The tall ships, Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain, sailed into the Channel Islands Harbor Marina this week.  The Hawaiian Chieftain and the Lady Washington visit the Channel Islands Harbor Marina located in the City of Oxnard  each year for one week.  Have ever wanted to stroll the decks of a tall ship, look at the ocean from the highest yardarm or sail the waters in full sail?  If the answer to any of these is yes, then be sure to come to Channel Islands Harbor Marina.  Tall ship dockside tours are available through Saturday.  Sailing tours are available on Saturday afternoon and Sunday only.
 
The tall ship dockside tours are available today and tomorrow between the hours of 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.  Saturday tour hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (suggested donation: $3.00).  A new feature has been added to the tour this year; Tours Aloft.  Tours Aloft offers visitors the opportunity to climb to the highest yardarm on the main mast via a harness (donation: $20).  Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain will also engage in Battle Sails on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.  Those who purchased tickets for the Battle Sail will experience a battle at sea with cannon fire and close-quarters maneuvers.
 
There will be no tours available on Sunday, but you can take part in the Adventure Sail starting at 10 a.m.  The tour is family-oriented and features demonstrations of how the tall ships were sailed.  There will be maritime stories and sea shanty songs for all to enjoy as well as other maritime traditions.  Reservations for the Battle Sail and the Adventure Sail are recommended.  You can purchase tickets online or by phone at 800-200-5239.  Both adventures are a three-hour sailing experience.  The home port of these tall ships is Grays Harbor Historical Seaport in Aberdeen, Washington.

Dave and Patricia Zumbrun
 
Watch the Lady Washington on YouTube