Launch of Tall Ships Hobart 2013 Tue 23 October 2012 Rebecca WhiteMember for Lyons Download hi-res version Hobart's waterfront is set to take part in a piece of naval history next year as part of the Royal Australian Navy's (RAN) 100th anniversary celebrations. Tall Ships Hobart 2013 will be held on the Hobart waterfront over four days in September next year, coinciding with the arrival of visiting tall ships and warships. The Labor Member for Lyons, Rebecca White, said the event was an exciting opportunity to celebrate the state's maritime history, as well as encourage people to visit Hobart. "The International Fleet Review in Sydney is an important event to mark the 100th anniversary of the first entry of the RAN into Sydney Harbour in 1913, and many of the tall ships and warships taking part will visit Hobart in September next year when they're on their way to Sydney," she said. "Tall Ships Hobart 2013 will be an opportunity to welcome those tall ships into Hobart, to celebrate our rich maritime heritage and appreciate the contribution that the maritime industry still makes to our economy today." Ms White said the Australian Wooden Boat Festival would coordinate a range of shore-based activities including displays and food in Princes Wharf No 1, as well as nautically-themed entertainment on Parliament House lawns. "We have a strong connection to our maritime history, and similar events have drawn a significant number of visitors from interstate," she said. "Tall Ships Australia was held in 1998, attracting around 200,000 visitors - including more than 6,000 from interstate and overseas. "This event will give us another opportunity to welcome tall ships into our harbour and give people another fantastic reason to visit our state, which has the potential to provide further benefits to our local economy." Ms White said the Tasmanian Government had contributed $350,000 to the event. Further details of the Royal Australian Navy's International Fleet Review event are available at www.sailtrainingaustralia.com While not all countries have responded to the RAN's invitation and there may be future changes, the participation of the following vessels can be regarded as confirmed: James Craig Young Endeavour HM Bark Endeavour Enterprise Lord Nelson (UK) Tecla (Netherlands) Oosterschelde (Netherlands) Europa (Netherlands) Spirit of New Zealand (NZ) Soren Larsen Lady Nelson (Tasmania) Windeward Bound (Tasmania)
