North West England
Small boats banned from public spectacle!
Yachtsmen banned from Tall Ships Parade
The Peel Ports Harbour Master issued a Notice to Mariners banning non-participants and spectators from navigating the Mersey during the Tall Ships Parade of Sail.
The Parade of Sail took place on the 21st July as was held in conjunction with the start of the Liverpool to Bergen leg of the Tall Ships Race. Large sections of the Mersey was closed off to navigation for 5 hours, as small craft were forced to watch the spectacle from officially designated viewing areas. All small craft were issued strict instructions to remain at their berths, moorings or anchorages.
The Harbour Master, Capt. Gallimore, issued these draconian measures citing "heath and safety concerns" with up to 80 Tall Ships leaving the docks and entering the River Mersey.
