Tall ships come to Edmonds
Published 8:36 pm Tuesday, May 25, 2010
The Lady Washington and her consort ship, the Hawaiian Chieftain, will sail into the Edmonds harbor timed to coincide with the Edmonds Rotary Waterfront Festival. The public is invited to tour and cruise aboard the tall ships during their 11-day stay.
The Aberdeen-based vessels will arrive in Edmonds at 1:30 p.m. June 3, and depart June 14.
The Lady Washington is a full-scale replica of one of the first U.S.-flagged vessels to visit the West Coast in 1788, before George Vancouver’s visits in the 1790s. Vessels of that time were cruising Northwest waters as part of the fur trade.
The Hawaiian Chieftain, also a replica, is the companion ship of the Lady Washington and accompanies her on voyages from California into British Columbia.
Operated by the nonprofit Grays Harbor Historical Seaport, the vessels are charged with providing an educational forum for late 18th century maritime activities. During the visit of the tall ships there will be activities intended to bring the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest to life.
“From the exterior, it is hard to tell the Lady Washington is a replica,” said Joe Follansbee, communications director for the Seaport. “We tried to keep everything authentic, but we did add a radio and an auxiliary engine.”
The Lady Washington will be available for self-guided dockside tours during the festival weekend and the following weekend. Crew in period costumes will welcome visitors aboard the ships from 4 to 5 p.m. June 4; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 5 and 6; 4 to 5 p.m. June 8 to 11; and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 12 and 13. A $3 donation is suggested.
Three-hour Battle Sails are scheduled for 2 p.m. June 5, 6, 12 and 13. Both vessels will be used to recreate typical 18th century naval action, complete with cannon fire and close quarters maneuvers. Tickets are $60 adults, $50 students, seniors and active military, and $40 children 12 and under.
An Adventure Sail also is available aboard the Lady Washington at 10 a.m. June 6. The Hawaiian Chieftain will take passengers on a similar experience at 10 a.m. June 13. Tickets for Adventure Sails are $55 adults, $45 students, seniors/active military, and $35 children 12 and under.
To purchase tickets, visit www.historicalseaport.org or call 800-200-5239. For group educational programs, contact Roxie Underwood at 800-200-5239, ext. 102, or runderwood@historicalseaport.org.
