Sailors across Northern Ireland are being offered the chance to get close to the impressive Tall Ships that arrive in Belfast next month.

As part of the Belfast Maritime Festival more than 35 spectacular vessels are due to sail into the Port of Belfast from August 13-16.

And numbers of boat owners wanting to share the experience and sail among the great ‘armada’ in the harbour during the massive event is expected to be high.

Trevor Anderson of Belfast Harbour Commissioners said in order to cope with the demand a pre-booking system has been launched for those interested.

“We are delighted to welcome recreational vessels wishing to visit the port during the event, but the need for safety is paramount,” he said. “Following consultation with local yacht clubs it was decided that an online application process would be the best way to accommodate the demand and to ensure visiting vessels were appropriately equipped and aware of safety requirements.”

In 1991 when the Tall Ships visited Belfast tens of thousands of people packed the lough to watch the spectacular scenes of the majestic fleet leaving and the same is expected 18 years later.

Now, 18 years later, Mr Anderson explained that due to the high number of event vessels it will not be possible for visiting leisure craft to berth. But during the Thursday, Friday and Saturday boats will be able to enter and circulate within the harbour.\[w.mcclelland\]On August 16 the Tall Ships will leave in a ‘Parade of Sail’. This is expected to be an incredible spectacle in Belfast Lough, seen from either the shore or from the water.

But due to preparations for the final event leisure boats will not be given access in the inner Harbour on Sunday.

For harbour access log on to www.gotobelfast.com .

Did you visit the Tall Ships back in 1991? If you have photographs or special memories email them to vo’hara@belfasttelegraph.co.uk and charrison@belfasttelegraph.co.uk