More than 150 authentic ships at Ostend at Anchor

As of 19 May, no less than 150 authentic ships are expected to visit the maritime festival Ostend at Anchor. The organisation announced this on Monday. This year, the 500th anniversary of the world expedition of Magellan and Elcano will be the main highlight.

From Thursday 19 to Sunday 22 May, more than 150 authentic ships and vessels can be boarded in Ostend. After two cancelled editions, the maritime festival can again take place in its entirety. Visitors can discover two- and three-masters, but also schooners, barges and flat-bottomed boats. 

During this edition, the 500th anniversary of the world expedition of Magellan and Elcano will also be celebrated. A unique collection of sea and world maps and artefacts, loaned by the Spanish Geographical Institute, will be on display. 

There will also be a maritime experience market, where visitors can taste local products, listen to folk music, watch entertainment and performances. 

"Ostend at Anchor" is traditionally a four-day festival with a mix of all kinds of nationalities among the boaters, visitors, exhibitors and musicians. "After two cancelled editions we are looking forward to a top edition of our biggest maritime party in the North Sea," the mayor of Ostend, Bart Tommelein (Open Vld) says.

© Belga Photo Dirk Waem