International Festival of the Sea
Having already been to Bristol (1996) and Portsmouth (1998 and 2001), for its fourth incarnation the International Festival of the Sea comes to the port of the city of Edinburgh, Leith. Over a packed four days, visitors will be able to find out everything there is to know about the sea, from fishing to the latest sonar technology, as well as to clamber about on boats from the smallest dinghy to the most majestic tall ship.
For the first time there is an invited "guest nation," which is, appropriately given the historic maritime links between the two countries, Norway. Two of Norway's great tall ships - the Christian Radich and Sorlandet - head the Norwegian floating contingent that also includes the vessel that was part of the Shetland Bus covert operation during the Second World War (transporting passengers between Western Norway and Scotland) and authentic Viking Ships, all lining the quayside at Leith.
Also amongst the 150 international vessels on show are the Jubilee Sailing Trust's Tenacious, the Sail Training Association's Prince William, Leith's own Jean de la Lune, the Dutch schooner Oosterschelde and clipper Stad Amsterdam and Pogoria from Poland.
The Royal Navy - an enthusiastic partner in the festival (other duties permitting) - proffer the helicopter carrier HMS Ocean, a Type 42 Destroyer, and a fishery protection vessel, as well as helicopters, patrol boats, fast raiding craft, and Royal Marine Commandos who take part in a dramatic daily display in the Western Harbour. Also included daily are performances and demonstrations from the Royal Marines Band, the Unarmed Combat Display Team and the Royal Marines Cookery Demonstration team.
Exhibitions on shore range in subject from marine sports via deep sea diving to sailing. Ocean ecology and traditional maritime craft are highlighted, with knot tiers, boat builders, sail tanners and iron forgers from all over the world demonstrating their skills and overseeing visitors having a go! For the more hi-tech, simulators can take visitors on a Merlin helicopter flight, into the control room of a submarine, and on an exciting Rigid Raider ride.
Anyone who has ever had any question about the sea or about how man has tried to conquer it will be in seventh heaven!
Related Information
| Venue Information: | Western Harbour |
|---|---|
| Full Name: | Western Harbour,Edinburgh,Scotland |
| The Western Harbour is at the heart of the revival of Leith, and is the home of the new Ocean Terminal shopping complex and the Royal Yacht Britannia. | |
| Address: | Leith |
| Directions: | Leith is the port of Edinburgh, to the north of the Scottish capital on the Firth of Forth. About 1/2 hour walk, the length of Leith Walk from Princes St, there are many buses from Edinburgh centre and Waverley Station to the docks. |
| Other Information: | Western Harbour |
| Website: | City of Edinburgh Council Website |
| Name: | Edinburgh & Lothians Tourist Board |
|---|---|
| Location: | Edinburgh |
| Address: | VisitScotland - Edinburgh & Lothians, Ocean Point One, 94 Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JH |
| Email: | info@visitscotland.com |
| Phone: | +44 (0) 131 473 3600 |
| Fax: | +44 (0) 1506 832 222 |
| Name: | Visit Scotland (Scotland's National Tourism Board) |
| Location: | Scotland |
| Address: | Ocean Point One, 94 Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, EH6 6JH, Scotland |
| Email: | info@visitscotland.com. |
| Phone: | +44 (0) 131 472 2222 |
| Name: | British Tourist Authority |
| Location: | United Kingdom |
| Address: | Thames Tower, Black's Road, Hammersmith, London W6 9EL |
| Phone: | +44 (0) 20 8846 9000 |
| Fax: | +44 (0) 20 8563 0302 |
| Name: | The National Trust |
| Location: | United Kingdom |
| Email: | enquiries@ntrust.org.uk |
| Phone: | +44 (0) 20 8315 1111 |
| Fax: | +44 (0) 20 8466 6824 |
