A PARADE of sail began with a bang thanks to a 15-gun salute from the Nothe Fort.

The event was held to mark the 200th anniversary of Nelson's victory over the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar.

More than 50 motor cruisers, yachts and fishing boats took part in the parade with hundreds of wellwishers cheering them on from the sides of Weymouth harbour.

After the start signal from the Nothe the vessels sailed into the harbour in single file before rounding a buoy and heading back out to sea.

Weymouth and Portland Mayor Les Ames took the salute as they sailed past the Royal Dorset Yacht Club.

He said: "It's a very interesting day and I'm very pleased and proud to be part of it. Days like this are very important and I hope they continue long into the future. I'm a big believer in the value of tradition and learning about our county's history and so I appreciate events like this."

Royal Dorset Yacht Club Commodore Graham Chaplin said: "The weather has been absolutely perfect for us today. We have had a great turnout from boat owners and people coming to watch."

Visitors were entertained by music from the cadets of TS Boscawen Sea Cadet Unit in Weymouth.

Weymouth Harbour wasn't the only maritime attraction over the weekend.

The naval frigate HMS Portland, recently returned from a six-month detachment in the South Atlantic, was berthed at the Queens Pier in Portland Port and officers and crew gave the public guided tours of the warship.

The cable ship Wave Sentinel was also on show to the public. The ship is one of two cable ships based in Portland responsible for repairing or installing underwater communications equipment.

Also on offer was an information presentation in the Britannia Passenger Terminal on Portland Port's proposals for a major development of the berthing system to accommodate the increase in traffic using the port, particularly deep draught ships.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman Jacqui Gisborne said: "We knew there would be a high turnout for HMS Portland so we also put on an information day at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.

"We had councillors on hand to answer any questions people had about the build-up to the 2012 Olympics."