THE crew of the Lady Nelson is getting her shipshape in preparation for the International Fleet Review to be held in Sydney in October.
The gathering of warships and tall ships from around the world is being held to commemorate the centenary of the Royal Australian Navy's first entry to Sydney on October 4, 1913.
Lady Nelson, a common sight on the River Derwent as a tour boat and training vessel, will be joined by fellow Hobart-based tall ship Windeward Bound at the Sydney review.
It is expected that about 40 visiting warships and 12 tall ships will be at the event and the assembled fleet will be inspected by Governor-General Quentin Bryce.
There are also rumours a member of the royal family might be attending.
The festival, which runs from October 3-11, will also include aircraft flyovers and demonstrations, naval displays, gun salutes, dragon boat races, a combined naval march through the Sydney CBD and a huge fireworks and laserlight show.
Master of the Lady Nelson Mal Riley was thrilled with the opportunity to be part of the historic event.
And thanks to lobbying by Federal Labor candidate for Denison Jane Austin and the assistance of the State Government, the Lady Nelson is now equipped with a heart defibrilator as part of its equipment for the sea voyage.
The potentially life-saving device, worth about $1500, had been on Mr Riley's wish list for some time and when he approached Ms Austin, a sailing photographer, for assistance, she convinced Premier Lara Giddings to fund it.