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BC’s Capital Set to Welcome Historic Sea Faring Vessel

There are few images that conjure a more romantic view of the sea than a tall ship. Voluminous sails catching a hearty gale, mighty masts reaching for the sky…all as these great vessels forge a path through the watery depths. And for organizers of the Victoria Tall Ships Festival, set to sail June 26 - 29, having the world’s most famous vessel drop anchor during the four days of festivities promises to be a one heck of a seaworthy sight. The Bounty, built for MGM’s sweeping Mutiny on the Bounty (a flick that famously cast Marlon Brando as villainous Captain Bligh against a treasonous crew), will moor its lines at Victoria’s shores for the first time in nearly two decades. At an imposing 180-feet (54 metres), this square-rigged three-master craft was constructed in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, based on the original ship’s drawings still on file in the British admiralty archives. With its obvious historic ties, the ship will sail seamlessly into the mix of the festival, which promises a line-up of new events that will explore the province’s past. Maritime Mosaic, a multicultural showcase of exhibits and interactive displays will draw the masses, while guests will sample a bit of traditional fare at the History Bites food pavilions (Gold Rush menus and Afternoon Tea, anyone?). Mock cannon battles, live concerts and performances and a Pirate School for the little ones will round out the fun. Seems a fitting tribute for the festival - a marquee maritime event set to celebrate the province’s 150th Anniversary. More than two dozen of the world’s finest ships are expected to set sail during the festival (Victoria is the first port of call, and the only Canadian stop, for the full tall ships fleet participating in the 2008 Tall Ships Challenge®, a series of races along the west coast of Canada and the United States). Walk the decks, behold the sails and relive some of the greatest sea stories of all times. www.tallshipsvictoria.ca