Free D-Day commemoration boat tours for Weymouth residents
The Town Council's encouraging people to book a place
People in Weymouth are being given free spaces on special boat tours around the Bay, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
The area played a crucial role in the invasions in 1944, with soldiers leaving from the Dorset coast for northern France.
Cruises highlighting the history are being held over four days from Thursday 6th June, to Sunday 9th.
Spaces are available for free for residents in the DT3 and DT4 postcodes, but they need to be booked, and are first come first served.
Weymouth Mayor Cllr Jon Orrell said:
“We are delighted to team up with Coastline Cruises to offer free boat trips discovering more about the role Weymouth and Portland harbours played in D-Day, which served as a crucial embarkation point for the Allied / US troops heading to Normandy. The free tickets are subject to availability so please book directly with Coastline Cruises to take advantage of this exclusive offer.”
When will the boat tours run?
Cruises from Brewers Quay, Weymouth to Portland:
• Thursday 6th June: 9am, 10.45am, 12.45pm, 2.45pm
• Friday 7th June: 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm
• Saturday 8th June: 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm
• Sunday 9th June: 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm
Cruises from Crabbers Wharf, Castletown, Portland to Weymouth:
• Thursday 6th June: 1.45pm, 4pm
• Friday 7th June: 1.30pm, 3.30pm
• Saturday 8th June: 1.30pm, 3.30pm
• Sunday 9th June: 1.30pm, 3.20pm
Kevin Jones from Coastline Cruises said:
"We are honoured to be making the MV My Girl available to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Operation Overlord D-Day. As part of this special occasion, Coastline Cruises is offering locals a complimentary return boat cruise from Weymouth to Portland.
"My Girl provided vital military service during WWII and will provide an exceptional experience for passengers as they journey to Portland. By offering these free cruises, we hope to provide a memorable experience for the local community while honouring the legacy of those who participated in D-Day."
To book one of the free tours, email dday@coastlinecruises.com, giving your preferred and alternative departure and return date and times, along with your home postcode.
You must bring proof of address on the day of the tour.
Only two tickets are available per household but additional places can be booked for £10 per person.