Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority anchored its place on the heritage ship port of call route after welcoming Norwegian vessel ‘Nordstjernen’ into the harbour.
The 70-year-old vessel sailed into the River Dart in South Devon on her maiden visit during a beautiful early morning sunrise, with passengers waving and watching as the river team and pilot skilfully spun her in the widest part of the river before tying her on the Mainstream buoys.
Within minutes, her passengers were disembarking onto the town pontoon, after a very short tender ride ashore – they were welcomed by the Town Crier and the Cruise Ambassador volunteers before dispersing onto various shore excursions and to explore all the historic town of Dartmouth has to offer.
Translating to The North Star, ‘Nordstjernen’ was built in 1956 at the renowned Hamburg shipyard Blohm & Voss and, for 56 years, she sailed the Norwegian coast, operating as a post office for small towns before the development of the road and rail networks.
She was extensively renovated and restored in 2012 after being sold to the Norwegian shipping company Vestland Classic, after receiving the Highest Norwegian Authority for the Protection of Historical Monuments – the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage protected her as an outstanding example of 1950s ship design.
The Harbour Master and CEO Paul Britton, along with the Town Mayor and other members of the Harbour Authority, had the privilege of going onboard to meet the Captain and other members of crew to exchange plaques to mark the significant visit – an event watched and enjoyed by passengers alike.
With Dartmouth being billed as ‘England’s Fjord’, Margit Distler, Cruise Director on ‘Nordstjernen’, admitted that the passage into the port felt right from the start.
“Including the communication beforehand, from emails and conversations, from the very first moment I thought ‘this is our port’. Paul was so enthusiastic about our visit and it makes us feel so welcome. It was perfectly organised,” she said.
“The location, the approach and the landscape is all perfect, and we fit perfectly! We belong to this port in this position! We will come back!”
During her time in the port, ‘Nordstjernen’ was supplied with potable water during an efficient water bunkering operation using the Harbour Authority’s ‘Hercules’ work barge, ensuring her supply for her onward journey.
Paul Britton said: “Whilst we are proud of the warm welcome we give every ship into the Dart, we were particularly excited to welcome the ‘Nordstjernen’ for her 70th birthday cruise.
“Dartmouth is an extremely historic port, so it is a particular pleasure to see such a fine vessel passing between the castles and into our harbour. As we have recently started promoting Dartmouth as ‘England’s Fjord’, it is particularly fitting to be the backdrop to a vessel which has spent her working life in Norway’s fjords!”
After a very successful visit, the ship was escorted out of the harbour on her departure accompanied by a water salute from the Authority’s pilot boat ‘Mallard’ – a fitting “trygg passasje” send off.
Margit Distler concluded: “Bringing our beloved ‘Nordstjernen’ into Dartmouth was a truly special and unforgettable experience. From the very first moment, we were greeted with such warmth, genuine hospitality and enthusiasm that we immediately felt incredibly welcome. Dartmouth is a beautiful and remarkable harbour, with an extraordinary maritime atmosphere and a wonderful sense of history.
“The welcome from the Harbour Authority was simply outstanding – the communication with Paul Britton a pure delight as he loves historic ships and understands our needs which are different from modern ships!
“Everyone we met was exceptionally professional, helpful and friendly, and we were deeply impressed by the care and attention given to us and to our ship.
“For us, Dartmouth was much more than simply a port of call. It was an experience that we will remember with great affection. And the sail away with all our passengers out on the decks and the pilot boat in front of us – simply unforgettable!
“We would be delighted to return to Dartmouth in the future! It was a privilege and a pleasure to be there! Only wish it would have been longer… Next time maybe overnight! Thank you!”
