Oceana (II), Black Watch (III), Queen Mary 2, Independence of the Seas & Grand Princess
A rare event in Southampton on the 29th August 2009.  We had FIVE ships in.  Four is almost as common as three so nothing to get excited over.  But three of the five were over 100,000 tonnes, including two of the largest in the world!  Originally Queen Victoria was due in this day for a four-night cruise.  Then she was moved to the following day, trip reduced by a day.  Mary was in her old home of QEII, Oceana was facing outwards from Ocean, Indy was in City, Grand in Mayflower while little Black Watch was in 104.  Only Indy was port so, apart from Oceana coming out forward, it would mean the rest would need turning.  I decided to go over to Town Quay to take some photos before lunchtime.
I had noticed the ferry was running late so had hung back on the pier until it went.  Then headed towards the landing stage where several people were already queuing.  As I waited I noticed for surprisingly the first time, Hotspur's original name lettering painted over.  I can't believe I hadn't seen that before.
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			(C) Copyright Patricia Dempsey 29th & 30th August 2009 Not to be reproduced without permission