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Peel traditional boat rally is back |  | | |
The historic port and city - yes city - of Peel lies on the western side of the Isle of Man, and is dominated by the huge pile of Peel Castle guarding the harbour entrance. It is also home to Peel Sailing Club and to many yachts, as well as the sadly depleted fishing fleet.
The harbour works that have been taking place over the last three years, namely, the installation of a hydraulically operated gate and sill at the entrance to retain the water in the once drying harbour have now been completed. Consequently, this summer sees the return of the Peel Traditional Boat Rally on 28th - 30th of July after a break to accommodate the construction works.
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This event has been growing in popularity over the years, involving boats from far and wide, with usually a large and faithful contingent from Ireland with their beautiful Galway Hookers. There will be the usual mix of live music and good food (with not a little good ale). On the 29th there will be a race, after which the prize giving will take place.
Peel is known as the Sunset City because its location, facing west, produces a glorious view of the sun setting over Ireland some thirty miles across the sea. The star of the show one year was HMS Rose, an American replica of a British 24 gun frigate which played a strategic role in the American war of Independence. She was classed at that time as the largest (125ft) of the all-timber tall ships in commission, setting 13,000 square feet of sail. HMS Rosehas played many a role in seafaring films, notably that of HMS Surprise in 'Master and Commander, The Far Side of the World,' the film adaptation of one of Patrick O'Brians novels.
The Peel Rally is open to all kinds of traditional craft, although visitors arrive in modern yachts to spectate and have a good time generally in a thoroughly nautical and yottie atmosphere. It is said that by the time of the rally an alongside diesel berth will be in use. Entry is free and for further details log on to www.peelsailingclub.com. The closing date for entries is 30th June.
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