QE2 Under Flag of Vanuatu

Cobh, Ireland, October 1, 2008

Port Rashid, Dubai, August 19, 2009 Photo courtesy of Maritimematters.com

Here is an updated photo showing the "Southampton" painted over and the new "Port Vila" added beneath. The resolution is not the best, but you can see the results. Comparing the two photos, the stern of the ship sadly is missing the UK ensign that had been flown at her stern for over 40 years.

See www.maritimematters.com/shipnews.html.

As discussed on my favorite QE2 site, http://www.theqe2story.com/, the rat guards, normally fitted to the docklines are missing from this photo and should be added immediately. The guards are shown on the top photo, the weird looking yellow things with red tags hanging down, which prevent rats from running up the lines and entering the ship.

Port Vila

Cobh, Ireland, October 2, 2008

To comply with international shipping laws, Nakheel, the new owners of QE2, have reflagged her in the Pacific island country of Vanuatu, the the home port listed as Port Vila. Rest assured, "Southampton" is still firmly attached to the hull plates on the stern, but has been temporarily pinted over, as reported by BBC News.

http://http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/8225638.stm

Down the Slipway!

On the slipway, Clydebank, September 1967, prior to launching  http://www.clydebankrestoration.com/

"I now name you Queen Elizabeth the second. May God bless you and all that sail her." HRH Queen Elizabeth II, at the launch ceremony of QE2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48Y-rEcHu3c

My blog is officially launched! After much contemplation on how best to channel my energy, I have decided to start my own blog on my obsession with all thing Cunard and in particular, all things QE2 related. Bear with me as I navigate the world of blogging and webpage creation.