Huge crowds have been waiting patiently in line for a chance to look at The Tall Ships’ Races fleet in the Albert, Canning Half Tide and Wellington Docks. Despite the numbers of people, everyone seemed happy and content to walk in line past the ships.

Queues for getting on some of the ships were long, but again the crowds were content to drink in the atmosphere and take photographs of the surrounding ships. An excellent shuttle bus system has been in operation, ferrying people down from the Albert Docks to the Wellington Docks where the Class A are berthed. Despite long queues, the average waiting time was just 20 minutes.
Close to 200,000 people are estimated to have visited the fleet in the two areas over the past two days, with the Sunday crowd expected to match that. Monday’s Parade of Sail will drawn even more down to the river side to watch the spectacle.

Today many of the ships have carried out crew changes, with the race crews now on board. The day before departure is traditionally the day when crews get their first opportunity to explore the ship and, on the Class A ships, climb the mast. Meanwhile other crew members are enjoying the hospitality and tours being arranged for them by Liverpool.

Despite continuing windy conditions, the sun has been making the occasional appearance and it is hoped that the wind will die down tomorrow.

Sail Training International

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