MORE THAN 500,000 Irish and overseas visitors are expected to generate a €35 million boost for Waterford in summer 2011 when it hosts the Tall Ships Race series.
Billed as the biggest event in Ireland next year, it will see 80 to 100 tall ships and their crews gather in Waterford for the start of the race series.
To coincide with the tall ships being in port, there will be a comprehensive family-friendly festival featuring the best of Irish music, food markets and street theatre.
Presented by Szczecin and Sail Training International, the event takes place between June 30th and July 3rd, 2011.
The cost of implementing the programme will be €3.5 million, according to chairman of the Tall Ships Races 2011 Des Whelan, whose WLR FM radio station garnered Local Radio Station of the Year nationally this week.
He said €2 million would be provided for the festival by Waterford City Council and the Port of Waterford. The remainder would be generated from commercial interests in the area.
Among the vessels confirmed for Ireland are the Christian Radich, the Norwegian vessel which featured in the 1970s television series The Onedin Line and the 1958 film Windjammer.
Yesterday the Tall Ships Committee launched its website www.waterfordtallshipsrace.ie at Waterford’s City Hall.
Social networking media will be a major element in the marketing campaign, with the event having a presence on Facebook, Twitter and other popular sites.
“Building on what was achieved in 2005 there’s massive potential to create a terrific four days here next year. Given our riverside location, Waterford has a huge natural advantage as a host port where the tall ships fleet can berth right at the heart of Ireland’s oldest city,” said Port of Waterford manager Michael Flynn.