BAS at International Festival of the Sea.
The British Antarctic Survey’s Royal Research Ship James Clark Ross (JCR) will take part in this year’s International Festival of the Sea at Portsmouth Naval Base and Historic Dockyard over the weekend of 30 June – 3 July. This year’s event celebrates the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and provides the inspiration for hundreds of celebrations and special events across the UK under the SeaBritain 2005 banner for a National Year of the Sea.
Visitors can see how the JCR undertakes scientific research in the Antarctic and meet scientists and support staff who have worked and travelled on her. A field camp complete with orange pyramid tent, skidoo, clothing and food boxes will be erected on the aft deck and scientific samples will be on display.
Alongside JCR will be the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol ship HMS Endurance, whose function is to support British interests in Antarctic waters. In addition, she assists BAS in carrying out its research programmes. Visitors will see a Lynx helicopter and examples of the ship’s hydrographic work.
A major highlight of this year’s festival is the International Fleet Review by HRH the Queen at Spithead on 28 June, the first since 1977. A number of ships including JCR will line up in the Solent as the Queen reviews her fleet from HMS Endurance.
For more information on IFOS visit the website at www.festivalofthesea.co.uk
RRS James Clark Ross.