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Highland 2007 –
Flotilla 23rd – 29th June 07
Wick To Portsoy
10 July 07
58 Degrees North T Shirt Putting Wick On The Nautical Map Once Agsin
 A
stylish "T" Shirt was designed for the recent Wick Harbourfest.
The design features a stylised sailing ship with the words "580
North" Wick, and the nautical flags for the letters WICK. A few of
the remaining stock have been placed for sale in the Blytheswood shop in
High Street, Wick at a price of £9.99.
10 July 07
New Pontoons At Wick Harbour Are A Big Hit
 Already
it looks as if the pontoons are looking to expand and it is great that
the expansion to a new marina will be in the main harbour in 2008.
The recent harbourfest show the possibilities and the yachting folk have
not been slow in taking up the berths.
Wick Harbourfest
- The Day Wick Harbour Came Back To Life - Photos
Remember to click "View full size" if you want to se a larger image in the
galleries
20
June 07
HarbourFest Traffic Arrangements
Wick HarbourFest is expected to draw a record number of visitors to
the Wick harbour area and the organisers have announced plans to cater for
the traffic generated by the event.
The whole of the harbour
front, from the mini roundabout at Martha Terrace to the top of the Long
Shore Road junction with Bexley Terrace, will be closed to traffic during
HarbourFest Saturday. In order to maintain access for emergency vehicles,
there will also be parking restrictions throughout Lower Pulteneytown.
Two temporary car parks
will be bought into use – at the Bignold Park and The Glebe in order to
intercept HarbourFest traffic approaching Wick from the South and North
respectively. The car parks will be well signposted on approach roads to
Wick and police and HarbourFest marshals will be in attendance to direct
traffic to the car parks. Further marshals will ensure orderly parking to
maximise capacity of the car parks. The organisers have decided against
Park and Ride buses since both car parks are within easy walking distance
of the harbour.
Blue Badge parking for
the disabled will be located in the car parks of the Wick Medical Centre
and Wick Swimming Pool and marshals will be available to direct cars.
A free mini bus shuttle service will operate from the car park to and from
the harbour front.
The spectacular flotilla
departure on Sunday morning is also expected to attract a large attendance
and the harbour front will again be closed to traffic with both temporary
car parks in use. In addition, the road to the Trinkie swimming pool will
be closed to traffic to ensure the safety of pedestrians wishing to
photograph the flotilla as it sails past the South Head.
HarbourFest organiser,
David Richard-Jones said, “I would appeal to all Wick residents to walk,
wherever possible, to the harbour rather than attempt to park near the
harbour, since all roads must be kept clear for emergency access. In
addition, Caithness General Hospital staff have stressed that their car
park will only be available to medical personnel and hospital visitors.
Please help to make the HarbourFest traffic flow smoothly by following the
signed routes.”
19
June 07
Road Closures for Harbourfest
The following roads will be closed
From 6.00pm to 12 Midnight on Friday 22nd June
Harbour Place for its full length
South Quay Road for its full length
Harbour Road for its full length
From 7.00am to 8.00pm on Saturday 23rd June
Martha Terrace for its full length
Harbour Quay for its full length
Harbour Place for its full length
South Quay Road for its full length
Harbour Road for its full length
From 6.00am - 6.00pm on Sunday 24th June
Wellington Avenue from its junction with Battery Road to its junction
with the U299 Trinkie road
U299 Trinkie road
Notes
Pedestrian access and access for emergency vehicles will be maintained.
Diversionary routes for people wishing to use the above roads will be in
place.
Special Car Parks will be set up in Wick and you should follow signs or
instructions on the day of your visit.
Parking on streets around the harbour is likely to be limited due to the
numbers expected.
Parking at the special car parks will help ease congestion around the
harbour area.
16
June 07
The
Programme With Final Updates
 Earlier
copies of the programme showed the sailout on Sunday at 11.30am, but we
have brought the time forward, starting at 10.00am to suit tides
and anticipated vessel numbers.
Wick
Harbourfest - Friday 22, Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 June
The
Programme With Final Updates - Boats To Sail Out Earlier Due To Tides and
Numbers
Earlier
copies of the programme showed the sailout on Sunday at 11.30am, but the
time has been brought forward, starting at 10.00am to suit tides
and anticipated vessel numbers.
Friday 22nd - Boats Arriving All Day
Evening programme of quayside entertainment for public and crews.
19.30 - 22.00 • Pipe band Ceilidh in Pipe Band Hall, High Street, Wick.
20.30 - Late • Entertainment in local hostelries – see map for venues.
11.00 - 17.00 • Wick Artist's Exhibition 11.00am daily till 25 June -
Assembly Rooms,
The Big Day Is Saturday 23rd
Heritage boats open for visitors - market stalls open for trade
Official HarbourFest'07 Opening – Miss Anne Dunnett, Lord-Lieutenant of
Caithness with Wick RBLS Pipe Band and Sea Cadets in attendance
Full entertainment programme compered by Eric Farquhar with supporting
maritime and fishing heritage displays and demonstrations
Wick Lifeboat Day and Air-Sea rescue helicopter display
Real cooperage demonstrations – see a barrel being made from the raw wood
Practical blacksmith and ironworking demonstrations – hear the ring of the
anvil!
Film shows of the Caithness Herring Days in the Herring Mart, courtesy of
Wick Heritage Society
Market stalls – local produce, handicrafts, art and crafts, etc etc
Day long refreshments and catering in the Old Fish Mart
Braehead Children's Funfair – train ride, bouncy castle, donkey rides &
funfair
Wick Primary Schools: Knotted Rope Art Exhibition
Saturday Night - Wick Goes For Entertainment All Round The Town
Harbour Fest Ceilidh in Wick Assembly Rooms – local bands with a
Highland theme.
Licensed bar - tickets £5 at door. Enjoy genuine Highland Hospitality!
Themed entertainment in local hostelries – see Full Programme for details.
Local Bands To Play At
Harbourfest Ceilidh On Saturday 23nd June
A mix of modern and ceildh music will resound around the Wick Assembly
Rooms to celebrate the boats and crews in Wick Harbour. Tickets are
£5 and a late bar has been organised.
Sunday 24th June
Blessing the Fleet at 9.30am
Boat Begin to Leave at 10.00am
Harbourfest
Wick Harbour
Authority
Pontoons Ready At Wick Harbour For Next Weekends Harbourfest
Many of the old sailing boats arriving at Wick Harbour next weekend will
be tied up at the new pontoons just installed. The
Harbourfest will bring in one of the biggest events in
not only wick but in the north of Scotland this year. Starting on
Friday 22nd and running until the boats all sail out on Sunday afternoon
Wick will become busier than it has ever been in the past 50 years.
The harbour area will be packed with stalls , events, music, vintage
vehicles and much more. the whole harbour has been tidies up in
preparation for the arrival of the fleet of old yachts and a large
number of modern yachts who intend to sail with them all the way to
Portsoy over the following week calling at harbours all along the way
starting with Lybster.
26
May 07
Lybster Programme For Flotilla 24th & 25th June
Lybster is getting ready for what will be the biggest invasion
of boats seen at the harbour since the days of the Herring. The
flotilla leaves Wick and is expected to arrive about 1.30pm. A full
programme of events for the day has been organised with music in the
village hall and a buffet. Parking
will be restricted with a bus service to and from the harbour if you
cannot walk down the hill. Every facility will be open and in use from the
village hall, bowling club hall, Waterlines visitor centre and the
Portland Arms Hotel.
Caithness Junior Pipe band will greet the boats arrival and there will
be a running commentary about the boats as they arrive.
the boats leave Lybster on Monday 25th at 11.00am to head for Helmsdale.
26
May 07
Vintage Longhope Lifeboat To Arrive At Wick Harbourfest
 The vintage
Longhope lifeboat Thomas McCunn will sail from Lonhope, Orkney and be on
display at the Wick Harbour fest on Saturday 23rd June. The Thomas
McCunn is a Watson-class lifeboat and was built in 1932. She was at
Longhope as the lifeboat from 1933 - 1962 and was launched 101 times and
saved 304 lives. The boat will be open for the public to go onboard
to see what conditions were like.
23
May 07
STEWARDS AND MARSHALLS REQUIRED
Arrangements for the Wick HarbourFest are well in hand and the
organisers are anticipating a massive turnout. In order to manage the
large number of vehicles and visitors expected at the Harbour over the
weekend, (Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June), the Wick HarbourFest’07
Committee are looking for volunteers to help with stewarding and
marshalling duties. If you are a member of an organisation which may be
able to assist in any way, or an individual wishing to help, please
contact Liz Richard-Jones (01955:603821) email
harbourfest@btopenworld.com
22
May 07
HarbourFest Stall Applications – Book your stance now
Any organisations wishing to apply for a stance at the Wick
HarbourFest’07 Market on Saturday 23 June are urged to book early since
reservations close on Friday 25 May. The HarbourFest organisers will
endeavour to ensure that all applicants are allocated a stance for their
stall but late applications may not be accommodated.
Application forms are now
available from the Wick Harbour Office, 13 Harbour Terrace Wick Telephone
01955:602030 or forms can be downloaded from the HarbourFest website
www.wickheritage.org/flotilla . Advice on completing the risk
assessment form which accompanies the application form can be obtained by
calling the HarbourFest Co-ordinator, David Richard-Jones on 01955 603821
Completed application
forms should be lodged with the HarbourFest Office, 50 High Street, Wick,
by Friday 25 May. Successful applicants will be advised by Monday 4 June.
14 May 07
HarbourFest Saturday Market – Applications now Open!
Arrangements for the HarbourFest Market to be held on Saturday, 23
June, have now been completed and the organisers have announced that
applications are being taken from organisations wishing to rent a stance
at the event.
Applicants must provide their own stalls as the harbour
do not have enough due to the likely high demand.
The application form
can be downloaded from the HarbourFest website
www.wickheritage.co.uk/flotilla . As part of the safety arrangements
for the event, applicants are required to complete a Risk Assessment for
their stall. HarbourFest Chairman, Gordon Doull, said “As part of our
commitment to a safe and successful HarbourFest, we are asking
stall-holders to complete a simple form to show that they support our
objectives. It is now a requirement for all such events. With so much
keen interest in the HarbourFest, we expect a large number of visitors,
and we can assure stall-holders of a successful day.”
The market is expected
to attract over 50 stalls, offering a wide range of local information,
products and crafts. In addition to locally based organisations, there
will be displays by the major sponsors of the Moray Firth Flotilla
including Highland 2007, Pulteneytown Distillery, the Press and Journal,
Scottish Co-op and Moray Firth Radio. The Children’s Funfair on the
Breahead will also have stalls offering something special for the
youngsters to ensure they have a day to remember.
Demand for space at
the market is expected to be intense. Completed application forms should
be lodged with the HarbourFest Office, 50 High Street, Wick, by Friday 25
May. Successful applicants will be advised by Monday 4 June. The
organisers are keen to encourage as wide a range of stalls as possible and
applications showing innovation and originality will be given preference
when allocating stances.
For further information please contact
David Richard-Jones
HarbourFest Co-ordinator
01955 603821
17
April 07
Lybster Prepares To Feed 400 Crew and Passengers A Flotilla Grows
Several events are planned for the flotilla in Wick
on Saturday 23rd June. A church service has been arranged on
the Sunday morning of the 24th before the flotilla departs at
approximately 10.00am. On its journey the fleet will pass and sometimes
call in at a succession of beautiful villages with names recalling their
historic origins, Lybster, Helmsdale, Cromarty, Lossiemouth Findochty and
Cullen. The ports offering harbour to the flotilla will make the visit a
celebration. Ceilidhs bringing music, dance and storytelling will give
communities a chance to participate in the event with genuine local input.
The sail lasting a week, will attract large numbers of sightseers but,
more lastingly, will make a positive contribution to the already growing
interest in the Moray Firth and its seagoing traditions.
The fleet will be arriving in
Lybster on Sunday afternoon 24th June 2007 at approximately
2.00pm and departing on Monday morning 25th June 2007.
We as a
community are to provide our guests, some 35 traditional boats and an
estimated 100 yachts with approximately 400 people aboard, with food and
entertainment during their visit to Lybster. There is some funding
available to support this event, Lybster Heritage Trust has received
£3250, CASE may provide further funding if required.
26 March 07
Businesses Eager To Support Growing Wick Harbourfest
Caithness businesses and organisations are eager to support the
HarbourFest weekend after they were briefed about the arrangements and
opportunities for participating in the event at a well-attended meeting in
Mackay’s Hotel at the end of February.
Malcolm Bremner, Wick Harbourmaster
revealed that entries were still being received from vessels wishing to
join the flotilla of traditional wooden boats which gathers at Wick on
Friday 22 June. He added that in addition to the flotilla of heritage
boats, there will be many other sailing craft from sailing clubs
throughout the UK accompanying the fleet as it sails from Wick to Lybster
on Sunday 24 June this year. The size of the event was growing daily and
the HarbourFest Committee is in the process of being strengthened to
manage the ever-increasing organisational workload. The meeting heard that
Wick Harbour Authority are developing plans to install pontoons for
visiting yachts in the harbour and the owners of the visiting traditional
boats have been invited to allow the public on board to view the vessels
at close hand as part of the HarbourFest celebrations.
David Richard-Jones of the HarbourFest
Committee explained the opportunities which the huge number of visitors
likely to attend the event presented to local businesses. He said that the
spectacle of perhaps 100 yachts sailing from Wick would not be repeated
and the event was fast becoming one of the major attractions within the
Highland Year of Culture 2007, with visitors expected from throughout the
Highlands. He added the event had grown from the Wick Society Boat Club
hosting a handful of traditional boats into one of the UK’s premier
sailing events of 2007. This bottom-up approach had paid off and the
organisers were now in discussions with staff from HIE Caithness &
Sutherland and the Highland Council regarding support to ensure that the
economic and social benefits of the event were maximised.
After outlining the programme for the
weekend HarbourFest event, Mr Richard-Jones said the committee were now
inviting organisations and businesses of all types to become involved in
the HarbourFest celebrations, and urged interested parties to register
their details via email
(harbourfest@btopenworld.com ) as soon as possible. Application forms
for market stalls and pitches at the harbour would shortly be available
for downloading from the HarbourFest website -
(
www.wickheritage.org/flotilla ).
23 February 07
HarbourFest‘07 Organisers invite local participation
The organisers of the Wick HarbourFest ‘07, which involves the town
celebrating the arrival of the Moray Firth Flotilla of traditional sailing
boats, are extending an invitation to all businesses and interested
parties to join in and make the event a major success for Caithness. Over
30 traditional wooden boats have registered for the Flotilla which will be
accompanied by sailing vessels from yacht clubs throughout Scotland.
Interest has also been shown from sailing clubs throughout the UK and
Europe. Entries for the Flotilla are still being received and the
organisers estimate that the total number of sailing vessels could exceed
100. Malcolm Bremner, Wick Harbourmaster, said “Visitors to the Wick
HarbourFest, which started as a small harbour event and now grown into a
large scale attraction, will see our fishing and maritime history come
alive. It will be a fabulous event, and a unique opportunity to watch a
magnificent fleet of historic craft assemble and sail from Wick to
Lybster. Plans are afoot to organise a full programme of music, dance,
craft and heritage displays for all the family. Many local groups have
volunteered, however much more help is required to ensure that this is a
memorable weekend!”
Mr Bremner added “It will also be a
wonderful opportunity of Caithness businesses to capitalise on the number
of visitors in the town and showcase its hospitality. There will be a
demand for food and accommodation. The Portsoy Traditional Boat Festival
attracted over 18,000 visitors last year, so this gives an indication of
the popularity of this type of event. Local charities and organisations
can also benefit by having quay-side stalls and items of interest for the
visitors.”
All parties, organisations and
businesses interested in learning more about the event, or wishing to
participate in the celebrations in any way, are being invited to attend a
briefing meeting at 7.00pm in Mackay’s Hotel, on Wednesday 28 February,
when the HarbourFest ’07 programme and other details of the event will be
explained.
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Earlier
copies of the programme showed the sailout on Sunday at 11.30am, but we
have brought the time forward, starting at 10.00am to suit tides
and anticipated vessel numbers.
