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T200: Maritime 'spectacular' draws the crowds

Published Tuesday 28th June 2005

Arrival of HM The Queen at Burnaby Road Portsmouth to celebrate T200 and the Fleet Review [PO(Phot) Dee Morgan]

Spectators cheer as MV Patrica passes the rounds tower just ahead of HMS Endurance with HM the Queen onboard [PO(Phot) Dee Morgan]

A crowd estimated to be in excess of 150,000 is believed to have been present to witness the 2005 International Fleet Review that took place in the Solent.

Spectators lined the waterfront to watch Her Majesty the Queen view the fleet, which included more than 170 vessels from 36 countries. Visitors travelled from as far away as the USA, Hong Kong and Europe to witness the Review, the first in the UK since 1977.

Treated to beautiful weather for most of the day, the crowd enjoyed picnics and ice creams as they basked in the sun. The weather did change as the afternoon wore on but many spectators were glad of the respite from the fierce sun.

For those who were not watching the maritime events taking place out on the Solent there was plenty of alternative entertainment, including a funfair, to keep them occupied.

Jim Edgar, 67, a retired marine engineer from Johnstone in Renfrewshire, and wife Isobel, 62, were in Portsmouth to witness the historic programme of events. Jim said:

"I sailed on the very last troop ship to carry soldiers, the HMTS Oxfordshire. This is wonderful and we're really impressed because we’ve never been to anything like this before."

Derek and Doreen Brewer, from Staines in Middlesex, are holidaying on the Hampshire coast. They decided they just couldn’t miss out on the Review:

"It's got to be good for everyone here to see this. After all heritage and pageant mean a lot," said Derek.

Doreen, who was also looking forward to seeing the flying display by the Red Arrows, added:

"It's really important that we celebrate our history in this way."

A number of flypasts involving aircraft with maritime connections also took place to satisfy spectators such as Doreen with an aviation interest.

So as the series of maritime activities got off to a spectacular start, those present will be looking forward to more of the same as the week progresses.

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