A Majestic Sight – Tall Ships Sail into Ventura Harbor

tall ships

It’s time to plan an adventure to Ventura Harbor Village as the majestic Tall Ships are voyaging back into town just in time for Valentine’s Day and the Presidential Weekends! Hawaiian Chieftain and Lady Washington will commence their annual journey along the California coast to sail into Ventura Harbor on February 12th at noon until March 5th, 2019. The ships will dock in front of Ventura Harbor Village’s waterfront promenade and their stay coincides with additional seaside activities for the whole family!

During select times, visitors have the opportunity to take a step back in history and hop onboard for a tour of a Tall Ship or better yet, book a spot for a special sail to see the ship in action. Tickets are now on sale! Please note: sail dates and tour times are weather pending and schedule may be subject to change. Please check VenturaHarborVillage.com for latest updates.

Turn your visit into a spectacular holiday weekend and stay overnight on the waterfront at Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor or Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor. In addition to Tall Ships, enjoy live music on select weekends from noon – 3pm, sample the best seafood at Ventura Harbor Village’s 2nd annual Chowder Taste on February 24, and relish in all things Mermaid during the first week of March.

View the mystical sight of the Tall Ships Grand Arrival in full parade-style entrance, as the crew “man the yards” at noon on February 12, 2019. A photographer’s delight, the ships depart for Battle Sails and Adventure Sails out of Ventura Harbor throughout February and March. Harbor Cove Beach, Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, Water’s Edge Restaurant, and Ventura Harbor Village offer the best viewing locations.

Seeking more excitement? Three-Hour Battle Sails or Two-Hour Adventure 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 quarter maneuvers.  Adventure Sails take place out in the channel to experience life on the high seas. For Battle and Adventure Sail ticket reservations call 800-200-5239 or visit www.historicalseaport.org.

New in 2019 is the Natural History Sail on March 3 from 2pm to 4pm (on Lady Washington). Returning will be the Grand Arrival on February 12 at approximately noon (followed by tours), the Valentine’s Day Sweethearts Sail on February 14 from 4pm to 6pm, and the ships will be open on President’s Day, February 18, 2019.

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, 1-800-200-5239 to arrange dockside, or on-the-water programming while here in Ventura Harbor February 12 through March 5, 2019.

Rich in history and seaside lure, the visiting ships, 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.

Share your Tall Ships photos by using #SeaTallShips and tag @VenturaHarbor on Instagram! For more Tall Ship information, please visit www.venturaharborvillage.com or Ventura Harbor’s Facebook Page. Admission and parking are free at Ventura Harbor Village daily. For a complete schedule:  www.historicalseaport.org or call 800-200-5239.