IFOS 2005 was the third event to be held at Portsmouth from 30th June to 3rd July. It was a fitting conclusion to a week of events in the Solent and at Portsmouth to commemorate the bi-centenary of the battle of Trafalgar. The event was hosted by the Royal Navy and took place in the RN dockyard.The event brought together classic and tall ships and naval vessels from around the world. Other large and small craft considered to be of public interest were invited to attend. Apart from the boats there was entertainment from around the world, military bands, street entertainers and musicians that all added to the spectacle and a fantastic festival atmosphere.The show was visited by many thousands of people over the three day period. However, nothing beats being part of the festival and living aboard your own boat moored in the historic naval docks, and all for free!
Attendance at the Festival is by invitation only. Over twelve months before the event applications had to be made to the organisers giving a brief description of your craft. The boats do not have to be traditional or of wood construction. They are looking for a variety of craft with interest to appeal to the public. Winkle Brigs Markie and Brig O' Dale have attended all the earlier Festivals.
Trailered boats were launched from a naval yard at Gosport where facilities and security were good. Small boats were moored in No 11 dock off the no 2 basin where the larger private craft were moored. There were advantages in being part of the festival in that you were able to beat the crowds of visitors to the many displays. In the evenings the atmosphere created by the foreign ships crews when they relaxed at the end of the day was not to be missed. When some of the tall ships departed on the last evening the crews lined the decks and waved and thanked their hosts, a very emotional departure and fitting end to a great festival. We are looking forward to the next event which is likely to be scheduled for 2008.
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