Comments (Newest First):

 

Post 6372

  Sea News, Dover

The Spirit of Discovery.

Have managed to conjure up another long range approach shot of the Spirit of Discovery...there it is above. It was taken at a similar moment to the previous one in post 6366... You can see the choppy conditions once more as the fab ship approaches. This time its the pilot boat in the foreground.

To break with tradition I will re-show the other picture from 6366 here again as well ...
so that all can see the two pix together at a glance..
....yes here we are again below.. with the press-carrying Portia in the foreground …


The Spirit of Discovery .. long range.

Are there more light poles than there used to be...sheeesh!


Mike mentions he was on Wetwheels Southeast for the big arrival of the Spirit of Discovery. These pictures below were taken just one day before when Wetwheels was I believe taking some youngsters for an exciting trip around the harbour. And of course Mike was onboard the following day for the new Spirit arrival.



Another fascinating post from Mike below - so don't miss that one!
Great angles on the pictures below there with lots of info.

Glad you were down here Vic getting a great view of all the happenings at the arrival of the Spirit of Discovery. Well done Vic and as ever thanks again..

PaulB
ps: Pacific Princess is in with us today and of course the Spirit of Discovery is still here.

Sunday, 30 June 2019 - 06:30

 

Post 6371

  Mike J., Dover

SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY from on high.

Firstly during her short stay on WD4 after arrival on Friday.



Saturday morning on Cruise-1 [WD1] from St.Martin’s Battery & the usefully wider angle from the Drop Redoubt footpath.




In post 6367 Paul was wondering which boat I was aboard for the arrival pix.
I was on the WETWHEELS SOUTHEAST [post 5315] which is the white vessel in the last-but-one photo in Paul’s post.
The other vessels are press boat PORTIA [blue] & the yellow launch is GEORGE HAMMOND & of course CITY OF LONDON 2.


Crossing the new cut between Wellington Dock & the new marina Saturday morning I noticed that the cofferdam at the Wellington end of the new cut has been removed & only a string of barely visible buoys [on my photo anyway] prevents an over-enthusiastic yachtsman trying for the first transit.







Sunday, 30 June 2019 - 01:57

 

Post 6370

  matcham, Dover

yes I was down on the pier head when she came in, great ship and Dover was ready for her even that it was cold and a wind blowing very hard it blow off the press trypot which they were using,but all in all and very good turn out with the public waving both on the pier and the ship also cars up on the west cliffs.some great photos out on this page thank you.

Saturday, 29 June 2019 - 06:25

 

Post 6369

  Sea News, Dover

The Spirit of Discovery...once more..
This time as she manoeuvres into position for her arrival at the new pier ( WD4).






That's the last of the shots from yours truly for now.
The fifth picture was taken on a different camera to the four pix above it.. different colour balance.
Note to self: adjustment needed on top one.

Great to see the pictures from Mike below... Cracking shots DONT MISS THOSE!
Mike was out there as you can see on one of those boats snapping away in great style. I believe he was on one of the boats featured in the pictures above there.
A very exciting day all round.

PaulB

Saturday, 29 June 2019 - 06:01

 

Post 6368

  Mike J., Dover

More on the SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY arrival, this time from sea-level.

The original plan of meeting her ‘outside’ & following her in thru the Eastern Entrance was deemed unsafe due to the wind & lumpy waves outside so the ‘mosquito fleet’ massed just inside & north of the entrance.

Unexpectedly the lifeboat remained inside as well, whilst only a few press vessels were ‘outside’ with the blue-hulled cat PORTIA flying some drones as the pilot boarded in Paul’s first post 6366.

Interesting that drones seem now to be taking the place of the press helicopters that used to attend such events.

There was a certain amount of obstruction as vessels manouevered to get the best angles but the arrival was impressive, even despite the obstructions.




Heading across the bay & preparing to swing before berthing on WD4.






After the unexpected docking on WD4. the first commercial vessel to do so other than DWDR dredgers & stone-unloaders, which seemed for the benefit of the press, the SPIRIT made her way round the end of what remains of the Prince of Wales pier to Cruise-1 where we’d noted preparations going on with a big marquee under construction & if rumours are to be believed real grass & trees will soon be installed.

Seems a little over the top, but who are us mere mortals to tell the PR people how to do their job ?

There was good coverage, with some slightly dodgy descriptions, like WD4 being a cruise terminal, on the Meridian TV local news at 1800, but no mention at all on the BBC Southeast news 30 minutes later.


Saturday, 29 June 2019 - 01:23

 

Post 6367

  Sea News, Dover

The Spirit of Discovery.
Here we are with some more pictures. That special moment of arrival in the Port of Dover for the SAGA ship. She was scheduled to arrive at 07.45...well what time did she arrive?...yes right on the button.. 07.45
Yes here she comes...to the left foreground you can see the flotilla of small boats waiting to get in behind her as she comes across the harbour. Great stuff!

We sent up a Bluebird to greet her...well of course ..what else??

In port now and the small boats gather behind.

All the while the tugs sprayed merrily in a spectacular greeting, while in the distance the daily routine goes on..

The Spirit of Discovery.
We will have more pictures...we have shots of her docking at the new pier.
NOTE: at around quarter to 1PM she moved from there over to Cruise Terminal One. Terrific visuals from the 'observation tower' when the ship lingered at the new pier...a nice future prospect. I was so close I felt I was having cucumber sandwiches with the Duchess.

See also the early picture in the post below from distance.

PaulB

Friday, 28 June 2019 - 15:22

 

Post 6366

  Sea News, Dover

The Spirit of Discovery


The long range picture above shows the all new and fab cruise ship Spirit of Discovery approaching Dover this morning through the haze at 07.25am approx...we will have much more in due course. She has very excitingly docked on the new DWDR pier..not at the standard cruise terminals.

HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall will perform the naming ceremony later.

Friday, 28 June 2019 - 08:25

 

Post 6365

  Sea News, Dover

As promised here we are with pictures of Eastern Bay departing on Monday....she was off to Vlissingen if one remembers correctly off top of head. Looking at the pictures you would be forgiven for thinking it was a winters day, it all looks very novemberish and gloomy but no it was actually Monday in not-so-flaming june...its flaming elsewhere..we hear of 40 degrees across the channel...


But back to Eastern Bay, and here she is...


Close crop of the one above...

Eastern Bay.

Both tugs giving able assistance above there.

Many thanks for the info below there Patrick. Have copied and pasted...
its all happening in the morning 07.45 approx...and indeed earlier, will make sure camera battery charged.

PaulB

Thursday, 27 June 2019 - 06:03

 

Post 6364

  Patrick, Marine Parade

further to Mike J post at #6362 regarding Saga's 'SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY' arrival on Friday next, DHB have posted the following 'Notice To Mariners 37/19' of interest to any followers of the new vessel and its itinerary/welcome to Dover Flotilla:

https://www.doverport.co.uk/administrator/tinymce/source/Notices%20to%20Mariners/37-19-SM-Saga%20%E2%80%9CSpirit%20of%20Discovery%E2%80%9D%20Arrival%20Flotilla.pdf

Wednesday, 26 June 2019 - 22:13

 

Post 6363

  Sea News, Dover

The DFDS ferry DOVER SEAWAYS



DFDS offers 25% off for motorcyclists this summer and beyond
___________________________________________________

Award-winning ferry operator DFDS is offering motorcyclists 25% off sailings from Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk.

With thousands of miles of amazing roads to explore, through some of the most diverse and striking landscapes in Europe, the motorcycling holidaymaker is spoilt for choice. With 54 sailings a day to choose from, bikers can set sail and ride away, visiting some of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations at their own pace, the perfect way to experience a road trip.

This special deal means crossings on these routes to France start from £18.75* each way for a motorbike and 2 people.

On board, passengers can enjoy a freshly made meal with great quality ingredients in one of the restaurants and cafés or perhaps a spot of retail therapy in the on board shop.

Or for a touch of luxury, passengers can enjoy some relaxation time in the Premium Lounge, available for an extra £12 per person with complimentary hot and cold drinks, pastries, fresh fruit, newspapers and even a glass of prosecco.

To book please visit dfds.co.uk

*booking period is 24th June 2019 to 30th June 2019 for travel between 24th June and 18th December 2019.

-Ends-

Many thanks to the team at DFDS for the above info. Book straight away.
Have added some throbbing thrilling pix of thundering machinery
The top motorbike was yours truly's a few years back...
while below we have recent seafront visitors.


* *

Just caught the tail end of events here...on a gorgeous evening the Lombok Strait heads for Bridgetown in Barbados. Long oul haul but they have a nice evening for it (Saturday). "We're bound for Valparaiso round the Horn"..well not quite but...

Lombok Strait on her way to Bridgetown...

Since then Eastern Bay has been in with us - have some pictures of that one too. Up next...

Well done Mike below - Hugely enjoyable collection/info below there from our 'inshore correspondent'

PaulB



Wednesday, 26 June 2019 - 06:05

 

Post 6362

  Mike J., Dover

RIB activity in the Tidal Basin Tuesday afternoon.

DOVER EXPLORER heads out with a couple of RIB-loads of desperadoes & SPEEDWELL shifts from the Crosswall pontoon to her usual berth.







In my previous post I mentioned the arrival of the SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY on Friday & likely increased security.
These notices have appeared at the entrance to the Admiralty Pier & nearby.



Hope that nobody puts any money in the hungry parking machines before reading the notices . . . .


Tuesday, 25 June 2019 - 22:06

 

Post 6361

  Mike J., Dover

More angles on the CELEBRITY REFLECTION, a vessel well-covered by 'Sea News' !





Further to Patrick's remarks about the SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY, she is in fact due to arrive in Dover on Friday & remain in port until she sails on her first cruise on 10th.July.

Its not known whether she will remain alongside for the whole period or perhaps go out on little 'demonstRation trips'

One thing is certain, there will be massive security in the Western Docks when the Royal couple are in the area.

At 1600 Tuesday AIS showed the SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY stationary [probably anchored] just off Heligoland having come downriver from Emden, with her next destination showing as Ijmuiden.

Tuesday, 25 June 2019 - 15:59

 

Post 6360

  Sea News, Dover

Brilliance of the Seas





Yes the magnificent ship Brilliance of the Seas was here with us on Sunday and there we are with a selection of shots above....they are a tad misty murky unfortunately. She was on her way back to Amsterdam after a 12 day Celtic round trip from there...taking in Lerwick Invergordon Belfast Dublin Holyhead Cork/Cobh Dover....

EXTRA: Just while yours truly was uploading those pictures above...I remembered pictures of the pilot boat at the bow in the very same way last year...yours truly thought there was some crises with a man appearing to be outside the rail of the ship above the pilot boat...we had a discussion about it, anyway here is that picture again below.



Nice collection below Patrick

PaulB

Tuesday, 25 June 2019 - 07:04

 

Post 6359

  Patrick, Marine Parade

A few more shots of the impressive cruise liners that have graced our Port in the last few days

On 21st June the 'CELEBRITY REFLECTION'

The newest of the 'Celebrity' 5 fleet launched in 2012 with a length of 319 metres (over 3 football pitches) with 15 decks. Can accommodate over 3,000 passengers, has 1,523 cabins and a crew of 1,246

Here alongside in Port and dwarfing the new and old - The Prince of Wales Pier Lighthouse and the defunct cafe building, and extreme bottom right - the new marina pier end shelter


On 23rd June another vast tower block of a liner - Royal Caribbean's 'BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS'
Launched 2002. Up to 2,500 passengers with a crew of 848. Measuring 292 metres with 12 decks



And on Friday 5th July we look forward to seeing a new Saga Ship - the 'SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY' official naming by the Duchess of Cornwall with inaugural 13 night round Britain cruise on her maiden voyage starting from Dover on 10th July.




Monday, 24 June 2019 - 23:09

 

Post 6358

  Sea News, Dover

2019 Dover Marina Open Day returns for the whole weekend
________________________________________________

With taster sessions, life jacket checks, a free flare amnesty and many more activities, the Open Day is back bigger than ever on 6th and 7th July from 10am until 4pm.

As well as hosting a fantastic group of exhibitors (below), the Port will be showcasing its brand new Marina, due to open next year as a key part of the £250 million Dover Western Docks redevelopment. So come along and meet the marina team for first-hand information and advice.

Chris Windsor, Marina Manager at the Port of Dover says:

"We are really proud of our excellent facilities and location, which make Dover one of the best known marinas on the South Coast. With our brand new site due to open next year, and more exhibitors attending than ever before, we are really looking forward to showcasing our superb services to our existing and new boating fans."

Exhibitors include:
_________________

DOVER RNLI will be carrying out life jacket checks, or you can go for a tour and have a chat with the crew.

Clarke & Carter - speak to the largest yacht broker on the Kent Coast, whose new offices will be opening in Dover next year.

Ramora UK - disposal of old flares and marine pyrotechnics.

Cruising Association Kent – meet the largest organisation for cruising
sailors and motor cruising enthusiasts.

Viking Maritime Skills Academy - the leading cruise ship and superyacht crew management specialists, offering career opportunities and training.

Boat-Shift Marine Transport - an established specialist boat and yacht haulage firm based locally, near Folkestone.

UK Border Force will be on hand with free giveaways and marine information.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service talk fire safety and offer equipment testing.

Dover and Deal Sea Cadets - children can gain boating and other qualifications including first aid and catering.

Wetwheels/Dover Seasports Centre - Wetwheels boats improve the quality of life and equality of opportunity for all disabled people.

Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club - a premium yacht club on the South coast of England.

Plus local refreshments!

ENDS

Many thanks to the team at the Port of Dover for the info above....

* *

'ANNY' under way in the wild tough rough conditions late last week...
pictures show her just outside the western exit and feeling the breeze.


See also Patricks shots further below 6353.

We will have pictures of Brilliance of the Seas following along in due course.

PaulB



Monday, 24 June 2019 - 06:50

 

Post 6357

  Sea News, Dover

Some more pictures of the Celebrity Reflection now to accompany the latest one currently showing at top of page. It shows the ship leaving us for Le Havre on Friday evening at 7.35pm approx (19.35). As you can see ..'twas on a gorgeous evening too...



The pic below was taken earlier in the day on a different camera showing slightly different colours...this pic taken in an effort to show the sheer scale of the ship as it dwarfs all around it. Hopefully it does...
Celebrity Reflection.

Yes its certainly big Phil. Just as light faded last evening saw an even bigger one... the Queen Mary passing us by here in Dover, all 150,000 tons (almost) of her. It was just too murky to get a picture of that one this time...


PaulB

Another magnificent cruise ship in today...Brilliance of the Seas...

Sunday, 23 June 2019 - 06:09

 

Post 6356

  Phil C, Dover

How can cruise ships that tall truly be stable? Always look like disasters waiting to happen to me

Saturday, 22 June 2019 - 19:47

 

Post 6355

  Sea News, Dover

And now...the magnificent stunner...Celebrity REFLECTION
as she arrives with us here in Dover yesterday morning Friday. Time of first pic 05.56








Dover was on the itinerary of a cruise that began in Dublin and went on to other Irish destinations Belfast and Cork/Cobh plus...
She left us for Le Havre last evening and will eventually finish in Amsterdam.
A hugely impressive ship...and of course very big. Approx 320 metres long and weighing in at 125,000 tons plus.
We will have more pictures of her in due course.

PaulB

Nice collection of wild pictures below Patrick... I got a couple of that one too...will follow along in due course.

Saturday, 22 June 2019 - 07:00

 

Post 6354

  Patrick, Marine Parade

That of course should be 28m yacht 'ANNY' not 48m. The digits aren't quite what they used to be .....oops!

Friday, 21 June 2019 - 16:57

 

Post 6353

  Patrick, Marine Parade

A bit of a bumpy ride for the 48m yacht 'ANNY' as she departed yesterday where there was considerable swell beyond the confines of the outer harbour

Out through West



Back through East about an hour later






Friday, 21 June 2019 - 16:53