Tall Ships 2005. Gateshead,Newcastle

A selection of pictures available from today by clicking the title bar.

As promised took a days leave and headed up to South Shields at 6:30 this morning, arriving about 7:10 am. Parked up in the beach front car park on the South Beach and had a leisurely stroll over to the pier.

Surprisingly there was quite a lot of people already staking their claim to the best viewing points. I headed for Littlehaven, near the Red Lighthose, opposite N Shields Fish Quay and got myself a great viewing spot on the wall of the hotel gardens which overlooks the Tyne. Crowds could be seen gathering on the other side of the water from every point Tynemouth up river.

Got chatting to a fellow from Gateshead who had been down on the Quayside last night for the festival but said it was absolutely chocker but he'd enjoyed the fireworks. Him and his Mrs had walked home to Gateshead and had to go via the Swing Bridge cos the Millenium Bridge was closed cos it was open, if you catch me drift.

Pleased I took the brolly cos there was a few spots before the first boat arrived so I shared it with me new found mate and kept him dry too. Notice of the first tall ship arriving was given by the arrival of the Royal Navy Mine Sweeping vessels which provided the escort. The photograph attached is of the very first Tall Ship, the Dar Wlodziezy, to head for sea and the start line. That was at about 9:30 this morning, it having left it's berth at Spillers Quay at 8:00 am.

From then on there was a steady procession of ships, big and small right up until 12:30pm by which time the heavens had truly opened, my friend had left to meet up with others and the brolly saved the day, keeping my powder dry so to speak.

Made my way back to the car park to join the jams leaving Shields, believing the last one had gone through, then as I entered Coxhoe Radio Newcastle was reporting one more leaving. It had engine trouble and was the one with green sails which features on the posters.

Only minus point from what was a great spectacle was a North Easterly Wind which prevented the biggest ships of all from setting their sails. Never mind though, it was a great morning well worth getting up early for.

Incidentally I spotted Captain Moncur, our ex skipper powering his boat full of corporates into the mouth of the Tyne to get a real close up view. Bet they paid a canny wedge for that pleasure.

Enjoy the pics.


The Coxhoe Cameraman