As Portsmouth gears up for the International Fleet Review and the International Festival of the Sea a restricted area in the Eastern Solent has been established. Specific details have been distributed by the Queens Harbour Master Portsmouth, via Local Notices to Mariners, yachting press, a poster campaign and through briefing area yacht clubs, and are also available on the worldwide web Trafalgar 200. These restrictions will remain in force until 29 June, and are designed to ensure both the safety of the visiting ships and other water users, whether commercial or leisure. The restricted zone is being patrolled by a mixture of police and military resources which will visit vessels as they approach to pass on safety information and directions for remaining clear. During the International Fleet Review itself on Tue 28, these will be supplemented by 100 marshalling craft from the Royal Yachting Association.

During the lead up to the Fleet Review the Solent is going to be particularly busy with numerous large vessels positioning anchoring and transiting through the areas. All personnel using the Solent are requested to keep clear of the restricted area and to comply with the instructions of the military, police and civilian marshals - all of whose vessels are clearly marked.

With increased traffic density all water users are requested to make carefully considered judgements and at all times proceed at a safe speed with due consideration for other vessels within the Solent.

Specific time sensitive information will be passed out via VHF channels 16 and 11.

Captain Chris Richards, Chief of Staff for Commander UK Maritime Forces is embarked in HMS Albion coordinating this effort, and available for telephone interview to reinforce this message.