Ship Out

WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Test out your sea legs at the 26th Annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival in Dana Point.

Courtesy of Ocean Institute

Toshiba Tall Ships Festival Dana Point Harbor, Dana Point September 10-12, 2010 5-7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Adult members, $6.50; children under 12, $4.50 Adult non-members, $10; children under 12, $8 :: ocean-institute.org :: tallshipsfestival.com September 10 Tall Ships Sunset Parade Sail 4:30-7:30 p.m. Adult members, $35; children 4-12, $26 Adult non-members, $45; children 4-12, $34 Parade Escort Cruise 5-7 p.m. Adult members, $25; children 4-12, $20 Adult non-members, $30; children 4-12, $25 September 11 and 12 Tall Ships Cannon Battle Sail 5:30-8 p.m. Adult members, $50; children 4-12, $40 Adult non-members, $65; children 4-12, $51 Tall Ships Cannon Battle Escort Cruise 5:45-7:15 p.m. Adult members, $25; children 4-12, $20 Adult non-members, $30; children 4-12, $25

The white mast of the Brig Pilgrim is as much a part of the Dana Point landscape as the 200-foot cliffs of its shoreline. Usually anchored near the Ocean Institute, along with The Spirit of Dana Point, the full-sized replica of the hide brig made famous by Richard Henry Dana Jr., in his novel Two Years Before the Mast, is a favorite of visitors and locals alike.

“It’s such an iconic part of Dana Point," says Sara Ludovise, director of outdoor education for the Ocean Institute, “everybody should see it at least once.”

And what better time to experience the ship than during the 26th Annual Toshiba Tall Ships Festival?

The event, which is the largest gathering of tall ships on the West Coast, featuring eight majestic real, working tall ships, begins with a sunset parade showcasing the majestic ships at 4:30 p.m Friday, September 10.

“It’s one of the few times a year [the Pilgrim] goes out on the water," says Ludovise, who is also the project manager for the festival and has crewed the ship for four years. The event will run through the weekend, complete with live action tall ship cannon battles scheduled at 5:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

“Everything is real except for the cannon balls,” says Jim Graves of the Ocean Institute's marketing department.

Besides captain and crew simulating traditional maritime battle, festival-goers will also encounter blacksmiths, knot tiers, scrimshaw artists, Port Royal Privateers, and maybe even a pirate or two.

“It’s a great chance to step back in time," Ludovise says.

Landlubbers can tour the ships' decks, watch the battles from shore and explore the Ocean Institutes’ hand-on labs, arts activities and tide pools. History buffs can listen in as the Dana Point Historical Society reads Two Years Before the Mast aloud in its entirety.

Escort cruises aboard the R/V Sea Explorer are also available for those hoping to test out their sea legs and the truly adventurous can work right alongside the crew of the ships themselves during the battles, an activity Ludovise never tires of.

“It feels like an adventure every time you go out,” she says.

Whatever level of adventure you choose, the festival is an event not to be missed, says Ludovise. “It really captures the maritime atmosphere and it’s a great way to celebrate Dana Point's heritage.”