Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington

The Tall Ships sail into Ventura and open for tours. Photo by john Ferritto

The Tall Ships, Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington, commence their annual voyage along the California coast and sail into Ventura Harbor on Tuesday, January 25 and sails out early on Thursday, February 14. The historical vessels will dock in front of scenic Ventura Harbor Village.  Tall Ship schedule can change due to weather and unforeseen circumstances.  Visitors are urged to please check VenturaHarborVillage.com prior to arrival.

Catch the mystical sight of the Tall Ships during the not-to-be missed grand arrival in the afternoon on January 25 as the crew may “man the yards” upon arrival as crew members stand on the tall masts.  A photographer’s delight, the ships depart for Battle Sails throughout their stay out of the Harbor.

Open to the public the Tall Ship Dockside Tours offer a living history experience.  Dockside tours focus on the authentic 18th century sailor’s view of traveling by tall ship, as well as a chance to meet the ship’s crew and learn what it took to adventure to new lands.

Looking for more adventure? Battle Sails, Adventure Sails, or Voyage of Explorers Sails complete with firing cannons and hoisting of the main sails are just the ticket!  Battle Sails feature a recreation of a naval skirmish with close quarters maneuvers and are available, as are Adventure Sails and Explorer Sails, out in the channel to experience life on the high seas.

Grays Harbor Historical Seaport recommends a $5 donation for Dockside Tours; additional donation amounts support educational programs.  For sailing ticket reservations call 800-200-5239 or visit www.historicalseaport.org. Tickets are on sale now.

Hawaiian Chieftain was built in Hawaii in 1988 and originally designed for cargo trade among the Hawaiian Islands. Launched in 1989, Lady Washington is a full-scale reproduction of the original Lady Washington, which was built in 1750s and was one of the first U.S. – flagged ships to explore the west coast of North America.

The Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington travel down the West Coast stopping in ports and harbors for historical and educational visits.  These ships host over 8,000 school children a year.  Educators should contact the Historical Seaport education office, 360-589-2299 to arrange dockside, or on-the-water programming while here in Ventura Harbor.

Share your Tall Ships photos @VenturaHarbor on Instagram! For more Tall Ship information visit www.venturaharborvillage.com or Facebook Ventura Harbor. Admission and parking free daily at Ventura Harbor Village.

For complete schedule, visithttp://www.historicalseaport.org/public-tours-sails/sailing-schedule/#

Tickets are on sale.  For detailed information, call 800-200-5239.