As tens of thousands of people lined both sides of the harbour to bid farewell to the Tall Ships, Emily Moulton hopped on board the Mona to join the flotilla as they set sail for home

It is not a sight one often gets to see, but boy was it magnificent.

The majestic Bounty, a replica of the vessel which was the setting of one of the most infamous mutinies of all time, charging out to sea as the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes hung in the background.

It was, as they say, a picture perfect moment.

In fact the entire Parade of Sail — the closing event of the four-day Maritime Festival — was full of picture perfect moments.

From the lone piper playing on board the Lagan Boat Company’s tour boat the Mona as it cruised up the harbour, to the tens of thousands of people from far and wide who lined the quaysides yesterday to bid farewell to the majestic Tall Ships.

It truly was remarkable to see so many people, both young and old, watch in awe as these magnificent vessels — which had travelled from countries such as Brazil, Uruguay and the US — set sail for home.

Organisers have estimated that around 800,000 people visited the festival over the four days including more than 250,000 people who lined the Antrim and Down coasts to bid farewell — a testament to the popularity of the event.

And it was not just on dry land that local folk came out in their droves to say goodbye. Dozens of local boat owners took to the waters to join the Tall Ships as they headed out to sea.

There were even a few daredevils who were not deterred by the size of their vessels.

Several kayakers and a row boat made their way on to the lough to take part in what has been a successful event for Northern Ireland.

Among those who were lucky enough to secure a place on one of the tour boats for the final leg of the Tall Ships’ journey were Robin and Irena McCelland.

The Bangor couple had not boarded any of the Tall Ships while they were in Belfast, preferring to take the cruise yesterday.

Irena, who is originally from Russia, said she had been looking forward to watching the Parade of Sail. “It’s very exciting,” she said.

Her husband Robin, who remembered the last time the Tall Ships were in town, said he was impressed by the number of vessels which took part this year.

“There were a lot more boats this time round and the Parade of Sail has been more interesting,” he said. “The weather was calmer in 1991 — today has been a bit overcast and there is a little breeze which makes for more interesting sailing.”

Nicola Connolly from Dunmurry, who was also onboard the Mona, said she was grateful she had been given the opportunity to watch the Parade of Sail out on the water and thought the entire festival had been great for Belfast.

“This tour has been wonderful. It’s been great to be out on the boat looking out to the crowds.

“I thought it was absolutely brilliant over the last few days. We did not manage to get on board any of the Tall Ships but the atmosphere and the crowds were fantastic.

“I remember the last time they were here in 1991, we drove down to the docks to see them and it was nothing like this time. They just did not seem to be as organised back then. There was so much to do and it seems to be more family orientated this time.

“I have really enjoyed it, it has been great for the city.”

FACTS FROM THE FESTIVAL

• Organisers report that 150,000 people visited the Tall Ships on Thursday, 75,000 on Friday, 250,000 on Saturday and 25,000 on Sunday morning, before the Parade of Sail
• The Parade of Sail was watched by an estimated 250,000 people along the Antrim and Down coasts of Belfast Lough.
• At peak times, it is calculated that 3-400 people crossed the two main bridges across the River Lagan every minute.
• The visiting Tall Ships themselves reported record numbers of visitors on board: The Portuguese Navy vessel Sangres, for example, reported its biggest ever visitor numbers in a single day.
• It is estimated that 9,000 car parking spaces were used each day, with a total of 36,000 using the Park and Ride facilities, including an additional car park created by Belfast Harbour in just six hours.
• Translink employed 65 shuttle buses for the event, moving up to 100,000 to, from and around the event sites.