Welcome urged for Lord Nelson arrival – Saturday November 16

Nelsonians are being urged to get out on the water and onto Rocks Road this weekend to welcome the tall ship Lord Nelson as it enters the harbour. 

The ship was built in 1986 and is designed for able bodied and disabled crew.  It is on its first visit to New Zealand. 

Welcome coordinator, Milo Colden of the TS Talisman Sea Cadets, says the work they do is really admirable, and he wants to give them a warm Nelson welcome.

“This is the first time Lord Nelson has visited the city of Nelson, and it’s an amazing opportunity to connect with our namesake,” he says. “Admiral Lord Nelson was a huge naval hero and was one of the greatest seamen and leaders of all time. We have streets named after his ships, the battles he fought in and the officers who served after him so it’s a big connection for this city.”

Boat owners are invited to join the mayors of Nelson and Tasman to form a flotilla of boats that will meet the Lord Nelson at the North Cardinal mark off the Nelson Harbour entrance at 1500 hrs on Saturday (16 November).

When she arrives, boats are asked to stay east of a line from the Cardinal Mark to the channel entrance, and not to navigate thru the channel as she enters. All vessels are asked to monitor VHF ch16, and work on ch06.

For those who don’t have access to a boat, there will be a good view along Rocks Road, Sunderland Memorial Pier, or Wakefield Quay from about 3.15pm. Milo expects the Lord Nelson to come into Tasman Bay under sail, but to enter the cut by motor power.

The Lord Nelson will be berthing at Port Nelson’s coastal berth, but unfortunately will not be able to hold an open day due to crew changes and work projects preparing the vessel for their offshore voyage to South America.

There are still berths available from Nelson to Auckland (18-27th Nov.), please contact voyages@jst.org.uk 

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