#DublinPardeofSail – The Parade of Sail on the Bank Holiday Monday, marked the end of another Dublin Port Riverfest, as the varied fleet in terms of type and age transited the East Link bridge bound for Dublin Bay, writes Jehan Ashmore.

One of the smaller tallships, the Welsh Vilma headed the Parade of Sail, following a 'Battle of the Pirate Ships' complete with 'cannon' fire which was held within the Liffey's central city quays to the delight of onlookers.

The Beaumaris registered vessel had on another occasion called to Dublin  Bay to anchor in Scotsmens Bay during the MOD70 races in 2012.

Also participating in the capital, was the smartly kept ketch of the Irish Naval Service, the sail training vessel STV Creidne, the distinctive black and white strip hull of the Pelican of London and the largest visitor, Gulden Leeuw which represented the final departure.

Some of the tallships as soon as they passed through the almost thirty year-old bridge, berthed at the Poolbeg Yacht & Boat Club.

The river berths of the marina soon saw a quartet of vessels berth in quick succession, one been the century-old Cornish based Ruth.

Should you have not seen the tallships gracing the capital quays, there's another opportunity to see the forest of masts as they call to the Irish Maritime Festival (14-15 June) along the quays of Drogheda Port.

Soteria and Vilma

'Pirate ships' in battle -Vilma and Soteria

Gulden Leeuw, the largest tall ship on the Liffey

The event likewise of the Riverfest is organised by a port authority in association with others, in this case the Drogheda Port Company. The Louth port will also welcome a non-Dublin caller, as previously reported the 110 year-old classic West Country trading ketch, Bessie Ellen to the Boyne. 

Making a debut to the second year of the festival is another classic vessel, in the form of the working hopper dredger, Hebble Sand, albeit more than half a century old herself.

 Pelican of London departs Dublin Port