THE ships left one by one, each on a course which would secure for them a unique place in the history of Southampton.

As has happened many times before Southampton Water became a stage and backdrop on a grand scale as Cunard’s fleet of three ships saluted their home port and celebrated 175 years of remarkable history.

First came the mighty 150,000 ton Queen Mary 2 to be followed by her two, smaller sisters, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, as they made their way, in convoy, down Southampton Water in a dramatic acknowledgement and a “Big thank you” to the city of Southampton and its people.

It was a magnificent sight in a magnificent setting as the mighty vessels eased their way out into the Solent before departing on different voyages which would take them to North America, the northern European ports of Amsterdam and Hamburg, as well as the coastal waters around Great Britain and Ireland.

Thousands of sightseers packed every vantage point along Southampton Water as the fleet manoeuvred themselves into a convoy formation with Queen Victoria leaving the Western Docks to join QM2 and Queen Elizabeth, which were both berthed in the Eastern Docks.

Out on the water more people shadowed the fleet on yachts, pleasure craft and motor cruisers as the ships sedately passed Weston Shore, Marchwood and Hythe, Netley, and then Fawley before reaching Calshot, which was again crowded with sightseers.

Earlier Cunard hosted a reception and gala lunch on board QM2 to thank the city for its support over the decades that the company has been based in Southampton.

Speaking at the reception, David Dingle, chairman of Carnival UK, the parent company of Cunard, sent a message of congratulations on behalf of the three vessels and their crew to Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of the new princess.

He also told guests: “Today we begin in earnest the 175th celebrations of the company, which established the first scheduled services across the Atlantic in July 1840.

“There have been memorable arrivals and emotional farewell departures, the most recent being that of Queen Elizabeth 2. Today one of her anchors takes pride of place on the QE2 Mile, which cuts right through the city centre of Southampton.”

Amongst the guests on board QM2 were two great, great grandsons of Samuel Cunard, the shipping line’s founder.

Also on the guest list were television presenter and sports commentator Clare Balding, actor Robert Powell, one time journalist and MP Martin Bell and former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond.

Yesterday’s event was the fourth time in recent years that all three Cunard “Queens” have gathered at the same time in Southampton.