"Festival of Sail" Top 5 Page for this destination Seasonal Events Tip by lmkluque

During the Labor Day weekend the Maritime Museum of San Diego annually hosts the "Festival of Sail," at the Harbor and in the SD Bay. Anyone remotely interested in historical seafarers, sailing, Tall Ships, battles at sea or just plain being out on the waters to be part of the action would enjoy the Festival of Sail.

The event begins early in the morning of Thursday as many of the Tall ships meet out in the Pacific Ocean to make their grand entrance into the San Diego Bay. This is the day of, "The Parade of Sail." Once gathered out at sea these beautiful sailing boats make their way along the east edges of the Bay past downtown and as far south as the north side of the Coronado Bridge. At the Coronado Bridge they turn and sail up along the east edges of the Bay until they reach the Embarcadero at the Maritime Museum.

Anyone happening to be standing anywhere along these edges of the SD Bay are attracted by the sound of cannon blasts and searching for the source of the noise, they see the Tall and some not so tall ships passing by. The view of the whole bay surrounded by these fantastic vessels at intervals is awesome and beautiful. I was lucky enough, because of my VT Blogger Press Pass, to be a part of this Parade of Sail and to experience the ballet of Tall Ships announcing the opening of the Festival of Sail.

The Festival of Sail gives an opportunity to see, not only the vessels of the Maritime Musuem, but also the Tall ships that participate and come from other areas of California, other states and other countries to be a part of celebrating Sailing on this scale. There are ships to tour, mock sea battles, a pirate themed ambiance along the Embarcadero, a petting zoo and venders selling all sorts of things, including food and drink.

The vendor area is free to enter but there is a small charge to enter the Maritime Museum section. This will give access to all vessels of the Maritime Museum, including the San Salvador build site at Spanishlanding, for the whole day or get the three day pass.

To sail on one of the Tall Ships and be included in a Sea Battle there naturally is an extra charge. It is so worth it. This experience is better than just a Harbor Cruise. If this is something that appeals to you, I suggest that you, sign up early as it can sellout fast.

If your budget doesn't include the extra cost of boarding one of the Tall Ships, there is another option of getting out on the Bay. The 1914 Pilot boat gives thirty minute narrated tours of the SD Bay, for about $7.00. (I saw a sign at the Festival of Sail entrance that Pilot boat cruise was $3.00. Don't know if it is for a shorter cruise or a discount. Check it out!)

If you can't make it to San Deigo during the Festival of Sail, you'd still have a chance to experience the exciting nature of the event. On most weekends the SD Maritime Museum offers a Sailing Adventure on the Californian, the official Tall ship of the state of California. This often times includes cannon battles.

Though you've missed the 2012 Festival of Sail, keep in mind that it is a yearly event and you can plan your trip to San Diego for the next Labor Day weekend. As 2013 is the 150th anniversary of our beloved Star of India, it is expected that the turnout for the Festival of Sail 2013 will be even bigger than this year!

There are more photos and more information about this aspect of a San Diego visit at my Maritime Museum Review and at my Parade of Sail Travelogue

Phone: (619) 234-9153
Website: http://www.sdmaritime.org/festival-of-sail