Tall Ships Regatta - Parade of Sail 2014
From 5 to 9 September 2014, the Royal Borough of Greenwich hosted the largest Tall Ships event on the Thames in 25 years. There were a total of 52 tall ships on the river, the largest being the Dar Mlodziezy. On 9 September the event culminated with a Parade of Sail along the Greenwich waterfront, starting off Convoys Wharf at 1.30 pm and stretching for up to four miles along the river.
Some of Tall Ships Regatta fleet: sunrise at West India Dock
Harbour master's pre-briefing, Barrier Gardens Pier, 10 am
Busy day for the PLA with over 50 staff working on the Parade, harbour masters, pilots, launch crews, vessel co-ordinators and marine services
Ready to board PLA pilot on to the Parade's lead vessel: Dar Mlodziezy
Fast RIB, Gunfleet running past Greenwich, able to reach vessels quickly to assist where needed
West India Dock lock, full of ships waiting to join the Parade of Sail
Sailing ships joining the Thames from West India Dock, heading up to Limehouse Reach to muster for Parade of Sail
Ships heading upriver past Greenwich Pier to gather for the Parade of Sail
Sails raised, Dar Mlodziezy leads the Parade downriver
Parade's lead vessels passing Greenwich
Crowds line the river bank to watch the Parade
Quick bit of driftwood recovery to help vessels stay safe
Passing the O2 Arena
The fleet follows PLA launch Barnes downriver, passing through the Thames Barrier
PLA launch as 'roundabout' for those vessels turning back to drop off passengers in Greenwich before heading down river
One vessel heading back up river as others continue to head for the sea.
