Tales of ocean yoyages and the romance of coastal passages have been captivating people for hundreds of years.
This Coast Writer has had her own fair share of real blue water sailing and oceanic adventures (but that’s another blog). On September 15th, 2013 visitors to Point Nepean National Park will be treated to spectacular and uninterrupted views of tall ships passing through the Rip.
When you’re viewing Tall Ships in all their glory, Point Nepean National Park offers the best seats in the house.
For landlubbers keen to enjoy free views, Point Nepean National Park will open its gates to free car entry from 8am to 5pm, with visitors encouraged to head to the Parade ground, Fort Nepean, the newly opened Monash Light or along the Bay Beach walk for the best views and photography spots.
The historical vessels and replica tall ships are in Melbourne for the International Tall Ships festival (6 – 14th September 2013) with vessels sailing around the bay and weighing anchor in Melbourne, and the peninsula.
While Melbourne will play host to such impressive tall ships as the Lord Nelson, the Enterprize, the Europa, the Oosterschelde, the Soren Larsen, Windeward Bound and the Young Endeavour, the peninsula offers up the spectacular sailing action, memorable views and great photographic moments.
There’s something about sea voyages and historic ships which inspires everyone to stop and watch.
Point Nepean’s rugged beauty and historic connections with sea voyages just adds to that romance of stepping back in time, watching tall ships pass through the heads, sailing into trade winds and out into the wide blue ocean.
On Friday 6th September, the Lord Nelson and Dutch ships have been scheduled to sail through the Rip at around 9am and the Dewaruci on Sunday or Monday 9 Sept.
On Sunday 15th of September ships will form a departure Parade of Sail from their Capel Sound anchorage off Rye before sailing through the Rip early on Sunday 15 Sept.
With weather, tidal schedules and other factors influencing the times, keen tall ship spotters are encouraged to visit the website http://tallshipsvictoria.org/ for detailed updates of dates and times or follow the links on www.parkweb.vic.gov.au
And keep an eye out for me, waving a spotty hankie amongst the crowds from the forts at Pt Nepean.