Country Article / Postcards
Tall Ships in Ireland's Oldest City
Date: 07/05/2005
Dear International Living Reader,
Waterford's old Viking name "Vedrarfjord" means "windy fjord," or "haven from the wind-swept sea." Norsemen knew a good spot for docking when they saw one, and, starting tomorrow, modern-day sailors will have a chance to appreciate the port of Waterford, as well. Eighty-five tall ships from 26 countries, crewed by 6,000 young trainees, will dock here through Saturday. Three-hundred-thousand visitors are expected to make their way to Waterford for a look, before the ships move on to the next leg of the race, which continues through Aug. 6 in other parts of Europe (ending in Fredrikstad, Norway). In anticipation of the onslaught of tourists, our local pubs have hired extra barmen. We're ready.
The international Tall Ships Race started in the 1950s as a way to challenge as well as teach young seamen- (and seawomen-) in-training. Charities, universities, and other institutions own most of the ships involved in the races, which are organized by Sail Training International.
The winner of the race is decided by secret ballot. All the crews vote for the fleet they believe has done the most to further international understanding and friendship. The winners receive the Friendship Trophy.
Seven outdoor stages are offering continuous music through the weekend, while the ships remain in port, from early evening to night-time, each stage with a theme: traditional music, concerts, street bands, world music, rock, alternative, percussion, and young local artists. There are photography and art exhibitions all over town, as well as theater presentations, speakers, and films with maritime themes to coincide with the race. There will be helicopter rides, visits on-board the docked ships, a crews’ parade, a Suirfire fireworks display (named for Waterford's River Suir), and a Euro-show funfair on the north bank of the river.
For someone like me, new in Waterford and lucky enough to be living right downtown, this is a great way to get to know the character of the oldest city in Ireland. And for the first time I am glad that I don’t have a car--this is a festival best experienced on foot. If you’re heading for Waterford, note that all the city-center streets will be closed for the duration of the event, and the city is providing shuttle service in and out of the festival zones.
For more information about event locations, times, and the history of the Tall Ships Race, visit these websites: www.waterfordtallshipsrace.ie; www.tallshipsraces.com; www.sailtraininginternational.org .
Ellen Gwin
For International Living
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Discover the Secret Ireland--50% off in celebration of The Tall Ships Race coming to our editorial team's home town. Editor's Note: Ireland offers you watercolor skies and the lushest, greenest countryside you'll ever see...plus a jigsaw coastline of craggy cliffs, secret coves, and mile upon mile of golden sand beaches--many with barely a human footprint... Quaint coastal towns where fishing smacks bob in the harbor, gray seals slumber on rocks, and cottages come in every shade of a child's paint-box... As if that weren't enough, in Ireland you'll pay no property tax...no tax on certain kinds of rental income...no income tax for artists and writers...and you can take advantage of tax breaks for real estate investors. To find out more, see Ireland: The Owner's Manual--on offer through Saturday for 50% off in celebration of The Tall Ships Race. Follow this link to receive your discount, and you'll pay only $38, plus S&H. This is an unprecedented discount...probably never to be repeated. In fact, what are we thinking? Must've got carried away with the partying... |
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