Tall Ships 2015

It's the biggest maritime festival ever to be

staged in Northern Ireland.

Ships have been arriving into Belfast from all around the world.

Over 40 vessels are preparing to take part in the first

leg of the race to Norway.

Welcome to the 59th Tall Ships Race.

Some of us have been out of our comfort zones this week

learning about all things nautical, but thankfully, we have an

expert on hand - double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robertson OBE.

-Great to have you here.

-It's great to be here.

The definition of an expert, more than 100 miles from home.

So, I qualify. I will do my best.

I've been sailing all kinds of different

boats from the age of seven - small yachts, giant yachts, tiny dinghies.

But nothing quite as grand as the Guayas.

We've been very kindly invited aboard

this Ecuadorian naval training vessel by Captain Zumarraga and his crew.

We'll be getting a look around this magnificent ship a little bit

later, but first, let's soak up some of the atmosphere around the docks.

Claire McCollum has been around and about.

I am indeed. Yes, the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival

has so much going on, from the tall ships themselves,

to lots of fun things to do, like this.

And we sent BBC weatherman Barra Best to meet some of the trainees

taking part in the race.

Well, I seem to get the wettest jobs.

I've been in the water, I've been on the water. Why is it?

Is it because I've got the shortest haircut?

It's the sunburn he has to worry about!

Well, as we said, we're here on Guayas at Pollock Dock,

and we're surrounded by both naval and civilian vessels.

Yes, the docks are buzzing with crews of all nationalities,

who've been flooding into Belfast Port over the last number of days.

They came...

They saw...

And they conquered.

Ocean-going giants from another age, taking command of Belfast Lough.

Some 46 magnificent ships have sailed into port for a spectacular festival.

Belfast has a big history,

and the maritime history is exciting for us as sailors.

Will be very beautiful, with all the tall ships in the town,

right beside the Titanic Dock.

It's the third time the Tall Ships Race has come to Belfast

since it was founded by Sail Training International back in 1956.

And the organisers insist that at least half of crew on every

boat must be aged between 15 and 25.

Our ancestors, they travelled like this, like,

hundred years before, so it's like going on the past of our ancestors.

It's giving young people the chance to

change their lives by sailing big boats on big journeys.

It's just fantastic to have all the elements of nature around you,

the sun and the wind, and sometimes rain also, it's nice.

And great ships like the Lord Nelson typify that spirit,

specially designed to be crewed by sailors of all abilities.

About 2,000 sailors from 30 nations are in Titanic's hometown,

on vessels of every shape, size and age.

She is actually the youngest vessel in the Tall Ship Race.

We have only been sailing her since 2011.

This vessel is like a replica.

She is built like tall ships were built about 150 years ago.

When I think of it now, the power of the ship, the size of it,

going up the mast, all of it is just amazing.

And there will be many more memories made as the fleet set sail

to Norway from Belfast.

I've had a look around, and these ships come in all shapes and sizes.

You've got your traditional idea of a pirate ship, smaller yachts,

and then something like this, but to be brutally honest,

I'm not entirely sure what makes a tall ship a tall ship.

Thankfully, though, I'm in safe hands.

I've got a big job, haven't I, explaining this to you!

OK, well, Gavin, you have your barques and your barquentines

and your brigantines and your brigs and your ketches

and your sloops and your schooners...

Northern Ireland has a strong maritime tradition.

The first recorded large ship was built here in 1636

and was called the Eagle's Wing.

By the time the luxurious Titanic was built in 1912, Belfast had

the largest shipyard in the world.

But these were different types of ships. Belfast had a reputation

for steel and engine rather than sail and wood.

So, don't be embarrassed to ask. It's complicated.

Just what is a tall ship?

# Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

# Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

# I was up in my head... #

You mightn't think this is a tall ship if you saw it in a marina -

you'd call it a yacht - but it is.

The term only took hold in 1956, when the Tall Ships Races begin.

There are really two different types of vessels,

those over 40 metres and those under 40 metres.

But the big daddy of them all is the class A fully rigged ship.

The longest this year is the Statsraad Lehmhuhl, at 97.2 metres,

the length of ten double-decker buses,

while the shortest is the Black Diamond of Durham, at 13.5 metres.

The four classes they are put into deal mainly

with the variations and sail types.

Square sail is the most traditional type of rigging.

They're called "square" not because of the shape,

but because they are perpendicular to the keel.

Class A and class B are traditional, and class A

are the only tall ships over 40 metres.

Gaff rigged, four corners

and Bermuda rig triangular sails are not at right angles to the keel.

There are many type of ships within these classes, the differences being

in the number of masts and type of sails used.

What's a spinnaker?

A spinnaker is a parachute-like sail that helps

when sailing with the direction of the wind.

The massive barque and barquentines, the more nimble brig and brigantine,

to the ketch, schooner, yawl, cutter and sloop.

There are so many types of vessels that make up this wonderful race,

with such fantastically romantic names.

You don't need to remember any of that, the important thing to

realise is the breadth and variety of ships taking part in this event.

Also, you don't need to

sail on a massive crewed ship to have an amazing sailing experience.

Well, that's that cleared up! When the tall ships leave Belfast,

they'll be joined by a number of trainee crew from Northern Ireland.

Many of those taking part have no experience of sailing

or of being at sea for any length of time.

Preparations on training began earlier this year,

and Barra Best went to meet up with some of them

as they get ready for the trip of a lifetime.

Back in September,

300 wannabe crew applied to take part in this year's Tall Ship Race.

After rigorous interviews and selection procedures,

only a very lucky 96 have made it to the starting line.

There is just six weeks to go, and the trainees are meeting

their sailing companions for the first time.

They'll be at sea for ten days and ten nights.

And most of them have no idea what to expect.

Bigger shoe size this end, smaller shoe size that end.

Stephen Durrent is the man

whose job it is to turn this bunch of landlubbers into salty sea dogs.

We're teaching them a few of the nautical terms,

the basic level of knowledge they need to go onboard with.

For instance, most people would think it's just a rope,

but on but it could be a sheet or a halyard,

so we're trying to give them as much knowledge as possible.

This is known as a human knot,

or otherwise known as any excuse for a cuddle.

LAUGHTER

You have to be able to work closely as a team,

inspire trust, get them in close proximity to each other,

and really about them working through the challenge,

so it's all about breaking the ice and bringing them to the point

where they're working as a team.

What level of training are these guys at at the minute?

A majority of them have no experience whatsoever in sailing.

We do have the occasional one who does have a bit of sailing

experience, but not to the extent of tall ships.

A big challenge. Can anybody do it?

-Could you teach me to do it?

-Well, we can give it our best try!

HE LAUGHS

DANCE MUSIC

I have to admit, when it comes to sailing, I don't know my brigs

from my barques or my jibs from my gaffs.

I'm, quite literally, all at sea!

LAUGHTER

Well, this is the first time I've been on a boat like this,

and as long as the broom doesn't knock me out,

I'll be happy.

Straighten her up.

OK, so here we go. We're going to steer the boat.

It hasn't been difficult at all, it's been really fun.

The training's been really good.

What are you looking forward to most?

Getting on a tall ship and learning something new.

Although the tall ships are a lot bigger vessels,

it's the same sailing principles we're learning.

Dinghy sailing and powerboating and all, it's brilliant to do,

it's a new experience for me.

Not everyone is a novice.

I've been selected as one of the mentors,

so we have to look after the young people.

It's a learning experience for both of us.

The younger people are getting fantastic life experience

that will stand them in good stead the rest of their lives.

I've a lot of friends who did it back in '91,

and they've spent 20 years talking about it,

and I'd like to join the conversation.

For this group today, finding their sea legs has not been a problem.

That was great fun.

The weather has been perfect and I didn't get wet.

But I've an awful feeling my training is not over yet.

Barra will be out again with the trainees later on.

Now, we've our very special trainee here on the programme.

So, to get Gavin up to speed, we sent him back to his home town

on the north coast, to join the crew of the Guayas for a night at sea.

In 1991, the tall ships stopped off in the bay just off Ballycastle

and I watched it all from my bedroom window.

24 years later, and I've been given the chance to take a closer look.

The majestic Guayas, an Ecuadorian naval training ship designed to give

midshipmen a first-hand experience of life at sea.

The crew have come out to say hello. I think we should get onboard.

Edward, you're going to look after me here. I'm going up a mast.

It's actually really fun to go upstairs.

-You're going to be great, I think so.

-Yeah, brilliant.

-Thanks(!)

-EDWARD LAUGHS

I got here.

It's a long way to the top! I'm not going any further.

'I'll just leave that job to the experts.'

Edward, it's a lot of physical work and everybody has to do their job.

Yes. It doesn't matter if you are tired, you have to do your job.

-And some people have to look after me.

-Yes.

-Hard job!

I know. You did a really good job upstairs.

'No rest for the wicked.'

SAMBA MUSIC PLAYS

We'll try a wee bit off the edge, yeah.

'Time to check out the rest of the ship.'

Good music, good food.

How many clothes are you washing?

HE SPEAKS IN SPANISH

For 36 people daily.

This ship has everything covered. You can even get your haircut.

It's not all high jinks on the high seas, the cadets are kept busy.

Tell us about some of the studying you have to do.

-Because you are learning on this ship.

-Yes.

This is a training school

and, right now, we are studying for navy history.

We have to make some celestial navigation.

We have to do all of these.

Well, it's been a long old day at sea. It's time to get some shut eye.

-HE WHISPERS

-Here's the accommodation.

Cosy.

'It is 4am. A bleak and foggy start.'

A little bit eerie.

SHIP'S HORN BLOWS

A far cry from the tropical sunshine of South America.

When daylight finally breaks,

it's time to reluctantly shake out those weary bones.

Then, it's time to fuel up for the day ahead.

This is Tall Ship Guayas, over.

'It's the end of a long voyage for Captain Zumarraga and his crew.'

How tough has your journey been?

-TRANSLATOR SPEAKS

-The weather has been kind for us.

The wind has brought us here.

The weather has been kind until now.

THE CAPTAIN LAUGHS

They fly their flag in style.

This crew are so proud of their country, Ecuador.

Next up, a new experience, and Belfast.

That looked great fun. You fitted right in with all the sailors,

apart from perhaps the dancing!

I don't know if these will come out again. It was a great experience.

I don't think I'm built for an Ecuadorian ship

because, if you're over six foot, I got stuck in a bunk bed.

It took a lot of the crew to get me out. But so much fun.

-They were so good to me.

-We'll find you a bigger ship next time.

Well, the four-day maritime festival is anticipating that around

500,000 people will see the tall ships here in the docks

or will watch them along the coast as the ships make their way

to the start line off Portrush.

But it's not all just about the ships,

there is so much more to see and do.

I've come to the opposite side of the harbour to the Titanic Slipways,

an area so obviously steeped in maritime history.

This is only part of what the festival has to offer.

There's so much to see and do here.

But I think I might take a step back in time

and enjoy a well-earned break onboard the SS Nomadic.

The Nomadic is the last remaining White Star ship,

often referred to as the mini-Titanic,

and has been brought back to Belfast.

That's lovely! Thank you very much. Thank you.

I am eating in style where many of the rich and famous have sat before.

The Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival has so much going on,

from the tall ships themselves, to lots of fun things to do, like this.

What have you thought of the festival so far?

It's incredible, it's amazing. There's so much to see.

You could spend a whole week and still not have seen everything.

How important is it for Northern Ireland?

Hugely important. This is an international festival.

So it's really good to see something positive

and lots of people coming down to the docks.

-We got married in Thailand on the 24th.

-In Thailand.

-We're just back from our wedding reception.

-Yeah.

-A bit of a party.

-So this is part of your honeymoon?

We're just having a look around.

We saw a boat that had come from Brazil.

So, it's quite amazing that they've come from all over the world,

just to be a part of it.

-Many congratulations.

-Thank you very much.

Saw one all the way from there.

It was like a parachute.

I am over the moon about being a part of it, first of all.

These ships, I love it. The last time it was here, I was down,

everybody came down to celebrate. It's been brilliant so far.

The Maritime Festival is spread out over one square mile

and, according to this, I've done...

12,000 steps so far today.

If you don't mind, I'm going to take the easy way back, OK?

Thank you very much, Chris. Bye-bye!

Looks like great fun.

Now, I wonder how many of you are old enough to remember

The Onedin Line way back in the '70s and '80s.

THEME MUSIC TO THE ONEDIN LINE

The star of that show, the Statsraad Lehmkuhl,

is moored alongside us here at Pollock Dock.

Eleanor and Patricia were onboard, all the way from Norway.

Tell us about the journey? Eleanor?

The journey was wonderful. We had a great time.

It all started when my husband, Paul Hayes,

he's the deputy harbour master here, told me about an opportunity

to go out on one of the ships.

I got a lot of my friends who worked with me in Uganda to come with me.

12 of us actually left. We had a wonderful journey.

-An adventure, was it?

-Certainly was.

Especially when you're standing watch in the North Atlantic

with the wind blowing and the rain pouring down, it was some adventure.

Plenty of wet weather gear. How cold was it?

Pretty cold some of the time, and pretty wet.

But when it was nice and the weather was fine, it was magical.

And you've brought a camera with you to show us how it went.

We brought a camera and took lots of clips,

even in the middle of the night.

We'd watches to do during the day and at night as well.

A taste of what some of the trainees

will be experiencing on the tall ships.

I think the thing that will frighten them most is climbing the rigging

and getting up into the crow's nest

and trying to learn how to use the harnesses.

But they need to learn to trust the crew, trust their instructions

and, most of all, do what they're told.

Because those sailors know exactly what they're doing.

Did you two go right to the top?

No, just as far as the crow's nest and no further.

-Would you try it again?

-Absolutely.

I'm only sorry I'm not on this ship going out tomorrow.

-Maybe next time, Eleanor?

-Yes, maybe next time.

-From a different country.

-Thanks very much.

The Guayas left Ecuador back in the middle of May

and will continue her first-ever voyage around the world

until she arrives back home again on the 15th of March next year.

In fact, many of the visiting tall ships have been at sea

for several weeks, making their way into Belfast.

So, when the ships reach port, it's a time to catch up on the housework.

Things like emptying the bins, getting the laundry done

and working out where to collect

those all-important letters from home.

Sounds like a bit of a headache but, thankfully,

there's a band of volunteers on hand

to make sure things go nice and smoothly.

A liaison officer is someone who will be running between the captain,

the crew and the organisers.

So, anything the captain wants, we sort out for them.

-Welcome aboard.

-Welcome to Belfast.

-Thank you.

-I believe your printer is broken.

-Yes, we need a new one.

We have a replacement one ready for you to go,

-it needs to be picked up today.

-That's very nice.

He's just asked me whether I'd hoist the flag for him

which is a great honour.

It's brilliant we're here on the Lagan in Belfast

and to be able to help people out.

Friday night crew party is in there.

It's also a great way to welcome an international crew,

to get up close to some of these fantastic ships.

I've been involved with tall ships twice before.

But this is my first chance to actually volunteer.

-Bin bags, we've got the yellow.

-It's going to happen today, you think?

I hope so.

I guess the less glamorous aspects of the volunteering role mightn't be

everybody's cup of tea. But getting a chance to meet the crew,

be up close and personal to them, and to the ship,

it's a lovely opportunity to have.

I really don't mind carrying around the rubbish at all.

I sail with Carrickfergus Sailing Club.

We've been in the flotilla on two previous occasions.

It's a great showcase for young people

to encourage them to get into sailing.

'With the maritime history in Northern Ireland,

'it's something to be encouraged.'

Joining us now is one of those busy liaison officers,

Antje from Ballyholme. And her friend Tina all the way from Germany

to enjoy the tall ships here in Belfast.

Antje, you found love in the tall ships on the ocean waves.

Would you recommend it?

It's 20 years ago that I met my husband

onboard of the Alexander Von Humboldt. So, it's nice.

You meet people on a completely different level.

You are close together.

It's just the way you get to know them in different situations

and in really bad weather. So, it's quite hard work sometimes.

You do really get to know people's characters.

You're with them 24/7 in some of the most extreme conditions.

-You've been friends with Tina for 22 years.

-That's right.

We met each other on a German fishery protection vessel

where I was working as a nurse.

Since then, we are friends.

And, finally, I was at the Alex,

and she taught me all the sails and everything.

That is not easy if you are a trainee, but I made it.

What do you think of the tall ships here in Belfast?

This is great, it's amazing.

I just flew in for that. And, of course, to visit my friends.

And I had a lot of fun. Thank you for that.

We're all having a lot of fun.

Antje, you are responsible for inviting a very special ship here.

The Alexander Von Humboldt II has come for the first time to Belfast.

It's great to have her here because of my history with the ship.

I had invited them to Bangor as well.

I think it was the biggest tall ship ever in that harbour.

So, it was quite impressive for all the Bangor people as well.

I know you're having a great week.

Lots of people need your help. You need to get back to your duties.

-A pleasure to meet you both. Thank you.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

I've just stepped into the BBC Experience tent

and look who is just around the corner, it's our very own Barra Best.

-Sorry to interrupt you, in your weather home.

-It's great, going good.

-It's a wonderful tent. So much to see and do here, isn't there?

-Yeah.

We've... It's the real BBC Experience.

We're giving people a taste of the Daleks from Doctor Who...

-Mm-hmm.

-We've got Children In Need and Pudsey Bear,

and we've got the weather -

something we all talk about, we complain about, but we love as well.

And it's been great so far for the tall ships, thankfully,

and it's going to be a little bit windy for the ships to set sail.

Hopefully the weather keeps up and hopefully it's slightly better than

-when you went crew training the other day.

-Well, hopefully,

-because that was very cold, so fingers crossed.

-Fingers crossed.

Who would have thought you needed a swimming pool

to do a sea survival course?

But you do, and if you're a trainee, ready to set sail from Belfast

on the Tall Ships Race, then this is a vital qualification to have.

I'm not quite sure what to expect and I am a little bit nervous,

but at least I don't have to worry about the weather for a day.

'We had a gruelling classroom session this morning,

'but there's sadly no time to relax by the pool.'

We're wearing "abandon ship"-type life jackets.

-Is it quite comfortable, there, Barra?

-Not at all. Very, very stiff.

Our sea temperature round the coast

is about nine degrees.

It's a much safer environment.

It gives the pupils a chance

to experience what it's like to be in a raft

but they're not subject to the elements.

We hope the students never have to use what we've been teaching them,

but they know how it operates -

how to get in and how to protect theirself.

We can point out some of the features

that's on the life raft from the classroom session this morning.

Erm, we'll start with Joe.

The emergency indicating light on top.

-Yeah.

-The step up.

We've got the step there to help us get on into the life raft.

I'm going to go for a safety valve.

Our safety valves, that are blow-up valves for when it inflates. Yeah.

Reflective tape.

On the top and round here.

The ropes on the side so you can grab on to it and not drift off.

Yeah, yeah, we can gather round the raft before we start to get in, yeah.

OK, so if yous want to slip the raft in, back into the pool...

'Sliding the raft into the swimming pool is great fun

'but putting it into practice on rough seas would be

'a different kettle of fish.'

Paddle across to the other side of the pool there.

'The rowing wasn't as easy as it looked.

'I would dread to think what it would be like trying to negotiate

'choppy waves at sea.'

High-five.

Off you go, big step forward, feet together...

'This may look like synchronised swimming

'but we have successfully achieved a sea survival formation.'

Last guy at the end...

..on you go!

'Upper body strength here is crucial

'and the extra fitness sessions have certainly paid off.

'Not only are we plunged into the pool but the helping hand

'from the wave machine and hoses to simulate a storm at sea

'ensures we are prepared for the worst, but totally soaked through.

'With everyone now safely onboard the life raft,

'all that's left to do is sound the whistle for help.'

HE BLOWS WHISTLE

And an urgent weather report...

Barra Best is out and about

but experiencing very bad storms and rain

in a local swimming pool.

What can I expect? I get all the wettest jobs.

And I didn't even forecast bad weather...

Safe and sound, Barra. Now, we thought,

there's no point in bringing an Olympic sailing legend to Belfast

without letting her do what she does best.

Ahead of the race, Shirley caught up with some of the trainees

onboard one of the smaller yachts.

The Tall Ships Race is a race. Talk to anyone off any boat in the harbour

and you get that real sense of competition,

but there's a lot more than winning and losing going on here.

Get your mizzen ready. Get your jib.

The training ship Rona II has a full-time team of four

who are used to working with inexperienced crew.

Hopefully I'll be OK, then.

A lot of people look at sailing and they think,

"Oh, that's for toffs. It costs a fortune."

You know... How does it work with something like Rona?

Well, we aim at trying to make it affordable for anybody,

so it's very heavily subsidised.

Each of the crew members pays less than a third

of the true cost for the week.

We insist that they pay something so they do value it.

We're very fortunate in having a lot of very generous sponsors.

How would you describe what you do? What's your role?

The fundamental aim of the project

is getting people to

understand people from different backgrounds, erm...

Realise that deep down, we're all the same. We're all human beings

and we can work together, and live together...enjoy life together.

What has gripped you about sail training

and about this kind of activity?

I think just the camaraderie and the working together.

You know, actually understanding other people

and how they actually operate.

And just the feedback that you get

from interacting and working with others,

and the friendliness, the...

You know, the sea is a great leveller for us all,

and yet, here we are actually battling it,

and actually enjoying that experience of battling it.

'I'm curious to see how much they teach these trainees

'and how quickly they learn.'

'For the trainees, it's been a bit of a culture shock.'

It is a very tidy cabin, girls. Did you know we were coming?

GIRLS: Yeah!

Describe a typical day onboard Rona II.

Well, you have a four-hour watch and you go up onboard,

and you put up the sails, and you do everything.

and then you have four hours off,

where you cook the dinner and you sleep, pretty much.

-And then you clean.

-That's really hard work.

So what kind of sailing experience did you all have

before you started off from Falmouth?

-I'd never been on a boat before.

-Not even able to tie a knot,

-so we learned how to do that.

-Well, when you come onboard,

there's no, "I haven't done this before."

You're taught, and you have to do it.

The watch leaders are brilliant. They tell you how to do everything.

-Yeah.

-And some of us had a basic knowledge on,

like, smaller dinghies but, like, it was nothing compared to this at all.

'Why did you want to do this?

'I think just for the experience

'of just working together and everything.

'It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

'You're never going to get this again.'

'If you were giving advice to someone

'who was thinking about coming, what would you say?'

-Do it.

-Like, it's so scary thinking about going to do it,

and before you leave home, and all, but it's so worth it.

-'You learn so much here.

-Yeah.

-I know how to do all the knots now,

'and I had no clue how to do them before.

-I can't help myself.

-That's good, well done.

'It's easy to be seduced - starstruck, even -

'by the amazing ships in the harbour,'

but for me, this is what the Tall Ships family is all about -

bringing young people together from different backgrounds,

often different nationalities,

and experiencing something truly special,

and leaving with friendships, skills, memories and confidence.

WHISTLE BLOWS

Well, that was a great day out

but I am back in the grandeur of the Guayas,

and joining me is Charlotte, who's a trainee officer.

And Charlotte, there's lots of action

-going on behind us.

-Yes.

-What's happening?

OK, they are training for the Olympic Games.

-Do you hear the sound of a whistle?

-I can hear it.

OK, that means that they have to pull the rope.

That rhythm of the whistle is the rhythm for the pull.

If it's faster, they have to pull faster.

Now, let me get this straight... You have your own Olympic Games onboard?

Yeah, we have so many days of navigation -

we have to get out the stress and to make fun for ourselves.

How competitive is it onboard? I mean, how important is it

to be, you know, the gold-medal winner?

When you win, when your station wins...

It's the feel...the happiness,

and also, the proud, because...

It's hard to explain but it's really, really, really...

it's a feeling of happiness and proud.

Now, I know a tall ship like this requires

-a lot of strength.

-Yeah.

I mean, everyone has to be strong and work together, you know?

How important is that when you're crossing the ocean?

It's very important because we are all a team.

Everybody's important here. We are learning, OK?

We are students, we are machinemen...

We're learning and they are our teachers.

Now, Charlotte, I can see you are holding the winning cleat -

the gold cleat.

-Let's see who's won the tug-of-war.

-Yeah.

-Ah, we have the captain of the winning team.

-Oh.

Andreas, congratulations,

-winner of the 2015 Belfast Guayas Olympics.

-OK, thank you very much.

-Well done.

-Thank you very much.

The crews from many corners of the world make a spectacular parade

through the city.

THEY CHEER

Antwerp Flyer is the best ship in the world.

Let me guess, you're enjoying your time in Belfast?

-Yes, yes, yes!

-Of course we are, of course we are.

THEY SHOUT

The crews are very impressed by Belfast.

CHEERING

It's a beautiful city and it's a beautiful festival,

and I'm really glad to be here.

BOTH: We love Belfast!

I think it's a fantastic place to hold the Tall Ships Race.

Fantastic host.

I'm really excited to actually go and adventure around and to see.

The people seem so nice, so I'm really excited.

ALL: Belfast!

It's been absolutely fantastic.

It's been life-changing, to be quite honest.

I'd never been on a sailboat before at all,

and didn't do so well with seasickness, but overcame it.

Many of the visitors are very impressed by the majestic ships.

They have been great.

And even how courteous the people are,

you are able to speak to them and show you around

and find out a bit more about them too.

I liked when I was

ringing the bell.

Wow! You got to ring the bell?

-What ship was that on?

-The green one.

These ships are fantastic.

It was the first time I've actually got to see them,

but I don't know if I'd like to be on one around the world, I must say.

What has been the best bit so far?

I think visiting inside the ships. I think they're really amazing.

The Tall Ships 2015 will certainly put Belfast on the map.

Now, doesn't it look amazing?

I'm joined by three people who have really been enjoying the week

here in Belfast.

Jet, you are a skipper on one of the boats.

What's it like coming in here and preparing for the race?

It's good times. We were here in 2009.

We were on the other side.

Now we get to see a different side of the harbour and it is looking good.

It is an amazing, big festival.

-Well done.

-And lots of support. Loads of people.

I am wondering just about start time,

you are in charge of the boat and crew. How are you feeling?

There is a lot of responsibility.

Don't remind me!

It is, but it's also... We're going to do it as a team.

We're going to work together,

and that's just explaining to them how it works right now.

Last night was our first evening together.

It's an amazing group, so far, I am pretty lucky, I think.

Talking about responsibility. Next to you is Paul, the race director,

who organises the Tall Ship Races all around the world.

Paul, just give us some kind of scale for the Tall Ship family.

The scale we're up to, 50 ships here in Belfast.

Sometimes we can have as much as 100 in the Baltic.

Regularly, a million people come down to see these magnificent ships.

You've still got hair, and you look remarkably calm.

That's very kind. I haven't got much hair and it's dyed!

Suzanne, this is your party

and hundreds of thousands of people have come.

How pleased are you? How relaxed are you that it's all worked?

We're absolutely delighted.

The numbers are here. What a spectacle for Belfast.

I was out on one of the boats last night

and our skyline is completely transformed,

and those pictures being beamed around the world, we are delighted.

The logistics have gone so smoothly as well.

I'm breathing a sigh of relief.

Jet, you have all the hard work still to go.

What has been your best moment here in Belfast?

That will be the group coming back last night.

They went out to the crew party.

And then into town a little bit and they came back onboard

and they were buzzing.

They were already a group and they had only known each other

for two-and-a-half, three hours, so, for me, it was the best so far.

I know all three of you have a lot of work to do. Congratulations!

Have a great voyage, safe travel. And thank you so much.

I think Claire has made it back through the crowds.

And I'm sure I spotted her heading down below deck.

There are lots of international food markets here at the festival.

But I've come down to the galley here to meet chef David.

Buenos dias! He has been invited onboard the Guayas here.

And you're going to show me something very special, aren't you?

Yeah, we're going to make a dessert.

-It's a traditional desert from Ecuador.

-OK.

It is made from egg whites. And we're going to use the fruit guavas.

-Ecuadorian guavas.

-Ecuadorian guavas.

It has to be very ripe,

so it is nice and sweet and it's all pink, like this.

We're going to make a puree from it just in the blender.

And then pass it so the seeds are out.

-This is what we end up with?

-Yes.

Is it tricky finding the Ecuadorian ingredients

to satisfy the crew here?

No. The boat... We have a lot of purees frozen,

ready to make, juices and desserts,

they have everything downstairs in the freezers.

-Let's get cracking. What is first?

-First, we have white sugar.

This is like making a meringue.

You're going to take the egg whites from there. Put them in there.

You trust me to do this?!

-I have cracked eggs before, you know!

-No problem.

It's a huge honour to be invited to be a chef onboard a ship like this.

How many do you feed onboard?

What they do is, they feed 150 people.

While we are doing this, they are getting ready for lunch.

Strain. We put some of the puree in.

I have used a whisk before!

-Helping to thicken things. Are we OK?

-Yes.

-OK, so we are ready to make these cones now.

-Yes.

Tell me, what is it like - do you imagine it will be like

if you're out at sea if it is really rocky?

Would you like to chef then?

-I imagine if the sea is very rocky, this will be on the floor.

-Exactly.

-And we would miss out on these lovely cones.

-Yeah.

What is your favourite Ecuadorian food from home?

I'm from the mountains, so we make lots of soups.

My favourite things are, like, yawarlukru. It's very simple,

but it is one of my favourites - leek and potato with cheese.

And we also put some avocado in it.

-If you want to feel at home you make that?

-Yeah.

Can I have a taste?

Let me make it a bit...

-What are you putting on top?

-Sugar candy.

-Very nice.

Lovely. A little taste of Ecuador right here at the festival. Mmmm!

Well, that's whetted the appetite.

The Tall Ships Races are organised by Sail Training International,

and through sailing young people boost their self-confidence by

facing challenges they might not otherwise get a chance to experience.

We've managed to tear these trainees away from their packing

and they're almost ready for the off.

Looking nervous, feeling happy.

-Let's start with you, Carmel. A real family affair here.

-It is.

We are here with my only daughter, our only daughter.

We've left Dad at home.

It is an exciting, wonderful time to be with nature

and to be with new people.

And the opportunity to go across the sea

is nerve-racking, at the thought of it, but it will be fun.

Helen, Dad is at home. How will you get on with Mum?

I would say I will be OK.

We are on different ships. We'll both get our freedom.

-Dad won't be complaining, he's a free man now.

-How is his cooking?

Um, yeah, no, it is good.

He will probably improve by the time we get back,

so something to look forward to!

Katy, you've a bit of experience, tell us about your background.

I've done 500 nautical miles on tall ships before.

I've sailed on the Sea Cadets tall ship TS Royalist

and Tenacious with Jubilee Sailing Trust a couple of times.

You are the one everyone will go to for advice?

-Well, maybe.

-Maybe not!

And Georgia, you've had a very different background.

You are approaching this from the other end of the scale?

I'm doing this to get over my fear of sailing and my fear of boats.

When I was younger I did try topper sailing

and the boat capsized and I got stuck under and panicked.

I've had a fear of water and boats ever since.

I thought this would be a good opportunity to get over that fear.

-Very brave or very silly?

-Probably silly. We will see how it goes!

Gareth is the best dressed and the youngest. Talk us through the outfit.

This is a Sea Cadet outfit.

I've been looking forward to the Tall Ships happening,

just getting out into the ocean

and getting a sense of myself and meeting new friends

and going to Norway and experiencing country I have never been to before.

You are speaking very wisely for a 16-year-old. John, you're in charge here.

They will experience something that's once-in-a-lifetime.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime event.

They will face the open ocean.

They will have times of rough water and dangerous seas.

They will have possibly cramped conditions.

But when they arrive in Norway, in Alesund, they will get such a welcome

and they will have that quiet satisfaction of knowing they have

sailed nearly 1,000 miles and been part of a team of young people from

Belfast and Northern Ireland

that has really undertaken a great challenge.

No pressure, everyone! Good luck. Enjoy. Well done.

The one thing these guys will keep a close thing on this weekend is

the weather.

I wonder if Barra Best has any insight into what may

lie in store for them.

RADIO CHATTER

There are so many maritime traditions based around the weather,

from whistling onboard creating a breeze,

throwing stones into the water bringing storms and swell,

or having a horseshoe nailed to the mast protecting against the storms.

Why is the weather so important?

Well, because when you're out on the ocean,

it can come the most vital element you rely on.

When running on sail, these ships are very dependent on the conditions.

High seas and high winds can make for uncomfortable sailing.

John Wylie, from the Met Office,

knows just what the ships need to succeed.

Are there any particular weather conditions

that are useful for the tall ships?

Well, I think wind has to be the key element

that's important to tall ships.

We're looking at how many sails you can use,

how you can actually steer your vessel

and if you've got a good, strong, working breeze,

that's probably a good force five on the Beaufort scale,

somewhere around 15-20 miles an hour of a wind.

That allows you to put the sails up and get moving.

How can technology be useful?

Well, it's the power of computers

that really makes such a difference nowadays.

50, 60 years ago, we really only had weather observation

from ships which were at sea.

And by the very nature of vessels,

they wanted to avoid the strongest winds so, very often,

where the weather was worse, we weren't getting information.

Now, we can look at satellite information.

That can measure conditions

at the surface of the sea and the atmosphere,

and give us a much better idea in data-sparse parts of the globe

and help us to actually improve the weather forecast.

Will some of the more weather-savvy sailors take advantage

and get a head start on their competition?

You can be very, very savvy

and take a more northerly route or a more southerly route,

take advantage of the wind conditions that allow you to

make best use of the equipment that you have onboard, of your sails,

and if you can get a head start

by knowing what the weather's going to do two or three days out,

then I think you've got one up on the opposition.

But even with modern safety equipment, and trained crews,

the weather can still lead to the sinking

of some beautiful tall ship history.

So, what are the things to look out for here in Belfast

and indeed, on the ten-day journey to Alesund in Norway?

Who better to know than the harbour master?

How well do these ships handle bad weather?

They handle the weather reasonably well but it's like any structure -

you know, there is a limit to what they can take onboard.

And given the fact that some of these ships

are capable of doing in excess of 15, 18 knots -

that's not a slow speed either on a sailing vessel

or a conventional vessel.

So, if the weather conditions aren't right,

you have to adjust your speed to suit the weather.

You've made that journey yourself, albeit on a conventional vessel.

What are the challenges that lie ahead?

Navigationally, there's plenty of clear and open water

but the open water comes with the weather challenge.

So, I mean, they'll depart Belfast

and the race will commence on the Monday morning off Portrush.

They'll head up through the Outer Hebrides and through the Minches,

and then out into the open Atlantic.

Depending on the weather conditions,

they may choose to go north of the Shetlands

or they may choose to go through the Fair Isle channel.

If the weather conditions aren't favourable,

yeah, it's a challenging stretch of water.

You wouldn't bring one of these on a boat, as it's said to tempt fate.

Nor would you do this,

as it's said to bring thunder.

Superstitious or not, Norway is a long way

and whether it's throwing a coin into the sea

as a toll to Neptune

or hoping Freyr, the Norse weather god, is on your side,

all sailors really want is good weather.

There are only two ships in the world that are designed

to let able-bodied and physically disabled people sail together.

The Lord Nelson is one of these magnificent ships.

It has been adapted to suit the specific needs

of the people it helps to train,

from aids for those affected by a visual or hearing loss

and access to all decks, rigging and equipment

for those less able-bodied people.

One of the inspirational stories on this particular journey

is that of Bill Foster.

The first time I actually sailed with the Lord Nelson, I came off it.

I reckoned I could fly without wings!

HE LAUGHS

I keep trying to encourage people

that there's virtually nothing that blind people can't do.

And because I'm always sort of encouraging them to do things,

I feel I have to go that wee bit further and say,

"Yes, it can be done - look at me!"

You become part of the crew. You do what everybody else does.

The whole thing about it, it doesn't matter what disability you have,

everybody is encouraged to join in to the maximal of your ability.

Sometimes even to go beyond what you think is your limit.

And they say, "A wee bit more, a wee bit more." You know?

"And you're there." You know?

But you have a particular challenge

that you want to make this afternoon. Tell me about that.

Yes, I've climbed up as far as what they call the fighting top,

that's that first platform up there,

and I've gone out on the yard, and I thought myself,

"I would like to get to the very top."

HE CHUCKLES

-So...

-Wow.

It's somewhere about 120, 130 feet up there.

I'm actually getting butterflies in my stomach just sitting here.

I'm sure looking forward to it.

The ship is designed so there is no physical impediment to the crew.

And the man who helms the Lord Nelson is captain Darran Naggs.

What do you enjoy most about being captain of this ship?

I think it's watching the crew come together.

It's when they come aboard and they start to settle in

and they meet, they start to integrate with each other

and they start to learn a bit about the ship,

and they become part of our crew. Not just...

They're not passengers. We don't have passengers onboard here.

They're part of our crew, and they take part in everything.

So navigation, cleaning, maintenance.

And socialising, of course.

So seeing them all come together and become a large family,

that's what I really enjoy seeing and it happens every single trip.

CHEERING AND APPLAUSE

For some, this is a life highlight. For others, it's a life changer.

But one thing I know for certain -

this is a pretty inspirational place to be.

SINGING IN SPANISH

SAMBA MUSIC STARTS

Well, the party's in full swing here onboard the Guayas.

Don't worry, I'm not going to dance!

-For you.

-Thank you very much.

Thank you very much. It really has been an unforgettable week.

Claire, you've been out and about. What's been the best bit?

I have to say, being out on the water

on the Lord Nelson was amazing.

There was inspirational crew, they were just fantastic.

But also being down below deck here in the galley, cooking with David.

Well, if you can call it cooking! All fabulous.

The whole thing has been wonderful.

It's going to be sad when they go, isn't it?

And thank you, Barra, for keeping us dry today.

But you have spent most of the week wet.

I have indeed! I'm glad the weather has stayed fine and warm.

I got a little bit of sunburn.

But, yes, my favourite one was the training underneath the water.

It was cold hoses, but it was great craic. Absolutely brilliant.

Well, we've all got amazing memories but I have to say huge thank you

to our wonderful host, Captain Zumarraga, and all of his crew.

What a spectacular four days it's been as the ships prepare to leave

and make their way to the start of the Tall Ships Race tomorrow.

We wish them fair winds

and hope that they take with them many happy memories of Belfast 2015.

-So, from all of us here, it's goodbye.

-Cheers.

SINGING IN SPANISH

ENGINES RUSH

APPLAUSE

GENTLE MUSIC PLAYS