Speaking to someone local , they said the pilot went out to meet them in a Sea cadet rib as they were worried that transferring the pilot from the pilot boat might damage the boat, that's why the rib was following at first I thought it was towing a dingy, I was down there I think you went past us Starakita with those lovely hounds.
A bit disappointed no rowing or sail up sailing along in it's full glory. It will be in West Float for 3 weeks and there mabe opportunities for this to occur. Possibly to go onboard?
I was going to the tip today and thought I'd take a look. It's currently berthed at the Liverpool Victoria Rowing Club just by the roundabout leading to the tip before you get to the Penny Bridge. They are working on the new mast at the moment and you can't go on it yet but are allowed near to it but held back by barriers. The are hoping that it will be open to the public to go on after this Saturday.
I went for a look around this morning - dodging flying ants! - and she was very impressive close up.
If you want to go on board for a guided tour, you have to email the club to book - costs £5. Details are on their website. Mast is due to be fitted on 28th, and there should be some rowing on the West Float on Sunday afternoon. I don't think you can watch from within the club grounds, so other viewpoints would need to be found. Again, the club website is the place to check for updates.
We have been delighted to host the visit of the Draken Harald Hårfagre. It's been quite an event for the Club and all involved. Alas, the ship must now depart and arrangements for this are detailed below, though please keep logging onto our webpages for any further updates. The Draken Harald Hårfagre longship will depart from the Liverpool Victoria Rowing Club on Lewis Quay at approx 1400 hours, Sunday 3rd August and travel down through the West and East Floats arriving at Alfred Dock at approx 1600. It will then enter the river at approx 1630 hours where, if the weather allows, Captain Bjorn Ahlander and the crew will raise the 260 square metres of India silk sail. The ship will then travel down river to the Tranmere Oil Terminal then cross over to the Liverpool side of the river and, if the weather allows, she will stop at a point that will create a photo opportunity of a life time in front of the Three Graces. There should also be a cruise liner moored at the Liverpool cruise terminal that afternoon to add to the scene.
We are hoping for great weather and suggest that the very best views can be enjoyed from the promenade areas close to the Woodside or Seacombe Ferry terminals, and then from New Brighton, to witness the departure of this remarkable longship and its crew as they depart Merseyside and start their sea voyage back home to Norway.
That means I might actually get back to see her on the river under sail! They reckon she'll leave the dock system and enter the river around 5.30. That's me heading for Egremont ferry, or possibly Fort Perch Rock - fingers crossed I get there in time.
