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Sea Pictures from Dover.
Sailing Ships just off Dover: Europa above and De Gallant below...
We have 340 plus pages below now...use our own SEARCH ENGINE just below to help you trawl through. All pictures are the copyright of the owners.
Editor: Paul Boland - dover7@msn.com
WWW.DOVERFORUM.COM/SEA-NEWS
Sea Pictures from Dover.
Sailing Ships just off Dover: Europa above and De Gallant below...
We have 340 plus pages below now...use our own SEARCH ENGINE just below to help you trawl through. All pictures are the copyright of the owners.
Editor: Paul Boland - dover7@msn.com
Post 6311
Sea News, Dover
Sunday, 2 June 2019 - 16:54
Post 6310
Sea News, Dover
Some pictures of Boudicca literally a few minutes ago as I write...time of first shot 05.44 and we just managed to catch the tugboats spraying a magnificent traditional greeting. Not the best pictures by any means with the light being awkwardly reflective on the ship but nevertheless glad to have secured something to mark the moment. You can see her above there moving into Cruise Terminal One.
There were some magnificent views on the Channel yesterday as the visibility and weather was so good. Was intrigued by this monster moving on down yesterday morning en route to Southampton...(off the top of head I think from Antwerp) but presumably going much further afield. She is called AFIF...one of Dover's fishing boats next to it..astern..shows the mind-boggling scale. Fabulous.
And then we had the Atlantic Klipper a short time later, seen here having just left the Port of Dover and now on her way to Bridgetown in Barbadoes.
Thanks for the info below Mike... she came in a wee bit earlier as they do...was glad to see the tail end of it. Thanks for the ongoing info.
PaulB
Sunday, 2 June 2019 - 06:16
Post 6309
Mike J., Dover
There will be no public access to the whole of the Admiralty Pier all day Sunday due to security around the BOUDICCA who is thought to be going to Cruise-2.
ETA is 0600
ETD is 2100
Saturday, 1 June 2019 - 21:05
Post 6308
Sea News, Dover
One of the tugs spraying into the air earlier today. it may have been a rehearsal for the Boudicca D-Day event tomorrow..see Mike's post below 6306...
Saturday, 1 June 2019 - 17:31
Post 6307
Sea News, Dover
A sequence of pictures now of the arriving Amadea taken on Thursday morning early...
She left us late on Thursday night heading back to Bremerhaven after a long cruise which took in Honfleur, St Malo, Bordeaux, Bilbao, La Coruna.. plus..
Interesting comments below from John, Del, and Mike ..
lots of info there.
I would suggest the designs these days are more about safety than anything else. Thinking back to the dark ages and the Irish run when there were lots of open decks...I even remember one ship which had nothing but a chain across one section of deck. I was a kid and then a teenager, but I remember that feature being more than a tad scary as a youngster in rough weather. It always seemed to be rough on the Irish Sea or was there just a dark cloud following me around...
I think that particular ship might have been the Princess Maud.
You can guess what the decks were used for as well in rough weather.
One was scarred for loife !
Although I do sympathise at the same time with the diminishing open spaces.
PB
Thanks for the info re Boudicca Mike will watch for that.
Saturday, 1 June 2019 - 06:56
She left us late on Thursday night heading back to Bremerhaven after a long cruise which took in Honfleur, St Malo, Bordeaux, Bilbao, La Coruna.. plus..
Interesting comments below from John, Del, and Mike ..
lots of info there.
I would suggest the designs these days are more about safety than anything else. Thinking back to the dark ages and the Irish run when there were lots of open decks...I even remember one ship which had nothing but a chain across one section of deck. I was a kid and then a teenager, but I remember that feature being more than a tad scary as a youngster in rough weather. It always seemed to be rough on the Irish Sea or was there just a dark cloud following me around...
I think that particular ship might have been the Princess Maud.
You can guess what the decks were used for as well in rough weather.
One was scarred for loife !
Although I do sympathise at the same time with the diminishing open spaces.
PB
Thanks for the info re Boudicca Mike will watch for that.
Saturday, 1 June 2019 - 06:56
Post 6306
Mike J., Dover
Del - I expect that John, with his many contacts in the ferry industry, has seen a little more of the COTE D'OPALE plans than the press release photo that Paul posted.
I quite agree with John re the continuing decline in opon deck space in favour of retail areas - probably the best deck spaces recently were on the French FIESTA [now razorblades] & the FANTASIA [after many name changes still in service in the Baltic as the Polish WAWEL] who both had a vast amount of open deck between the two funnels, very popular with the travelling public & a 'spin off' of their conversion from Bulgarian freight ferries.
On the FANTASIA at least there would have been even more open deck space but some areas were closed off when the crew started living aboard to avoid their off-duty sleep being disturbed by noisy/nosy passengers.
The FIESTA often used to permit FIESTA passengers onto the walkway in front of the accommodation block, a superb viewpoint when entering port which I never saw permitted on the FANTASIA.
The introduction of the COTE D'OPALE will presumably mean the withdrawal of the CALAIS SEAWAYS after a long career on the Dover Straits, having started as the Belgian PRINS FILIP ion the Dover/Oostende service in 1992.
Talking of oldtiomers Paul's nice view of the 'old style' BONITA in post 6302 was certainly accurate - she was built in 1892 at Arndside in Cumbria - a wonderful survivor.
More info on her if you google 'classic yacht info bonita'
As mentioned in an earlier post When the BOUDICCA arrives in Dover on Sunday at the start of her 'D-Day Voyage of Remembrance' she will be displaying Royal British Legion poppies & this photo is from the Fred Olsen's website.
For more information on the Remembrance cruise, including a detailed itinerary, google 'Boudicca voyage of remembrance'
Saturday, 1 June 2019 - 01:32
Post 6305
Del Styan, Norwich
I must admit I agree with the previous correspondent about the need for outside areas on the ferries. Makes the experience a real voyage. But I don't know how he deduces that from a single image taken from the front - the bow end - I believe? Do you know any more, PB?
Friday, 31 May 2019 - 23:09
Friday, 31 May 2019 - 23:09
Post 6304
John Hendy, St Mary's Bay
As usual, the requirements of the passenger who wishes to spend the crossing taking in the Channel breezes have been totally neglected. The image shows a minimal outside area at the stern as is the present trend in ferry design. This started with the of Spirit of Free Enterprise trio, which Townsend Thoresen introduced from 1980, and has become progressively worse with each new generation of ferries. It is appreciated that the owners would like all passengers to remain inside during the crossing in order to spend their money at the multitude of retail outlets. How long will it be before it's decided that there's no need for any outside space at all in which case the experience of crossing the Channel will become similar to going through the tunnel.
Friday, 31 May 2019 - 17:47
Friday, 31 May 2019 - 17:47
Post 6303
Sea News, Dover
DFDS announce the name of new ship for English Channel, as the build begins it's journey
________________________________________________________________________
New vessel will be named Côte D’Opale as steel cutting of the vessel commences..
DFDS, the world's leading ferry operator, has announced the name of their new ship for the English Channel due in service 2021 as the Côte D’Opale.
It is named after a region of France that overlooks the English Channel. The Côte d'Opale is a French coastal region bordering Belgium, situated opposite the cliffs of the south-east of England.
On the 30th May the Côte D’Opale started its journey with the first steel plates being cut in the traditional steel cutting ceremony. The vessel is being built at the AVIC shipyard in Weihai, China and will be launched for operation in 2021 on the Dover Calais route. It will be the longest ship on the channel with capacity for 1,000 passengers and crew.
The emphasis has been to provide customers with the best possible service and experience on board each and every day. Earlier this year DFDS put extensive investment into ensuring their ships are the best in meeting customer’s needs, with investing in a substantial fleet renewal programme to ensure continued growth. Improving the customer experience with passenger comfort, children’s play area, familiarity and dynamic food concepts at the forefront in the design process. Also offering WiFi, children’s play area and easily accessible outdoor space.
Further development of the modern sea travel experience will be replicated over time across the fleet on the English Channel, which will bear a familiar resemblance to the Côte d'Opale. Further enhancing the best possible customer experience that DFDS has to offer, regardless of which vessel customers sail on.
Kasper Moos, Head of Short Routes and Passenger in DFDS said "We have great pleasure in announcing our new ship will be named the Cote D’Opale and the steel cutting marked a very special and exciting time as the ship starts to take shape in the construction process. The Côte D’Opale will give our passengers a relaxed travel experience with modern food concepts and the largest shopping experience on the channel. We continue to have a clear focus on our customers and take great pride in continually seeking improvements to ensure those special memorable experiences of travelling with DFDS.’’
Ends
Exciting News - Many thanks to the team at DFDS - PB.
Friday, 31 May 2019 - 07:01
Post 6302
Sea News, Dover
Old style sailboat Bonita moving away a couple of days ago...
Interesting post below Mike, fascinating pictures and info as usual.. Pampero moves away..great to see those shots all round.
Just caught the tail end of that arriving flotilla but couldn't do anything with it from this angle.
Well done Patrick...on the pace there with Pampero. Great to see the pix, yes have noticed the new lights at the end of the curve. Will try and get a pic at some point.
Vic glad you had some good memories stirred there with that P&O feature on European destinations. Great stuff!
PaulB
Thursday, 30 May 2019 - 06:26
Post 6301
Mike J., Dover
A rarely-seen flag in the Tidal Basin on Wednesday morning - Japanese.
The rather smart KING BEE had arrived Dover from Dunkirk on Tuesday.
The PAMPERO looked a little odd, out of the water & on the lorry, with her deflated all-round ‘fendering’
The driver told me that Northern Rib Hire would be delivering another workboat in the near future.
Quite missed, unless Paul or Patrick have pix up their sleeves, was the flotilla of about a dozen Dutch motor yachts that came in thru the Eastern Entrance Tuesday afternoon for an overnight stay..
I was down in Western Docks by 0700 hoping to see them sail, but there they were, gone, having sailed about 0530.bound for Eastbourne which tonight is packed with Dutch AIS signals.
When the BOUDICCA arrives around dawn on Sunday to start her D-Day ‘Voyage of Remembrance’ she will have Royal British Legion poppies on her bows & accommodation.
She will return to Dover on 9th.June
.
Thursday, 30 May 2019 - 01:34
Post 6300
Patrick, Marine Parade
Adding to Paul's picture of 'Pampero' as she ends her tenure at DWDR - here is the proof of her imminent departure on Northern RIB hire transporter.
Thanks to the new bascule bridge being open I now use this route back to Marine Parade and there she was in Union Street Car Park all loaded up and ready to go. We'll miss seeing here rounding the Marina curve in and out of the new marina.
Adieu 'Pampero'
By the way have you noticed that the end of the curve breakwater now has a bank of red nav lights
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 - 17:48
Thanks to the new bascule bridge being open I now use this route back to Marine Parade and there she was in Union Street Car Park all loaded up and ready to go. We'll miss seeing here rounding the Marina curve in and out of the new marina.
Adieu 'Pampero'
By the way have you noticed that the end of the curve breakwater now has a bank of red nav lights
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 - 17:48
Post 6299
matcham, Dover
Great Photo of TRIER Germany I lived and worked just outside there for well over a year,also helped train the German police the art of boxing.
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 - 10:30
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 - 10:30
Post 6298
Sea News, Dover
THE P&O SPIRIT...
SAIL INTO SUMMER - ALTERNATIVE EUROPEAN BREAKS WITH P&O FERRIES
When planning a summer getaway, there are a number of classic European cities that spring to mind – Paris, Amsterdam, Bruges... However, if you’re starting to find your favourite destination a little too familiar, or want to beat the crowds, P&O Ferries has rounded up suggested alternatives to the major tourist destinations. Easily reachable by ferry, these fairytale cities are sure to shake up your holiday ritual:
Swap Bruges for Dinant, Belgium
With all the charm of its better-known counterpart, you’ll be left awestruck by the unbelievable landscape of Dinant; the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. Explore the beautiful Collegiate Church of Notre Dame before stopping at a cafe for a Couque de Dinant, but be sure to dunk their traditional biscuit in tea or coffee first. This hidden gem is also the perfect spot for cycling, walking and hiking in the surrounding countryside.
Swap Amsterdam for Groningen, Netherlands
Groningen is the ideal alternative city break for fans of Amsterdam. A bustling yet peaceful metropolis of cafés and cyclists, and the local university adds a surprisingly lively nightlife into the mix. Stop off at the Groninger Museum, opened in 1874 to house all kinds of art, before heading to the top of the tower of the city’s oldest church, Martinikerk, for panoramic views of the neighbourhood.
Swap Paris for Nantes, France
Nantes is Brittany’s capital, set on the banks of the Loire river. An ideal destination for fans of French culture, you could happily wander around this beautiful city for hours without needing a guidebook. The Jardin des Plantes is a spectacular botanical garden, perfect for a reinvigorating walk with the fresh scent of blossoms. Another gem well worth a visit is Les Machines de l’Ile (Machines of the Isle of Nantes), where two artists have created a fantasy world of giant sculptures, including elephants and towering steel trees, which are still being added to today.
Swap Cologne for Trier, Germany
One of the oldest cities in Germany, Trier is a hidden gem in the vine-riddled valleys of the Moselle wine region. After taking a leisurely drive through the countryside, visitors can cross the Roman bridge over the river Moselle, the oldest bridge north of the Alps. Stroll around the ruins and Roman baths before stopping at the second-century Porta Nigra gate, an incredible reminder of days gone by.
Sarah Rosier, Director of Passenger Sales at P&O Ferries, said: "The UK’s close proximity to the continent means we’re lucky to have a wealth of affordable holiday destinations at our fingertips. We know many travellers are on the lookout for somewhere off the beaten track to explore this year and these lesser-known cities are a great option."
"With a variety of different routes and flexible ticket types available, travelling by ferry gives you the freedom to take your car, motorcycle, bicycle, minibus, motorhome, or even travel as a foot passenger over to Europe at leisure. Your holiday begins the moment you get on board."
There are up to 23 sailings a day between Dover and Calais with P&O Ferries, which are 90 minutes in duration, giving flexibility to fit your schedule and ensuring a relaxing trip across the Channel. On board you’ll find a variety of eateries, including The Brasserie for an a la carte dining experience, as well as the Food Court, offering a full range of family favourite dishes. For those who want to travel in further comfort, spaces at the Club Lounge are bookable from just £12 per person.
Daily overnight crossings also operate from Hull to Zeebrugge and Rotterdam. A range of comfortable cabin accommodation options, discount shopping and onboard entertainment await.
P&O Ferries also recently extended its ‘Brexit Buffer’ offer, giving free cancellations for all bookings made up until 31st October, to ease any travel uncertainty.
For more information, or to book a crossing visit www.poferries.com.
ENDS
Many thanks to the team at P&O for the information above. PB.
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 - 05:25
SAIL INTO SUMMER - ALTERNATIVE EUROPEAN BREAKS WITH P&O FERRIES
When planning a summer getaway, there are a number of classic European cities that spring to mind – Paris, Amsterdam, Bruges... However, if you’re starting to find your favourite destination a little too familiar, or want to beat the crowds, P&O Ferries has rounded up suggested alternatives to the major tourist destinations. Easily reachable by ferry, these fairytale cities are sure to shake up your holiday ritual:
Swap Bruges for Dinant, Belgium
With all the charm of its better-known counterpart, you’ll be left awestruck by the unbelievable landscape of Dinant; the birthplace of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone. Explore the beautiful Collegiate Church of Notre Dame before stopping at a cafe for a Couque de Dinant, but be sure to dunk their traditional biscuit in tea or coffee first. This hidden gem is also the perfect spot for cycling, walking and hiking in the surrounding countryside.
Swap Amsterdam for Groningen, Netherlands
Groningen is the ideal alternative city break for fans of Amsterdam. A bustling yet peaceful metropolis of cafés and cyclists, and the local university adds a surprisingly lively nightlife into the mix. Stop off at the Groninger Museum, opened in 1874 to house all kinds of art, before heading to the top of the tower of the city’s oldest church, Martinikerk, for panoramic views of the neighbourhood.
Swap Paris for Nantes, France
Nantes is Brittany’s capital, set on the banks of the Loire river. An ideal destination for fans of French culture, you could happily wander around this beautiful city for hours without needing a guidebook. The Jardin des Plantes is a spectacular botanical garden, perfect for a reinvigorating walk with the fresh scent of blossoms. Another gem well worth a visit is Les Machines de l’Ile (Machines of the Isle of Nantes), where two artists have created a fantasy world of giant sculptures, including elephants and towering steel trees, which are still being added to today.
Swap Cologne for Trier, Germany
One of the oldest cities in Germany, Trier is a hidden gem in the vine-riddled valleys of the Moselle wine region. After taking a leisurely drive through the countryside, visitors can cross the Roman bridge over the river Moselle, the oldest bridge north of the Alps. Stroll around the ruins and Roman baths before stopping at the second-century Porta Nigra gate, an incredible reminder of days gone by.
Sarah Rosier, Director of Passenger Sales at P&O Ferries, said: "The UK’s close proximity to the continent means we’re lucky to have a wealth of affordable holiday destinations at our fingertips. We know many travellers are on the lookout for somewhere off the beaten track to explore this year and these lesser-known cities are a great option."
"With a variety of different routes and flexible ticket types available, travelling by ferry gives you the freedom to take your car, motorcycle, bicycle, minibus, motorhome, or even travel as a foot passenger over to Europe at leisure. Your holiday begins the moment you get on board."
There are up to 23 sailings a day between Dover and Calais with P&O Ferries, which are 90 minutes in duration, giving flexibility to fit your schedule and ensuring a relaxing trip across the Channel. On board you’ll find a variety of eateries, including The Brasserie for an a la carte dining experience, as well as the Food Court, offering a full range of family favourite dishes. For those who want to travel in further comfort, spaces at the Club Lounge are bookable from just £12 per person.
Daily overnight crossings also operate from Hull to Zeebrugge and Rotterdam. A range of comfortable cabin accommodation options, discount shopping and onboard entertainment await.
P&O Ferries also recently extended its ‘Brexit Buffer’ offer, giving free cancellations for all bookings made up until 31st October, to ease any travel uncertainty.
For more information, or to book a crossing visit www.poferries.com.
ENDS
Many thanks to the team at P&O for the information above. PB.
Wednesday, 29 May 2019 - 05:25
Post 6297
Sea News, Dover
Border Force Hunter and Searcher
Yes there we have the Border Force in operation out in the Channel, the two vessels are returning to base from a long way out. First up is Searcher and in the distance Hunter. A busy time for them for sure with yet more migrant incursions over the past few days. Always vigilant...that's the name of the game.
From the BBC...
"
The number of migrants picked up trying to cross the Channel in May is now higher than the figure for December, when a "major incident" was declared.
Eight men were intercepted in a small boat at about 06:20 BST, bringing the total for May so far to 140.
In December, during mild weather, 138 migrants attempted the journey and Home Secretary Sajid Javid set out a plan for dealing with the problem.
At least 642 migrants have now crossed the Channel since 3 November.
….
On Friday, 18 migrants were picked up in a dinghy and brought to Dover.
Of the eight men found in waters off the Kent coast earlier, seven presented themselves as Iranian and one was an Afghan national.
The men were transferred to a Border Force vessel and taken to Dover ...
"
The pictures featured today were taken on Friday.. first shot ( top ) ..10.30am.
Border Force Searcher approaching the Port of Dover.
Border Force Searcher.
Border Force Searcher.
PaulB
Tuesday, 28 May 2019 - 04:47
Yes there we have the Border Force in operation out in the Channel, the two vessels are returning to base from a long way out. First up is Searcher and in the distance Hunter. A busy time for them for sure with yet more migrant incursions over the past few days. Always vigilant...that's the name of the game.
From the BBC...
"
The number of migrants picked up trying to cross the Channel in May is now higher than the figure for December, when a "major incident" was declared.
Eight men were intercepted in a small boat at about 06:20 BST, bringing the total for May so far to 140.
In December, during mild weather, 138 migrants attempted the journey and Home Secretary Sajid Javid set out a plan for dealing with the problem.
At least 642 migrants have now crossed the Channel since 3 November.
….
On Friday, 18 migrants were picked up in a dinghy and brought to Dover.
Of the eight men found in waters off the Kent coast earlier, seven presented themselves as Iranian and one was an Afghan national.
The men were transferred to a Border Force vessel and taken to Dover ...
"
The pictures featured today were taken on Friday.. first shot ( top ) ..10.30am.
Border Force Searcher approaching the Port of Dover.
PaulB
Tuesday, 28 May 2019 - 04:47
Post 6296
Sea News, Dover
Well we all love a bit of wildlife don't we...so yours truly was proud.. nay delighted.. to capture this dazzlingly amazing pink feathered flamingo in the harbour yesterday...one felt right up there in the far reaching echelons with David Attenborough!
.....just awaiting the Knighthood now!
Great family fun in Dover Harbour.
PaulB
Monday, 27 May 2019 - 10:47
Post 6295
Sea News, Dover
Some pictures above there from Saturday morning. It shows motor cruiser Gallivant along the seafront here waiting to assist a rower doing a channel crossing. Gallivant fulfils the support vessel role on a regular basis. Gallivant operates regularly from Ramsgate we understand.
Great picture below from Mike..enjoying that one. Lovely shot. Good to see the small workboat up close... And great info as usual.
These photos today all resized to 850 pixels wide...our new size.
PB
Monday, 27 May 2019 - 07:03
Post 6294
Mike J., Dover
Good pix of HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH from Patrick & Paul.
Re post 6293 & the unidentified workboat.
She’s been in the port for a couple of weeks but has been quite elusive until a few days ago when I caught her heading out from the Tidal Basin.
Owned by Poole-based Jenkins Marine I could see no name, but their website shows her as one of three ‘Beaver’ class workboats.
Ed Connell posted photos of one of their larger catamaran workboats, the AVON, back in 2014 in post 900.
Interestingly amongst a wide range of speciaist marine contracting vessels Jenkins also offer for charter a very smart 15 mtr yacht, the CORK MALT 2, presumably the name of a sponsor.
Monday, 27 May 2019 - 00:35
Post 6293
Sea News, Dover
Yours truly enjoyed this picture above taken earlier in the week. It shows a small workboat towing those two mighty large fenders across for placing on the new extensions. Didn't catch the name of the small boat there but enjoyed seeing it.
We've heard workboat Pampero has finished its tenure here on the DWDR ( Dover Western Docks Regeneration) and just by sheer chance took this pic below of her on her last day...or next to last day. We will miss her colourful presence.
Pampero
Following along from Patrick's shot and following a hot wire tip off from Mike... I was able to get these couple of shots of the impressive HMS Queen Elizabeth moving down channel. Very grey ship plus very grey morning equals difficulty...but here we are anyway.
Yes indeed the Captain has been physically removed from the ship while on active duty for seemingly excessive use of the 'company car'...well now that seems a bit extreme doesn't it. Heavens!..there would be nobody left in higher management if all followed that extreme.
Well done with that shot below Patrick. It was a tough one to get.
Thats great Vic. Glad you are enjoying it ...still lots more to come..
Del everything seems to be working fairly smoothly at the moment. Its been a very busy weekend...hotels packed...and fingers-crossed everyone going through well. And you can have the added excitement of a quick look round to see the changes..
GOOD NEWS RE PICTURES: we have been able to squeeze a bit more out of the system and now the pictures are 850 pixels wide. This is a good size, very happy with it. Good enough for most detail but still the right size for eye comfort.
Pampero above 850 and Royal Navy 850.
So to get the best from your uploaded pictures resize to 850 pixels wide.
My thanks once again to colleague Chris Tutthill for doing the necessary.
PaulB
Sunday, 26 May 2019 - 06:52
Post 6292
Del Styan, Norwich
Thanks for the western docks update - I shall see for myself as I'm heading that way next weekend. Hope the French Customs officers are still on active duty.
As to the latest political situation, well - I think I'll adopt the head in the sands pose. If I can't see it, it isn't happening.
Saturday, 25 May 2019 - 23:22
As to the latest political situation, well - I think I'll adopt the head in the sands pose. If I can't see it, it isn't happening.
Saturday, 25 May 2019 - 23:22