Spectacular Captains Dinner at the Selje Monastery voted ‘best ever’
A very special Captains’ Dinner was held last night at the Selje Monastery on the island of Selje a short distance from Maløy. The Monastery ruins, which date back to the 10th century, formed the most spectacular backdrop for what was voted the ‘best ever’ captains dinner that anyone could remember. Despite the rain, and many said because of it, the dinner was going to go down in history as particularly memorable.
The captains and their guests were taken to the location by boat and provided with rain macs as a light rain continued to fall for most of the evening. The rain, however, failed to dampen anyone’s spirits and the magical location, the excellent food and wonderful music created an atmosphere that will be hard to beat.
Vikings and serving wenches helped to give an authentic feel to the historic location with all the food having been sourced from the local area. Herbs for the bread and fruit for the desert had been gathered locally and crayfish, prawns and monkfish had been caught in the wates around the island.
Four local girls entertained the captains with some haunting and magical singing, made all the more special by the wonderful acoustics created by the surrounding mountains. Cheers were echoed back and fires and flaming torches surrounding the dinner added to the atmosphere. A band, atop of a cliff behind the tower and lit by spotlights, continued to entertain the captains, with many dancing on the grass despite the continuing rain.
Captain Toby Marris of Jolie Brise thanked the town of Maløy on behalf of the captains and entertained them with his memories of first hearing about the small town that was to host The Tall Ships’ Races. Everyone agreed it was without doubt the best captains dinner ever held and not even the mosquitos and rain could dampen their enthusiasm.
Today many of the crews will be changing in preparation for the Cruise in Company to Bergen that will start tomorrow, following the Parade of Sail. Visitors continued to descend on the town of Maløy to enjoy the sight of the vessels in port and the special atmosphere. To date more than 20,000 people are estimated to have visited Maløy since the ships arrived with more expected today and tomorrow.
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