SAIL ROYAL GREENWICH 2013 KICKS OFF FROM ROYAL ARSENAL by Benson Agoha

* The Royal Arsenal Jetty with some of the tall ships on anchor yesterday.

The Sail Royal Greenwich 2013 kicked off yesterday, Wednesday, August 28, from the Royal Arsenal Jetty, where several tall ships, were taking tourists on a cruise westward from Royal Arsenal. The five-day event runs from August 28 to September 1, 2013.

Organised by the Royal Greenwich Festivals and the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the Sail Royal Greenwich started in 2012. It returned this year with a fleet of 9 Tall Ships.

There are two common types - the Thames Tall Ships and the VIP Thames Tall Ships and three packages on offer.

The first package is cheaper and lasts 2 and a half hours, including cruise and onboard entertainment with a Sweet table and savoury snacks.

The second package lasts for 3 hours, including cruise, onboard entertainment with a sweet table, savoury snacks and spectacular fireworks display on the rive.

All ships running the first and second packages sail past the 02 Arena, Canary Wharf, Old Royal Naval College, Queens House and the Royal Observatory. They will also pass through the Thames Barrier and cross the Greenwich Meridien Line.

The third package is the VIP package. It includes cruise, Dinner Buffet, Sweet table, Savoury Snacks and of course, spectacular fireworks display on the river. The VIP cruise sails a longer course too as it travels all the way to Tower bridge and back.

All onboard entertainment are included in all prices.

I went in search of the Captain for a little `snipet' of his view, and found him walking his dog. He stopped as we greeted and even ensured he picked up his dog's droppings.

He told me that he and his River Pilot, are looking forward to sailing through Tower Bridge on the 29th.

I asked, `so what exactly does the River Pilot do?' He told me that as there are aircrafts pilots, there are also river pilots and both the River Pilot and the Captain reveive different trainings, although the capitain is always in charge.
"If he makes a mistake," he tells me "its my loss. But I can handle."

The Organisers have a marketing canopy just opposite Fire Power at the Royal Arsenal and bookings can be made through them by online bookings through the following web links:

[ www.ticketweb.co.uk/sail. Ticket hotline: 08444 771 000 ] or visit:

[ sailroyalgreenwich.co.uk/thamestallshipcruise ], for more information.

* Twitter: @bensonagoha.

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* Main photo (ships on anchor), received with thanks from Sam Arojo.