Tall Ships

The 2005 Festival will feature many of these spectacular vessels, following their participation in the International Fleet Review. Some will have sailed from the southern hemisphere to be present and will range from the magnificent GLORIA of Columbia to the fine square-riggers of Russia, Europe and the USA, to the trim barquentines of the Middle East and India. The UK will be well represented with no less than eight tall ships.The star of the show, HMS VICTORY will be in tip top condition for this very important anniversary.

Classic Craft and Little Ships

Over 250 classic and traditional craft, many with colourful and intriguing histories of their own, will pack into the Royal Naval Dockyard's No. 2 Basin in Portsmouth. The 2005 display brings together an exceptional collection, which will include gleaming racing and cruising yachts, fishing vessels, and much loved family boats.

International Navy on Show

With this year’s Festival following on from the International Fleet Review, a much larger representation of the World’s navies is expected to be berthed in Portsmouth Naval Base than has been the case in previous years. There will be ships from many of the Commonwealth navies, the Far East, Africa, the Americas, Eastern Europe and the Baltic Nations, mostly represented by warships of a wide range, but some navies represented by Tall Ships. Many visiting warships will be open to the public during the Festival and it will be an opportunity to meet the crews, sample national foods and make friends. Friendly international competition between crews will be encouraged on the water with dragon boat racing planned for No 3 Basin.

SeaVision UK

The SeaVision UK campaign is designed to heighten awareness of the vital role that shipping plays in our national economy. As part of this, the Chamber of Shipping will construct a fascinating display illustrating the work of the British Industry. To add an extra dimension, a range of commercial vessels will be open to the public, offering a rare insight into the realities of a working life spent at sea.

Competition and Races

As well as the bustling energy and fun of the Festival, competitions and races will take place throughout the event. Rowing races featuring gigs and traditional ship's cutters, tense mock battles with model boats and thrilling water sport displays provide compelling entertainment.