on the Parliament House Lawn as part of the Festival. The band now packs up its instruments and heads to Sydney for the ‘main show’.
Local Australian Naval Cadets units also contributed to Tall Ships Hobart with marching displays and a ceremonial sunset. Sixteen cadets from around Australia will experience the memorable occasion of participating in the IFR when they sail from Hobart to Sydney aboard the tall ship Windeward Bound and enter Sydney Harbour to help the nation celebrate.
[mappress] Press Release, September 24, 2013; Image: Australian Navy