Tall ships return to Morro Bay

Posted: 2:43 pm, February 7, 2014 by Publisher Scott Brennan

The brig Lady Washington, which visited Morro Bay last October, has returned to the dock at Sub Sea Tours through Feb. 11, this time accompanied by the topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain. The addition of a second ship allows scheduling of the vessels’ most popular activity, the Battle Sail. The ships will also offer a single-ship Adventure Sail and walk-on public tours. Here’s the ships’ public schedule:

2/7: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., walk-on tours, $3 donation.
2/8-9: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., walk-on tours, $3 donation.
2/8-9: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Battle Sail, $43-$63.
2/9: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Adventure Sail, $43 all ages.
2/11: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., walk-on tours, $3 donation.

The three-hour Battle Sails feature both ships sailing into the Pacific Ocean and playing cat and mouse, similar to a naval skirmish in the 18th century. The ships fire real cannon loaded with real gunpowder, but no cannon balls. Guests are urged to cheer their crews and verbally taunt their adversaries.

Tickets are $63 adults, $53 students/senior/active military, $43 children 12/under. The Sunday-only, two-hour Adventure Sail offers the thrill of sailing aboard a real tall ship, including sea shanties, an opportunity to help raise a sail, and a chance to take the helm, conditions permitting. Tickets are $43 all ages. Tickets for Battle Sails and the Adventure Sail may be purchased online or by calling 800-200-5239. Early reservations are strongly recommended.

Walk-on tours are self-guided opportunities to learn more about Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain. Crews are available to speak with visitors and explain her mission. A $3 donation per person is appreciated.

Launched in 1989, Lady Washington is a wooden-hulled replica of one of the first U.S.-flagged ships to explore the west coast of North America. Hawaiian Chieftain is a steel-hulled interpretation of a typical early 19th century coastal trader. Launched in 1988, she specializes in hands-on living history education for K-12 students. Learn more about education programs on this page or call 800-200-5239.