The largest, free, open-air entertainment of the year has been provided at Waterford during the past three days as members of the public turned up to inspect some of the finest tall ships in the world and enjoyed a festival of cultural events along with a massive fireworks display.
The vessels hailed from the coasts of Europe and beyond - some 90 sailing ships from 20 countries with crews numbering more than 3,000 men and women - and arrived last Wednesday to strut their stuff and display the magic of a bygone age. But the best has yet to come. With canvas spread, the ships will set out for Cherbourg, in the first of a four-race series, this afternoon.
It should be a magnificent spectacle. With light winds and rising temperatures, last-minute visitors to Waterford have a real treat in store. From early this morning, viewers along the coastline will be treated to a Parade of Sail as the ships spread their wings in preparation for the race. The parade will include an Irish contingent made up of the Asgard II, the Jeanie Johnston and the Dunbrody.
From Cherbourg, the fleet will sail to Newcastle-on-Tyne in England and then on to Fredrikstad in Norway, spending four days at each location. The vessels offer young people the chance of sailing with their contemporaries while facing the physical and emotional challenges that only the sea can provide.
At a time when the tourism industry is complaining about falling visitor numbers outside of Dublin, it is heartening to see the initiative that has been displayed by Waterford in attracting this family-friendly event. There were parades through the streets of the city for the foreign crews. And gangplanks were lowered to the public.
By the time the tall ships have slipped below the horizon, up to a quarter of a million people will have visited the area and the revenue generated for the city has been estimated at €25 million.
Some businesses were disrupted. Traffic piled up in the city and the main roads became congested. But a large contingent of good-humoured gardaí helped to sort things out.
It is fitting that Waterford, once the primary Irish wine-trading port and a home to Vikings, should host the start of the Tall Ships Race in Europe. As a medieval city with a royal charter and some fine civic buildings, it is worth a visit at any time.
But these last few days have been special. The organisers of the event and the local people who showed such hospitality to visiting mariners and other tourists should take a bow.