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T200: Fleet Review a Truly International Event

Published Tuesday 28th June 2005

Japanese destroyer Yuugiri at the International Fleet Review, 28 June 2005

The Russian Navy's destroyer Admiral Levchenko at the International Fleet Review, 28 June 2005

South Korean Destroyer Choong Moo Gong Yi Sun Shinat the International Fleet Review, 28 June 2005

As Trafalgar 200, the special programme of maritime events being staged to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar, got underway in Portsmouth with the International Fleet Review, the city has been celebrating its involvement in what is a truly international event.

With more than 150,000 spectators expected from locations as far flung as Hong Kong, the USA and Europe, as well as 36 nations taking part in the Review itself, the people of Portsmouth are looking forward to a great week.

For Portsmouth itself, the Trafalgar 200 programme provides an opportunity to illustrate the remarkable military heritage of the city.

The International Fleet Review will be followed by the Son et Lumiere, featuring an illustration of a 19th Century battle. Then the International Drumhead Ceremony takes centre stage. The ceremony is an opportunity to remember those who served or gave their lives during British maritime conflicts. The week continues with the International Festival of the Sea, a four-day spectacular of all things maritime.

Commander Pam Healy, spokeswoman for the Royal Navy, described what all of this means to the people of Great Britain:

"The television coverage of this event has gone worldwide. With 36 nations taking part and 50 Chiefs of Naval Staff, it really does represent the international maritime community showing their respect for the Royal Navy and for Admiral Lord Nelson."

Commander Healy is in no doubt as to the importance of this week’s event:

"With 92 percent of our trade coming by sea it’s important that we have a capable, flexible and well trained navy who can deploy worldwide to protect UK interests."

It is too early to say what this year’s festivities mean to Portsmouth in financial terms. However in 2001, the International Festival of the Sea generated over £6.4 million in additional revenue for the city. No doubt the people of Portsmouth will be hoping to exceed that figure at the end of what they hope will be another successful week.

Vital Statistics:

The following vessels took part in the Review:

67 UK warships and Auxiliaries
43 Foreign warships
15 Foreign Government Yachts
29 Civilian Tall Ships
30 Merchant or Private vessels

The smallest vessel is expected to be a three-foot, one man coracle, weighing around 20kg
Six nuclear powered vessels were in attendance
The largest tall ship present is the Russian vessel Mir at 109m in length
There will be 25,000-30,000 sailors in the anchorage
The scale of the Review is so vast it required 50 Admiralty Pilots to marshal ships into position and ensure they remain there

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