Toshiba Tall Ships Festival

September 10 – 12, 2010

(Sunset parade September 10)

The sunset parade of “Tall Ships and Great Schooners”  is reminiscent of a sight that in the 19th century brought alternately joy or fear. Were the sails those of friend or foe? On the eve of September 10th the tall ship fleet will assemble as friends to make their triumphant entry into Dana Point Harbor before sunset. For sure the intrigue of pirates fills the even’ air, the lure of rest at the encampment of traders waiting with the treasures and drink provide the lure to these far traveled vessels.

For you there is the opportunity to watch the fleet assemble of shore under full canvas, perhaps a cannonade or two, and a grand entry down the harbors main channel with the setting sun and cliffs of Dana Point as your background. The harbor island has adequate parking for the evening festivities and large grassy spaces that beg a bucket of chicken and a blank to watch from.  This is a magic moment for the whole family that SCCE can highly endorse. Tall Ships and Great Schooners will include the Pilgrim, Spirit of Dana Point, Exy Johnson, Irving Johnson, Californian, American Pride, Curlew, and Lynx.

(Tall Ships Festival September 11 & 12)

This year, the Ocean Institute is celebrating its 26th year hosting the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival!  This not to be missed celebration is replete with pageantry, history, shopping, arts and crafts, chantey concert and food. Jack Sparrow has been known to walk the beach, perhaps in search of his long lost rum; old sea songs can be heard. For a small sum the family can board the tall ships for a tour and a look at the workmanship of these fine vessels. If Her Majesty has been kind to you, there is the opportunity daily to hoist sail and go to sea, not for the faint of heart as these ships filled with goods and paying passengers seldom escape the notice of those who would take what is not theirs. Fortunately each ship will through the years has proved its worth as each is armed with cannon and a good crew to see her through.

Don’t miss out on the ocean institute the heart and soul of this weekend. With the polar ice caps melting the sea is changing and the institute is working hard at work education young people of all ages on the importance our oceans play in our daily lives, protecting the local marine environment and watersheds. The institute is a chance to get up-close and personal with some of the ocean’s most amazing sea creatures, including sea stars, local fish species, rays and octopus.

A family friendly event, come and enjoy the Toshiba Tall Ships Festival. Come celebrate Southern California’s rich maritime history!

For the latest event information follow this link to the 2010 Toshiba Tall Ships Festival Website.  http://www.tallshipsfestival.com/events.html

For directions to the event and offsite parking locations follow this link to the 2010 Toshiba Tall Ships Festival information page: http://www.tallshipsfestival.com/directions.html