Sea Fair, The Captain's Handbook

Yesterday my copy of the Captain's Handbook for the Sea Fair arrived. It's getting nearer so ensuring the re-fitting and training on Shoestring is finished is getting more important!

In the guide is the information and details on the events being organised and also the "how, who and when" information for Skippers and also timetables and charts for the events.

Shoestring will fall into the Classic Bermudian fleet. Below is the timetable for her appearances, a few are marked as Shoestring only, this is where she will need to break from the fleet for a short while to collect or drop off crew.

Wednesday 18th June

• 15.00 to 22.30, Opening events at Milford Haven.

Thursday 19th June

• Sailing from Milford Haven to Sandy Haven.
• Along Pembroke River to Pembroke.

Friday 20th June

• Free day of Sail, possibly anchoring at Lawrenny overnight.

Saturday 21st June

• Lawrenny to Pembroke Dock and Neyland.
• Collecting visitors from Neyland Marina. (Shoestring only)
• Festivities in Neyland.

Sunday 22nd June

• Race from Neyland to Angle for lunchtime.
• Angle to Neyland return to drop off a visitor. (Shoestring only)
• Neyland to Dale and rejoin the fleet to anchor overnight.

Monday 23rd June

• Race from Dale to Skomer island and back.
• Anchor overnight in Dale

Tuesday 24th June

• Free day of sailing, ending overnight in Milford Dock.
• Afternoon and evening, Closing ceremonies at Milford Dock.

Wednedsay 25th June

• Milford Dock to Neyland Marina. (Shoestring only)
  

A very busy, but very fun few days, if your in the area, please do say hello, Shoestring will be wearing her full ceremonial flags for the events, except the races, where hopefully she'll be speeding along.

Over 200 ships at the SeaFair

La Recouvrance, one of several classic tall ships set to participate in the event.

MARITIME FESTIVAL PASSES KEY MILESTONE

Milford Haven Port Authority has announced that its Seafair Haven festival has now attracted the interest of over 200 traditional and classic craft, that will visit the county between 18 - 25 June.

Taking place as the major attraction in the Authority’s year-long celebration of its 50th Anniversary, the event will be unlike any other currently hosted in the UK. On-water flotillas and shore-side events will combine in a week-long event that will welcome visiting sailors and spectators from all over Europe.

Mirroring the atmosphere and success of similar maritime festivals in France, the Port Authority will play host to a variety of traditional and classic vessels, in a celebration of Pembrokeshire’s maritime heritage and famed Haven Waterway.

Highlights of the week include the visits of five Tall Ships including the Earl of Pembroke, Jeannie Johnston, Kaskelot and La Recouvrance– all of which will be offering the opportunity of sailing trips on the Haven.

Not to mention that our very Shoestring will be playing a small part in the proceedings.

A number of Waterway communities are also heavily involved in ensuring the success of the festival, with over ten host ports planning a variety of on-shore events during the week. From live music and entertainment to the sampling of traditional Pembrokeshire produce, visiting flotillas and spectators will be welcomed by villages that line the shores of the Haven.

In contrast to the traditional craft, mid-week will also see the arrival and overnight stay of boats competing in the 2008 Round Britain Offshore Power Boat Race – a spectacular high-speed event of International fame.

Click here for more details on the SeaFair.

Sea Fair 2008 at Milford Haven

18-22nd June 2008
Shoestring has been invited to attend the Sea Fair 2008 at Milford Haven. Sadly 'MW' is working at the Royal Opera House that weekend, (His day-job) so I'm calling on Terry, to act as first mate and we're taking Jayne and Shaun along as crew. I'll post more about our preparation for the event, and also reviews and photographs during the event nearer the time.

Preparations have started already with a full set of 'dress colours' for the yacht ordered.

For more information:
SeaFair 2008 official website
Pages from this site about the Sea Fair

(image courtesy of SeaFair organisers.)