Parade and Festival of Sail in San Francisco - News and Video

San Francisco, California - The San Francisco Bay was alive with maritime nostalgia on Wednesday, playing host to a fleet of Tall Ships and schooners participating in the Parade Of Sail. The parade, a welcoming event for this weekend's Festival of Sail was a glorious display of these magnificent historical boats chugging along in succession with unfurled sails. With the blazing blue sky, and perfect wind conditions, it was a fantastic day to be out on a boat, and the Bay was teeming with spectating yachts and classic sailboats which paced the Tall Ships during the parade. The camaraderie and appreciation for this Festival out on the water has set the tone for what is sure to be THE ‘don't miss’ event of the weekend for the San Francisco Bay Area.

There was a hive of activity onboard the 48' Bayliner motorboat Dedicated which served as the command central for the Parade. George C. Knies, The Parade Coordinator, and Treasure Island Yacht Club Commodore Desmond Thorsson articulated radio instructions from the yacht to the participating vessels with the ease of your favorite radio disc jockey. After gathering the fleet in parade formation on the rolling seas just outside the Golden Gate Bridge, Commodore Thorsson radioed word to the SFFD fireboat Phoenix which was positioned at the foot of the Gate. Blasts of water erupted from the fireboat and the parade was underway right on schedule.

The Tall Ships commenced procession underneath the Golden Gate Bridge at high noon with the Coast Guard Auxiliary support vessels conducting the difficult task of circling the boats to ensure the excited spectators adhered to the 100 yard regulated area around the Parade. The breathtaking USCG Tall Ship; The barque Eagle, majestically slipped under the Gate and set the comfortable parade pace of 5-6 knots. The Tall Ships, which also included the notorious Bounty, the iconic Nina, The Californian, The Kaisei, The Robert C. Seamans, several schooners, and a formation of 7 Bird Boat sloops cruised across the Bay like giant noble peacocks under hoisted sails flying with full regalia, their large official 2008 parade burgees proudly flapping in the mild breeze. The Ships equipped with cannons executed cannon salutes for those along the shore at Marina Green, Hyde Street Pier and the Ferry Building. Also participating in the Parade were beautiful historic replica vessels the California Hornblower and the Empress Hornblower, The USCGC Search and Rescue Halibut, and the spectacular WWII vessel the SS Jeremiah O'Brien who’s top deck was packed full of guests soaking in the sights and bobbing their heads to the onboard dixieland jazz. The final vessel of the Parade was the massive APL container ship Singapore, one of the largest container ships in the world, and a daunting presence for the spectating boats dotting the Bay. Once outside the Bay Bridge the parade of Tall Ships peeled off, dropping their sails as they returned to their respective berths to unload the precious cargo of exhilarated parade goers and ready themselves in anticipation for the Festival of Sail weekend visitors.

The SF Festival of Sail is celebrated every 3 years thanks to the San Francisco Maritime National Parks Association, with many of the Tall Ships arriving in San Francisco as part of the American Sail Training Association (ASTA) 'Tall Ships Challenge Series' of races. Countless hours of hard work and dedication by sponsors and volunteers are behind the Festival of Sail, and we encourage you to get down to the docks this weekend, and be a part of this unique and memorable event. This weekend is great opportunity to view and learn about these incredible vessels up close and personal, with tours, day sails, and even cannon battles on the Bay.

Hope to see you there!

For detailed information on the Festival of Sail in San Francisco and a schedule of events visit: http://www.festivalofsail.org/

USCG Eagle - 295 foot steel hulled cutter. The only active commissioned sailing vessel in the US military. Home Port- New London, CT.

The Tall Ship Bounty - Built in 1960 for the film Mutiny on The Bounty and featured more recently in Pirates of the Caribbean II and Sponge Bob Square Pants, The Movie.

Nina - Historically correct replica of a 15th Century Caraval. Built in Valencia, Brazil and featured in the movie 1492.

Alma - Flat bottomed scow schooner built in 1891 to carry goods to and from the Bay and California Delta.

Kaisei - The Ocean Voyage Institute brigantine rig also known as 'Ocean Planet'. Launched in 1990 to promote the spirit of global partnership.

- fred eagle for YachtPals.com

Video: Tall Ships sailing in the San Francisco bay during the Parade of Sail by fred eagle.