SPI R I T OF ADVENTUR E T RU S T
TALL SHIPS HEADED FOR NEW ZEALAND
BY DEAN LAWRENCE, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Dewaruai of Indonesia
R
Oosterschelde from the Netherlands
eaders may recall back in the November/December 2012
edition of Professional Skipper magazine I flagged the
opportunity of a Tall Ship festival in Auckland. You may
have seen the recent press release but we can confirm that it is
all go and the Tall Ships will be arriving in Auckland Labour
weekend 2013. Thanks to Keith and the team at Professional
Skipper for running the articles.
With the support of Auckland Council and their Council
Controlled Organisations, Voyager New Zealand Maritime
Museum has taken up the mantle of host organisation and have
appointed John Lister as the event project manager. Momentum
has built rapidly since the go ahead was given, with the Ports
of Auckland agreeing to providing berthage at both Princes and
Queens Wharf for the Tall Ships along with support services
such as Tugs and Pilots.
Other agencies or facilities including Vector, Watercare
and the Cloud have all agreed to support the event, with the
Cloud being the focal point of the shore based activities.
While the detailed planning is still being worked on, a lot has
to be accomplished in a short space of time. Special mention
should be made of the support received from Phil Wilson,
chief of staff for the Mayor's office. He has provided immense
support behind the scenes to arrange and facilitate many of the
meetings with the organisations needed to bring such an event
to fruition.
At this early stage, the programme will be something like the
following: The Fleet, having arrived in New Zealand waters in
the preceding days, will gather as a group just south of Kawau
Island on the morning of Friday, October 25. They will then
sail/motor in company down the coast, led by the Spirit of New
Zealand, as close in as safely possible to allow spectators ashore
Spirit of New Zealand
to see them, arriving off North Head around 1300 to 1400 before
moving to their allocated berths.
With the Coastal Classic race fleet having departed that
morning for the Bay of Islands, it should be a spectacular day
on the harbour.
The ships will be open to the public on both Saturday and
Sunday for viewing before departure on Monday, with times
to be confirmed. At least one, Lord Nelson, will be staying in
New Zealand waters offering sailing opportunities for an extend
period, check out www.jst.org.uk for their itinerary.
During Saturday and Sunday there will be a number of
shore based activities for the many trainees on board the ships,
including a parade of nations along the waterfront. There is also
an opportunity for corporate hosting on board, should companies
be interested.
To date the confirmed attendance in Auckland is Spirit of
New Zealand, R Tucker Thompson and Breeze from New
Zealand, Lord Nelson of the United Kingdom, Oosterschelde,
Europa, Tecla from the Netherlands, Picton Castle from
Nova Scotia, Young Endeavour of Australia, Dewaruai of
Indonesia with Libertad from Argentina and Gloria from
Columbia also expected.
A fleet of this size has not been seen in New Zealand for many
years and may not occur again in the near future. However, if
successful this may attract the ships back as a couple of the
operators have indicated an interest in doing a southern tour
more often. I am sure John would welcome any support in
making this an outstanding event.
Contact John on 021 963045 or jgrlister@gmail.com.
Slot it into your calendar and we look forward to seeing
you there.
SKIPPER SCHOLARSHIP
In association with the Spirit of Adventure Trust, Professional Skipper magazine offers readers the
opportunity to nominate young men and women for two introductory ten-day youth development
voyage, that may lead to a Spirit cadetship for inshore masters qualifications.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT KEITH.
Email: keith@skipper.co.nz Phone 09 5334336 or write to the editor c/- of this magazine.
May/June 2013 Professional Skipper 57
