Sailors feature highly on my radar. I’m not sure if it’s the uniform, the sense of authority, or just the idea of so many well behaved men in one place that seems very appealing.
While it’s easy to speak lightly about our naval men and capacity for their dashing whites to send hearts aflutter, an upcoming event in Sydney will provide a very real reminder of how important a role the Navy has played in maintaining our national security – the International Fleet Review.
While on the surface this event might not float your boat, the significance of this event runs deep for Australians as it commemorates one hundred years since the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Fleet sailed into our very own Port Jackson back on 4 October 1913. On that day, the flagship HMAS Australia headed up the new Australian Fleet Unit consisting of HMA Ships Melbourne, Sydney, Encounter, Warrego, Parramatta and Yarra into the harbour for the first time and was met by hoards of cheering citizens along the foreshore. The event was one of intense national pride, a hallmark of young Australia’s progress towards achieving national maturity.
It’s anticipated that 40 warships and 16 tall ships will travel to Sydney Harbour to participate in what is the Navy’s signature commemorative event for 2013 from 3 to 11 October. So, it would be an understatement to say that Sydney Harbour will be abuzz with excitement, from formation fly pasts by both fixed and rotary wing aircraft, to a variety of naval displays including gun salutes, naval marches and band performances. Plus, the celebrations will culminate in a sensational fireworks and lightshow display on Sydney Harbour on Friday 4 October, so the mood is guaranteed to be electric.
Circular Quay will absolutely be the place to be if you’re in Sydney town! Here are a few ways you’ll be able to taste a little of the action and enthusiasm as the International Fleet Review unfolds from 3 October:
• Get on the harbour! Jump on a breakfast or lunch cruise and watch the historic event.
• Keen to get a bird’s eye view? Jump on a Sydney BridgeClimb and check out the vessels docked in the harbour from above, or better yet, hop on a scenic flight.
• Munch on a tasting plate after a Sydney Opera House tour, listen to live music and take in the electric atmosphere.
• Grab a picnic basket and heading down to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair in the Botanical Gardens to watch the fireworks and be part of history.