Wednesday, 1 May 2024
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
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 794
howard mcsweeney, dover
Love that one of the "funchal" hadn't realised the "scillies" were a destination from here.
Thursday, 22 May 2014 - 22:06
Thursday, 22 May 2014 - 22:06
Post 793
Mike J., Dover
Here’s a rather dodgy view of the DELFIN on Wednesday.
The elegant FUNCHAL came in around 0730 Thursday & sailed for St.Marys, in the Scilly Isles, at 1500.
Danish-built in 1961 she has been considerably rebuilt internally & re-engined for cruising duties, but has retained her most attractive appearance.
Whilst the DOUGHTY was pushing the FUNCHAL she was spraying water on her bow fenders & onto the FUNCHAL’s hull - this is often done to reduce marking the cruise ship’s hull.
On occasions, although never at Dover, I’ve seen tugs with clean white canvas covers over their fenders to avoid marking cruise ship hulls.
After the beauty, the beast !
Following the FUNCHAL into the bay came the giant COSTA LUMINOSA.
The FUNCHAL took two tugs for berthing in the brisk wind but the LUMINOSA docked without any tug assistance, thanks to her three bowthrusters & twin swivelling ‘Azipods’ down aft.
Little & Large ! The FUNCHAL sailed for St Marys, in the Scillies, mid-afternoon & was somewhat dwarfed as she passed the LUMINOSA.
Thursday, 22 May 2014 - 21:23
The elegant FUNCHAL came in around 0730 Thursday & sailed for St.Marys, in the Scilly Isles, at 1500.
Danish-built in 1961 she has been considerably rebuilt internally & re-engined for cruising duties, but has retained her most attractive appearance.
Whilst the DOUGHTY was pushing the FUNCHAL she was spraying water on her bow fenders & onto the FUNCHAL’s hull - this is often done to reduce marking the cruise ship’s hull.
On occasions, although never at Dover, I’ve seen tugs with clean white canvas covers over their fenders to avoid marking cruise ship hulls.
After the beauty, the beast !
Following the FUNCHAL into the bay came the giant COSTA LUMINOSA.
The FUNCHAL took two tugs for berthing in the brisk wind but the LUMINOSA docked without any tug assistance, thanks to her three bowthrusters & twin swivelling ‘Azipods’ down aft.
Little & Large ! The FUNCHAL sailed for St Marys, in the Scillies, mid-afternoon & was somewhat dwarfed as she passed the LUMINOSA.
Thursday, 22 May 2014 - 21:23
Post 792
PaulB, Dover
Todays sparklingly luminous visitors....
The Costa Luminosa looking truly magnificent as her 93,000 tons languishes massively but gently on the dock. The gentle giant. Luckily we had a selection of pictures to chose from and opted for the most colourful... just when she was caught by the early sun.
The much much smaller Funchal being helped in the earlier blustery conditions by both tugs.
Well done..smashing pictures below there John of the Delphin. Fascinating story behind her...didn't know any of that, so all the more interesting for everyone. Great stuff!
Thursday, 22 May 2014 - 15:16
Well done..smashing pictures below there John of the Delphin. Fascinating story behind her...didn't know any of that, so all the more interesting for everyone. Great stuff!
Thursday, 22 May 2014 - 15:16
Post 791
John Mavin, Dover
I also missed the Delphin yesterday - pity because she's one of the more interesting ships that occasionally call at Dover. Originally called Bylorussiya she was built in Finland in 1975, and was one of a class of five ships ordered by the Soviet Black Sea Shipping Company.
Originally designed as a combined cruise ship and ferry it was found her car carrying capacity was considered insufficient and her bow car doors were welded up. Her starboard quarter rear car doors are still used to transfer stores and equipment.
There was a bit of unpleasantness at Singapore in 1993 when the ship completely rolled over when being maintained in a floating dock which sank!
After a number of changes of owner I understand she's now Indian-owned and operated by a German company.
These are from previous calls.
Thursday, 22 May 2014 - 10:52
Originally designed as a combined cruise ship and ferry it was found her car carrying capacity was considered insufficient and her bow car doors were welded up. Her starboard quarter rear car doors are still used to transfer stores and equipment.
There was a bit of unpleasantness at Singapore in 1993 when the ship completely rolled over when being maintained in a floating dock which sank!
After a number of changes of owner I understand she's now Indian-owned and operated by a German company.
These are from previous calls.
Thursday, 22 May 2014 - 10:52
Post 790
PaulB, Sea News, Dover.
Book Your Spring and Summer Travel to France With DFDS Seaways for a Great Deal
You can SAVE £10 with DFDS on return economy fares or £5 off single fares from Dover-France
Award winning ferry operator, DFDS Seaways, has launched its latest offer on the Dover-Dunkirk and Dover-Calais crossings. Book your crossings before 2nd June, for travel by 18th July to save £5 each way on your ferry crossings, with fares starting at just £24 each way for a car and up to four passengers.
What’s more, we’re so certain that you will like our prices, that if you can find a cheaper fare* with any of our competitors then you could be in with a chance to win £500! Just fill in our form on our website at ...
www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-offers-and-deals/ferry-to-france-offers/tell-us/
Whether you’re looking to travel to Northern Europe by car with your family or friends or hit the open roads on your motorcycle, crossing the Channel with DFDS Seaways is the perfect way to start your journey.
Max Foster, passenger director at DFDS Seaways, comments: "Our latest offer means that now is a great time to book your travel to France with DFDS Seaways. And with our comfortable and frequent sailings from Dover to Dunkirk and Calais, you not only have a fantastic choice of sailing times to France, but can also relax onboard with a fresh cup of coffee or a delicious hot meal, ensuring your holiday starts as soon as you board the ferry."
DFDS Seaways operates up to 44 sailings per day between Dover and France, offering passengers a choice of departure times and flexibility. Passengers can relax onboard during the short crossing and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafes, pick up last minute travel essentials from the onboard shop, let the kids play in the dedicated children’s areas or explore the ship’s deck and take in the sea air.
To take advantage of this offer visit www.dfds.co.uk or telephone 0871 574 7235 to book, using code ETELLUS.
* * *
Celebration picture of the Dieppe Seaways above.. taken just a few days ago. Back in regular and sleek action.
Always good to hear of special cross channel deals...many thanks to DFDS for keeping us informed. We all get the travelling urge once Spring arrives and many will be taking advantage.
Nice set of interesting pictures there below John from right in the thick of the fray. Jet Skis to the fore...!
Yes a pity about the cuts, the RIB is sadly missed. I have a few pix of it too somewhere in the system.
PS: the little Delphin was in yesterday but got no picture - defeated in the end by the weather.
EXTRA JUST IN...the Funchal, another little ship of old charm...and the mighty Costa Luminosa all 93,000 tons of her. massive ship. Will have pictures later, better get back to the snapping...you've got to tip your hat to the Port of Dover for bringing in ships like this. Fab !
Thursday, 22 May 2014 - 06:48
You can SAVE £10 with DFDS on return economy fares or £5 off single fares from Dover-France
Award winning ferry operator, DFDS Seaways, has launched its latest offer on the Dover-Dunkirk and Dover-Calais crossings. Book your crossings before 2nd June, for travel by 18th July to save £5 each way on your ferry crossings, with fares starting at just £24 each way for a car and up to four passengers.
What’s more, we’re so certain that you will like our prices, that if you can find a cheaper fare* with any of our competitors then you could be in with a chance to win £500! Just fill in our form on our website at ...
www.dfdsseaways.co.uk/ferry-offers-and-deals/ferry-to-france-offers/tell-us/
Whether you’re looking to travel to Northern Europe by car with your family or friends or hit the open roads on your motorcycle, crossing the Channel with DFDS Seaways is the perfect way to start your journey.
Max Foster, passenger director at DFDS Seaways, comments: "Our latest offer means that now is a great time to book your travel to France with DFDS Seaways. And with our comfortable and frequent sailings from Dover to Dunkirk and Calais, you not only have a fantastic choice of sailing times to France, but can also relax onboard with a fresh cup of coffee or a delicious hot meal, ensuring your holiday starts as soon as you board the ferry."
DFDS Seaways operates up to 44 sailings per day between Dover and France, offering passengers a choice of departure times and flexibility. Passengers can relax onboard during the short crossing and grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafes, pick up last minute travel essentials from the onboard shop, let the kids play in the dedicated children’s areas or explore the ship’s deck and take in the sea air.
To take advantage of this offer visit www.dfds.co.uk or telephone 0871 574 7235 to book, using code ETELLUS.
* * *
Celebration picture of the Dieppe Seaways above.. taken just a few days ago. Back in regular and sleek action.
Always good to hear of special cross channel deals...many thanks to DFDS for keeping us informed. We all get the travelling urge once Spring arrives and many will be taking advantage.
Nice set of interesting pictures there below John from right in the thick of the fray. Jet Skis to the fore...!
Yes a pity about the cuts, the RIB is sadly missed. I have a few pix of it too somewhere in the system.
PS: the little Delphin was in yesterday but got no picture - defeated in the end by the weather.
EXTRA JUST IN...the Funchal, another little ship of old charm...and the mighty Costa Luminosa all 93,000 tons of her. massive ship. Will have pictures later, better get back to the snapping...you've got to tip your hat to the Port of Dover for bringing in ships like this. Fab !
Thursday, 22 May 2014 - 06:48
Post 789
John Mavin, Dover
Interesting to see that the Director is now used by the DHB Police. This is her in her former role.
..and a couple with her successor, Dovorian.
This is the one that tickles me - Kent Police on operations in the harbour in 2007 ....... and they've got a Jetski! (nice work if you can get it .... in summer that is!).
Wednesday, 21 May 2014 - 11:19
..and a couple with her successor, Dovorian.
This is the one that tickles me - Kent Police on operations in the harbour in 2007 ....... and they've got a Jetski! (nice work if you can get it .... in summer that is!).
Wednesday, 21 May 2014 - 11:19
Post 788
PaulB, Sea News, Dover.
Press Release Port of Dover issued Tuesday 20th May 2014
_______________________________________________
Community Director
Dover Harbour Board today announces it will commence a process to appoint its first Community Director.
George Jenkins OBE, Chairman of Dover Harbour Board, said: "We intend to engage with Community leaders and elected representatives to establish an open and transparent, arms length process for the appointment of that Director.
Our aim is for the recruitment process to commence in the summer demonstrating a further commitment to move forward following the recent Ministerial announcement."
Wednesday, 21 May 2014 - 06:28
Post 787
PaulB, Dover
We love those famed yellow funnels.
Very interesting item there below Mike. That dock fetches up many interesting vessels indeed, the range surprises me sometimes for sure. interesting to see the conversions. Yes sadly the financial cuts have affected some of the services.
Wednesday, 21 May 2014 - 06:23
Post 786
Mike J., Dover
PaulB -
The MAXIMUS is not the only former lifeboat conversion to have visited Dover.
In 2006 the protoype 'Tamar' class lifeboat was sold to the Kent Police & expensively converted, keeping her RNLI name PRINCESS ALEXANDRA 3
She was in Dover in October 2010 but has since become a victim of cuts in the Police budget & has been disposed of.
A similar fate met DHB Police's RIB 'DELTA 99' for similar reasons.
At least one of the Harbour Patrol launches has acquired Police chequer stripes & becomes an instant Police Launch when the sign 'POLICE' is placed over the sign 'HARBOUR' & this can be seen in the photos of the recent Marina Open Day.
Tuesday, 20 May 2014 - 16:30
The MAXIMUS is not the only former lifeboat conversion to have visited Dover.
In 2006 the protoype 'Tamar' class lifeboat was sold to the Kent Police & expensively converted, keeping her RNLI name PRINCESS ALEXANDRA 3
She was in Dover in October 2010 but has since become a victim of cuts in the Police budget & has been disposed of.
A similar fate met DHB Police's RIB 'DELTA 99' for similar reasons.
At least one of the Harbour Patrol launches has acquired Police chequer stripes & becomes an instant Police Launch when the sign 'POLICE' is placed over the sign 'HARBOUR' & this can be seen in the photos of the recent Marina Open Day.
Tuesday, 20 May 2014 - 16:30
Post 785
PaulB, Sea News, Dover.
IT'S MOTHERS DAY IN FRANCE very soon....
So Celebrate Mother’s Day the French way with MyFerryLink
Treat mum to her favourite fragrance and receive a free bottle of sparkling wine too !
It's Mother's Day in France on 25 May and to celebrate, MyFerryLink is offering customers who purchase perfume from the onboard boutique a free bottle of pink bubbly. Why not hop across the Channel and celebrate Fête des Mères for as little as £29 return for a car and up to nine people with Dover-Calais ferry operator MyFerryLink?
Treat mum to a Mother’s Day weekend continental style, without having to go much further than the Nord-Pas de Calais area - a mere 75 minutes from Dover! With miles of beautiful coastlines for beach lovers, boutique shops for fashionistas and restaurants serving delicious, authentic cuisine for gourmet lovers, there is something for everyone. What’s more, when you purchase a bottle of mum’s favourite perfume from MyFerryLink, you will receive a bottle of Blanc de Blanc sparkling wine or a box of chocolates – what a great way to start mum’s perfect Mother’s Day!
This offer is valid from 23 to 26 May 2014. For details on how to book and more offers, visit www.myferrylink.com. MyFerryLink operates up to 16 daily crossings on the Dover-Calais route. Fares for a car and up to nine passengers start from £29 return for a day trip, with other special fares available online.
To find the best fares, visit www.myferrylink.com or call 0844 2482 100
* *
Great idea above, time to spoil Mum again.
Wow! That's an interesting one below there Mike,
Have never before seen a Lifeboat recycled as it were...
ADDED EXTRA at 08.30: The exotic Costa NeoRomantica arriving.
Tuesday, 20 May 2014 - 06:31
Post 784
Mike J., Dover
A former lifeboat was in Granville Dock today, Monday.
The MAXIMUS is the 1980-built 'Arun' class SIR MAX AITKEN & was sold into private hands by the RNLI in 2003.
Monday, 19 May 2014 - 21:43
The MAXIMUS is the 1980-built 'Arun' class SIR MAX AITKEN & was sold into private hands by the RNLI in 2003.
Monday, 19 May 2014 - 21:43
Post 783
PaulB, Dover
Also check out pictures below page re Marina Open Day.
Monday, 19 May 2014 - 08:48
Post 782
JanT, Dover
Another beautiful sunny morning and yet again we have two ships gracing our seafront today.
And as mentioned below Saturdays Marina Open Day was also lucky with the weather, and hopefully it is an event that will grow.
It was good to also catch up and chat with Adrian,Wayne,and of course Trevor.
Some good pictures below also showing how busy our harbour is every day of the week.
Monday, 19 May 2014 - 07:47
Post 781
PaulB, Dover
Just to mention that the Marina Open day was a joint venture, with DHB and RCPYC being the main participants...and to mark the input from the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, here they are in fine style on the day itself Saturday..fleeting across the warm harbour with nonchalant ease. The Ryndam on hand as a masterly backdrop. More pictures from the Event in Post 719.
Bernard Sealy, Commodore, Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, said: "The return of this event and the growing partnership with the Port of Dover demonstrates the great work going on to promote Dover as a destination – somewhere to savour a rich maritime heritage and somewhere to experience and enjoy the delights of the sea."
* *
Thanks for that ace list again Colette, have marked it at the top of page. Comes in very handy. According to your list both AIDA Luna and Saga Sapphire are scheduled for today...and here they come as we write.. The Saga Sapphire unusually approaching from the west.
Great items there Ed on the Saga Sapphire and the William and Kate Johnston..keep them coming as and when you can. The Saga Sapphire following those aforementioned concerns has turned up. Not in harbour yet and light too blue for long distance pictures. Good to see the old bird again especially after that news. See Post 720 below...
Well done Mike with that one, out in the midst of the action again. Memory and battery power always a niggling problem isn't it.
Monday, 19 May 2014 - 06:33
Post 780
ColetteB, Dover
Good photos there MrB of yesterday's open Dover Marina Day & the weather was just perfect too, a very enjoyable day, loved it
And now for the rest of May's cruise schedule.
Tomorrow, all things being well after the electrical switchboard fire on the Saga Sapphire she will cruise into Dover at CT1, TR. Joining her will be the AIDALuna, once again at CT2, PoC.
Tuesday 20th May, the first Costa of the season arrives in the shape of the Costa NeoRomantica at CT1, PoC. She was last here in August 2013.
The next day, Wednesday, the MS Delphin cruises into Dover at CT1, PoC, last seen here in September 2013.
Then Thursday 22nd May, the second Costa of the season arrives, Costa Luminosa at CT2, PoC, last here in May 2013.
On the same day, Thursday 22nd, we have a real treat in store with the arrival of the very elegant MV Funchal (formerly the Portuguese Presidential Yacht) at CT1. This of course is the second of Dover's Newcomer Portuscale Cruises, the MV Azores being the other which was the first cruise in Dover this season, 30/3/14. Cameras at the ready Guys & Gals
We end the week on Friday 23rd May with the return of the AIDALuna at CT2, PoC.
No cruises then until Thursday 29th May when the Sleek & Sassy third Costa of the season arrives here, the Costa Mediterranea at CT2, PoC. Not sure if she was here before, think not, but I'm sure the Sea News Gurus will let us know.
Then the Ryndam arrives back on Saturday 31st May at CT1, TR.
Sunday, 18 May 2014 - 12:27
Post 779
Mike J., Dover
After PaulB's super photo of the RYNDAM's arrival in that strange yellowy light Saturday morning [there was a line of denser yellow muck on the horizon as well] here's a view of her sailing for Copenhagen via the Eastern Entrance at about 1700.
If I'd not run out of memory at the crucial moment the photo here would not have had a ship sticking out of the RYNDAM's funnel !
Sunday, 18 May 2014 - 10:45
Post 778
Ed Connell, Dover
One of our regular visitors, Saga Sapphire, has had an electrical switchboard fire. Item below from the BBC News website:
A cruise liner with 1,008 passengers and crew on board is stranded off the Isle of Mull after an electrical fire. An emergency was declared on the Saga Sapphire when the fire broke out at about 10:00 on Friday, knocking out the ship's power supply. Coastguard crews provided support while the ship's own crew dealt with the problem. The liner was expected to resume its voyage on Saturday following repairs. There were no reports of injuries. Saga Holidays UK tweeted: "The ship is currently anchored, in fine weather, off the Isle of Mull whilst the damaged electrical panel is repaired and tested. "Our priority is always to make sure our passengers and crew are safe and well."
Further to Paul's photo of the old lifeboat "William & Kate Johnston" below. She was one of the Little Ships of Dunkirk and is seen here in the Dunkerque approach channel during the Operation Dynamo commemorations a few years ago.
Sunday, 18 May 2014 - 10:32
A cruise liner with 1,008 passengers and crew on board is stranded off the Isle of Mull after an electrical fire. An emergency was declared on the Saga Sapphire when the fire broke out at about 10:00 on Friday, knocking out the ship's power supply. Coastguard crews provided support while the ship's own crew dealt with the problem. The liner was expected to resume its voyage on Saturday following repairs. There were no reports of injuries. Saga Holidays UK tweeted: "The ship is currently anchored, in fine weather, off the Isle of Mull whilst the damaged electrical panel is repaired and tested. "Our priority is always to make sure our passengers and crew are safe and well."
Further to Paul's photo of the old lifeboat "William & Kate Johnston" below. She was one of the Little Ships of Dunkirk and is seen here in the Dunkerque approach channel during the Operation Dynamo commemorations a few years ago.
Sunday, 18 May 2014 - 10:32
Post 777
PaulB, Sea News, Dover.
DOVER MARINA OPEN DAY .. pictures..
This is a nice event with room to grow in the future should demand be there. On hand to support it yesterday Saturday were District Councillors both past and present and all enjoying the atmosphere and the blinding sunlight.. left to right...Wayne Elliot, Jan Tranter former Mayor of Dover, Adrian Friend, Trevor Bond. Trevor Bond was also there in his capacity as General Manager of the Dover Marina Hotel...which had delicious food aplenty...as did the Hythe Bay Restaurant also on the dock. Maybe some tables and chairs next year might be good..so yours truly can sit down and tuck in
This is a pic of the rather special old lifeboat dating from 1923, the William and Kate Johnston, which had moved around the dock to join in. In the background you can see the cruise liner Ryndam. The local hotels were doing great business the previous night with many passengers waiting to join their ship...all good news for the town's economy.
Further info re the William and Kate Johnston...
"THE WILLIAM & KATE JOHNSTON.
William & Kate Johnston, which is listed on the United Kingdom's National Register of Historic Vessels, was launched in 1923. She was designed as a prototype lifeboat by James R. Barnett, Consulting Naval Architect to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. She was built, with double diagonal teak hull, by J. Samuel White and Co. at Cowes. At the time of her launch she was the largest lifeboat in the world. Length: 60 ft; Bre. 15 ft; Displacement 44.5 tons; cruising speed 9 knots; cruising radius 200 nautical miles."
As we understand it she is currently being restored to full potential. Looks great !
Always good to see the kids enjoying their sailing here in Dover. They were a tad becalmed yesterday but nevertheless all were enjoying it immensely.
'Twas excellent weather overall for a great day out, whether for sailing or strolling.
Some hard working vessels here, always a pleasure picturing these guys, sometimes in the teeth of the action and sometimes just laying up at rest as shown above. Dover Castle adding to the backdrop here, that's her atop the hill in the distance. The Lifeboat was open to visitors.
Sunday, 18 May 2014 - 07:16
Further info re the William and Kate Johnston...
"THE WILLIAM & KATE JOHNSTON.
William & Kate Johnston, which is listed on the United Kingdom's National Register of Historic Vessels, was launched in 1923. She was designed as a prototype lifeboat by James R. Barnett, Consulting Naval Architect to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. She was built, with double diagonal teak hull, by J. Samuel White and Co. at Cowes. At the time of her launch she was the largest lifeboat in the world. Length: 60 ft; Bre. 15 ft; Displacement 44.5 tons; cruising speed 9 knots; cruising radius 200 nautical miles."
As we understand it she is currently being restored to full potential. Looks great !
'Twas excellent weather overall for a great day out, whether for sailing or strolling.
Sunday, 18 May 2014 - 07:16
Post 776
PaulB, Dover
Ahhh..so many exotic locations...so little time...
not a prehistoric but vitriolic shark, no of course not !
Saturday, 17 May 2014 - 06:51
Post 775
howard mcsweeney, dover
Congratulations to Jamie and Jason who will contribute to the future of the port.
I think these apprenticeship schemes are the way forward and contradict the mantra of today's youth wanting to lie in bed until noon.
Friday, 16 May 2014 - 21:33
I think these apprenticeship schemes are the way forward and contradict the mantra of today's youth wanting to lie in bed until noon.
Friday, 16 May 2014 - 21:33