Catch a glimpse into California’s high-seas adventures of yesteryear when the Ocean Institute hosts its 32nd annual Ocean Institute Tall Ships Festival presented by Toshiba on Saturday and Sunday, September 10-11 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.). Also, don’t miss the spectacular view offered by the Parade of Sail, the annual tall ships sunset parade, which takes place on Friday, September 9 from 4:00-7:30 p.m.
Each year during the second weekend in September, the Ocean Institute hosts a fleet of historic tall ships that sail into Dana Point Harbor. These majestic vessels illuminate California’s rich maritime history as crews from each ship engage the public in historical reenactments, cannon battles, pirate adventures, ship tours, and more. Participating ships include Pilgrim, Spirit of Dana Point, American Pride, Bill of Rights, Californian, Curlew, Exy Johnson, and Irving Johnson.
A Sails ’n Ales Tall Ships Festival Kickoff Party gets the celebration started on Friday, Sept. 9, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Beer tastings, live music from Edwards & Jesse Daniel Edwards, food trucks, and mermaid encounters are all part of the fun. The Sails ’n Ales party includes tastings from Sierra Nevada, Stone Brewing, Bottle Logic Brewing, Mother Earth Brew Company, and Valiant Brewing. Tickets to the event include admission, souvenir tasting glass, unlimited tastes, and free parking.
Throughout the weekend, the festival features several activities for kids and adults to enjoy, including Tall Ships tours, mock cannon battles, pirate encampments, mermaid encounters, food and retail vendors, a Sierra Nevada beer garden, and much more. In addition, the Ocean Institute has interactive labs and activities to explore as well as maritime displays and exhibits showcased throughout the facility. Visitors can also get up close and personal with an array of fascinating sea creatures, including sea stars, jellies, rays, and octopuses. Attendees also have an opportunity to take to the high seas with cannon battle cruises taking place from 4:30-7:30 p.m. with boarding at 4 p.m., and on Sunday evening, an escort cruise aboard the R/V Sea Explorer is offered from 5:00-6:30 p.m.
Tickets are on sale now. A general admission Tall Ships Festival Adventure pass is $9 for adult members and $7 for children ages 3-14. Nonmember pricing is $10 for adults and $8 for children. Group rates are also available. For tickets and more information, visit ocean-institute.org/tall-ships-festival.
