Stavros S Niarchos

April seemed mostly to be filled with images of operation Joint Warrior, so it made a pleasant change to see sail training ship, Stavros S Niarchos pay a visit to Greenock at the beginning of May.

A new team joined up for a week's trip to the Western Isles, coming back to Greenock next Tuesday.

A crew member waiting to release the lines

Time to let go

Hauling the ropes in

Stavros pulls away from the quay

Under way

Rope handlers catch up by rib

STS Lord Nelson departure

Lord Nelson departed Greenock around 5:30 this afternoon for her 9 day voyage round the western isles.

Her new crew having arrived today were put to work as she pulled away from the quay.

STS Lord Nelson berthed at Customhouse Quay

Briefing the new crew

Hauling the ropes

Getting a gentle push away from the quay

Lord Nelson turning to head back down river

RIB crew catching up with the ship

Lord Nelson sailing off on her voyage round the Western Isles

STS Lord Nelson

STS Lord Nelson is one of two tall ships owned and operated by Jubilee Sailing Trust.

Both ships are designed and built to enable people of all physical abilities to sail side-by-side as equals. 

Lord Nelson arrived in Greenock on Friday and is due to depart today on a 9 day voyage around the Western Isles of Scotland.

Stavros S Niarchos departing Greenock

After a few days spent in Greenock and a new crew on board, it came time for her to head to her next destination.

New crew on the yardarms

Learning the ropes

Sails neatly tied up and time to come back down

2 crew relaxing on the bowsprit

Bosun checking the fenders

Time to take in the gangplank

Good to go at the stern

All ok at the bow

On our way to Swansea

Stavros S Niarchos

It's been almost a year since the Tall Ships race came to Greenock so it was great to see Stavros S Niarchos stopping off at Customhouse Quay on her current tour.She will be open to the public on Monday.

Tall Ships 2011 - Parade of Sail

Time to say goodbye to these wonderful tall ships and wish them a safe passage to Lerwick for the next stage of their race.

It took around 2 hours for all the vessels to get on their way through the host of small boats and craft who came out to bid farewell. The Clyde had a life and vibrancy that I have not seen for a long time.

Tall Ships 2011 - Day 1

All the preparation is over and the ships are here. James Watt Dock hasn't been so busy for many, many years. The sun has come out and tens of thousands of visitors came along to join in the carnival.

To all intents and purposes, the event looks to be a great success, although the ground could have been better prepared in many parts of the site.

I managed to make an early break from work at 6pm and took myself along to join in the event.

Some of the ships moored beside the finger jetty

3 small tall ships

Plenty of pennants on display from previous races

ARC Gloria flying a massive Columbian flag

Several historic fire engines formed a display beside the main entrance to the dock.

Tunnock's beautifully preserved delivery van

Among the free entertainment provided were local folk band The Wherries and almost local Lulu

Kenny and Dave of the Wherries had the sugar sheds rocking

Trying to act serious for the cameraman

Lulu on the main stage

Sunset across Great Harbour