Keep your eyes on the seas this coming weekend, and you will see sailing ships of many different shapes and sizes filling the waters around Peel.

The 19th Peel Traditional Boat Weekend gets under way tomorrow (Friday), and over the next two days, there will be the chance to have a close look at some of the old, cherished and historic small sailing ships that once would have frequented ports such as Peel.

In particular, the visit of the ’La Meluine’, a 100 foot, three-masted steel ’square rigger’ will be berthed alongside the breakwater on Saturday and Sunday.

Mike Clarke, co-organiser of the boat festival, said that there should be plenty for people to see in Peel over the weekend.

’It is a very simple event at its heart,’ said Mike.

’It is really a festival for boat owners, more than for the public.

’The general purpose of it is to gather together the owners of some of the really old, rare, interesting and historic boats, and give them the chance to meet each other.

’This encourages them to look after their boats, and keep them in a good shape, and also creates the space for owners to network with each other, offer advice and expertise to help keep the boats afloat and in a working condition.

’Ideally, this will ensure that they are kept on the water for many years to come.

’However, the benefit for the public is that they can come down and see some of these wonderful ships up close, and meet with the crews.’

’The boats should all be out in Peel bay on Saturday and Sunday, depending on the tides, which should be around 11am on both days.

’This is the time to see them at their best, hopefully under sail in Peel bay.

’The "La Meluine", with its three masts, will be a wonderful sight to see.’

The scratch boat building competition, which will see five teams build a boat and race them across Peel harbour in a day, will now take place on Sunday, August 4.

Contruction will begin at 10am and the race will take place at 5pm.