A replica of a 19th century famine ship sailed into Pembrokeshire yesterday (Thursday) at the start of a week-long festival celebrating traditional and classic craft. The Dunbrody was making her maiden voyage, arriving at Milford Docks from New Ross in Southern Ireland. Her arrival marked the start of Seafair Haven, an event based on France's Semaine du Golfe, when yoles, gigs, sailing and rowing boats will arrive on Pembrokeshire's shores together with classic yachts and small traditional boats and sailing ships. One of the youngest participants will be a six- month old baby boy. Joseph Wilkinson and his 22- month-old sister, Emily, who live in Bristol, will be sailing with their parents on board a 12-tonne Hillyard sloop, Annaleigh. The boat is currently berthed at Bristol Docks, but it will be arriving in Pembrokeshire this week together with more than 100 boats registered for Seafair Haven. Event organiser Emma Heard said there would be many opportunities to view the craft from the shore. "This event welcomes classic and traditional boat owners to the fantastic Haven waterway,' she said. "Communities along the river will host the various flotilla over the whole week. Although we have reached our total number of invited vessels, we hope that the people of Pembrokeshire will come out to take a look at these beautiful craft and welcome the first time visitors. Three large classic boats will be taking part - the Earl of Pembroke, the Pickle and Kaskalot - but the boat that is expected to generate the most excitement is the three-masted barque, Dunbrody. The Dunbrody will be alongside Milford Docks from tomorrow (Saturday) - June 27 and visitors will be welcome aboard to see actors interpret day-to-day life on board a famine ship. There will also be an opportunity to sail around the Pembrokeshire coastline on board the Dunbrody. Richard James, who has been co-ordinating the visit, said there was great excitement that Pembrokeshire had been chosen as the destination for her Maiden voyage. "It is such an important time in the life of this ship. I really cannot express more strongly how important this arrival at the end of her Maiden voyage is,' he said. The Dunbrody's visit and Seafair Haven coincide with Pembrokeshire Fish Week, an annual event which celebrates this coastal community's abundance of fish and seafood. Over 50 events, centred on food, fishing and the water, will take place throughout the week. Fish Week will kick-off at Milford Haven Marina tomorrow (Saturday) with a day of sea-themed children's workshops, storytelling and entertainment.
