Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
© St. Petersburg Times, published June 27, 2002
This weekend offers a rare treat for all whose hearts skip a beat at the awesome sight of a tall ship, white sails filled with wind.
Today, seven classically designed sailing vessels from as far away as Brazil will parade along the St. Petersburg waterfront and even fire their cannons. Then they'll dock in Bayboro Harbor through Sunday for maritime festivities saluting Tampa Bay's rich seagoing traditions.
There will be tours of the eclectic vessels, which include the three-masted U.S. Coast Guard trainer Eagle, the Brazilian navy clipper Cisne Branco, a pirate schooner and one that looks like a Chinese junk. Nautical exhibits, entertainment, vendors and food booths also will be set up to inform and amuse the tens of thousands of people expected to attend.
Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 on site. An $18 ticket ($20 on site) buys tours of the ships. Touring the Eagle is free and requires no festival ticket.
Here are maps and schedules to help you get the most out of Americas' Sail 2002; check out www.tallshipsstpete for more on the event, the participating ships and Tampa Bay's maritime history.