YOU can wait forever for a Tall Ship - if you count since 1992 as forever, anyway - but then dozens come along at once...

And over one hundred thousand people were on hand on the Wirral banks of the River Mersey on Monday to make sure they witnessed just that.

The Parade of Sail - arguably the highlight of Liverpool’s event-packed Capital of Culture 2008 year - was an unparalled success as a massive operation to marshall traffic and thousands of people on both sides of the estuary passed off virtually without incident.

The promenade from Seacombe to New Brighton was packed right along as families and visitors gathered en masse to witness the graceful vessels’ departure from the Mersey for Northern Ireland, where they will gather for the race to Norway.

Blustery winds meant few of the Tall Ships were actually in full sail, but few were disappointed as dozens of them, led out into Liverpool Bay by the Type 23 Duke class frigate HMS Argyll, slowly left the famous waters that had played host to this spectacular four-day event.

As the Globe went to press the final figures were still being gathered, but it’s estimated around one million people visited the Tall Ships during their long weekend stay.

Around 120,000 of those lined the promenade from Seacombe to New Brighton, also taking up perches in Vale Park, in river-facing gardens, and - in the case of some cheeky lifeguards - even on the roof of Guinea Gap Baths!

Visitors were also treated to two aerobatic displays before and after the event, and there was also live music in New Brighton’s Vale Park to keep the crowds entertained after the ships had gone.

Meticulous advance planning by police and other emergency services, along with Wirral Council, meant disruption was kept to a minimum with traffic on the main roads out of New Brighton flowing easily.

Dave Green, Wirral’s director of technical services, told the Globe: “The Parade of Sail event went perfectly well from our operational point of view.

“The traffic management system kept the roads clear, the prom areas were clean and tidy before and after the event, and the extra entertainment that we put on was enjoyed by all.

“We thank residents and visitors for listening to the public transport advice and obeying by the traffic regulations to help make the day go as well as possible.”

Merseyside Police Chf Supt Tony Doherty, force operations, said: “We’re delighted with the way things have gone over the last week. The crowds were good natured and well behaved and there were very few incidents of crime.

“The showcase events, which formed part of the Capital of Culture celeb-rations, attracted visitors and media from all over the world to the region.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended, the police officers and staff, and representatives from partner agencies for making this an event to remember.”