VISITORS to Fremantle Ports Maritime Day at Victoria Quay from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday 12 November will be rewarded with a lively, colourful and free program of water-based and wharf-side activities.

The Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Sheean will be alongside, port tugs, STS Leeuwin and Fremantle Ports’ emergency response vessel will be open for tours and there will be harbour rides on a South Metropolitan TAFE boat.

Some of the other attractions in and around B Shed on Victoria Quay will be Australian Border Force and port industry displays, guided history tours, an extensive photo exhibition, fashion shows, model ships, vintage boats and cars, surf lifesaving demonstrations and maritime art activities.

The now traditional cook-off between Fremantle Ports and the Navy will be on again in earnest with QUBE entering this hotly contested competition for the first time.

Kids will be well catered for at this free family event, says Fremantle Ports Manager External Affairs Ainslie de Vos.

“A highlight for the young ones will be the maritime-themed fancy dress competition for kids who arrive at Maritime Day dressed up as mermaids, seafarers, pirates and other nautical characters.”

“There will be craft activities in B Shed and in keeping with the educational and maritime careers theme, there is a lap-top for one child to win by answering questions about the port.”

The Maritime Museum is again taking part, with entry by donation and some special activities on offer.

Entertainment will include the TAIKO On Japanese percussion ensemble courtesy of the Japanese Consulate General in Western Australia, marching displays and school bands.

The Fremantle Harbour Classic Yacht Race, which gets underway in Fremantle Harbour at 1 p.m., will add further colour and spectacle.