Britannia to berth today

Press, 27 February 1986, Page 3

Britannia to berth today

The Royal Yacht Britannia is expected to berth at Lyttelton shortly before 9 a.m. today. The vessel, which sailed from Auckland, will pick up a Lyttelton Harbour Board pilot about 8 a.m. near Godley Head, and is not expected to berth at Lyttelton until 8.45 a.m.

The Britannia will take on fuel when she arrives and will then shift to her permanent berth during her stay, No. 4 West wharf. One of her escort ships H.M.N.Z.S. Waikato will berth at No. 4 East

Two Lyttelton Harbour Board tugs will stand by the Britannia but will only go alongside in the event of an emergency. The Britannia, under the command of RearAdmiral J. Garnier, is never led into harbour when wearing a Royal standard. There are only a few exceptions to this rule, both in Britain, when Trinity House or the Northern Lighthouse Board exercise an ancient privilege. Two other naval ships, H.M.N.Z.S. Hawea and H.M.N.Z.S. Kiwi will attend the Britannia on her

arrival and departure as will police small craft, set to berth at No. 5 East wharf.

The sight of the Britannia arriving in port is expected to afford good viewing for early risers, particularly from the Sumner Road. The No. 4 wharf Itself will be closed to all traffic from the shoreward end and police barriers and checkpoints will be in force.

The Britannia, which will berth "bows in,” will fly court flags from her arrival to the time the Queen disembarks on March 2.

The ships of the Royal squadron will be illuminated each night from 30 minutes after sunset until 2 a.m.

Wharfside security for the visit will be provided by the Navy with police back-up. Patrols to seaward will be made while police and Navy divers will provide underwater security. These divers will inspect the berths before arrival and will be on standby throughout the visit.

The boating public are

welcome to view the Britannia on arrival and departure, says a Royal visit press release, but they are asked to

© Keep clear of the sector 20 degrees either side of the Britannia’s bow when under way.

• Keep 100 yards clear of the Britannia’s side and remain abaft the bridge if paralleling her course.

• Avoid getting between the Britannia and escorting naval craft • Keep clear of the closed area round Nd. 4 wharf.

• Follow any directions by Navy craft by or on behalf of embarked police officers.

One place to get a good view of the Royal Yacht’s arrival and night-time illumination display will be the Timeball Station which will be open until 10 p.m. during the Britannia’s stay.