Ships on show for Anzac centenary

Spectators will have a stunning view of seven naval vessels sailing past as part of the Albany Anzac centenary commemorations’ symbolic departure of ships on November 1.

The route that the five Australian, New Zealand and Japanese ships will take in the symbolic re-enactment of the 1914 departure of the convoys from Albany for World War I was announced this week after it was confirmed by the Department of Defence.

The Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Anzac, Arunta, Sirius, Stuart and submarine HMAS Rankin will participate, as well as the Royal New Zealand Navy’s HMNZS Te Kaha and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force’s JDS Kirisame.

From 1pm, the ships, which will be anchored in the sound, will perform a loop in a line, coming close to Middleton Beach, before HMNZS Te Kaha and HMAS Anzac break off and sail through the Ataturk channel about 1.30pm.

This will coincide with the opening of the National Anzac Centre where guests, including an expected attendance by Prime Minister Tony Abbott, will be able to watch the ships.

There will be live sites at Middleton Beach, Mt Adelaide and Mt Clarence with good views of the ships as well as live coverage of the troop march and commemorative service and food, drinks and toilets.

Vantage points will also be at Marine Drive, Ellen Cove Boardwalk and Emu Point.

The five remaining ships will complete a loop and anchor at their original spots about 2pm, before moving in to dock at Albany Port over a number of hours during the day.

The procedure has been carefully planned by the Royal Australian Navy and the Albany Port Authority as there are limited berths.

City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington said spectators should get there early for a “once in a lifetime” event.

“The symbolic ship departure will be a magnificent and moving spectacle which will take place 100 years to the day since the first convoy departed Albany,” he said.