The Port of San Diego Festival of Sail, hosted by the Maritime Museum of San Diego, home to one of the world’s finest collections of historic vessels, will again transform the North Embarcadero into a nautical theme park. More than 20 tall ships and other fascinating vessels from around the world will visit San Diego, Sept 1-4. Festival visitors will enjoy touring the ships, marvelous food and drink from dozens of restaurant booths, a petting zoo, pirates, cannon battles on the bay, sunset cruises and shopping for one of-a-kind items among more than 150 festival vendors. Parade of Sail
The festival will kick off with a grand parade of sail on San Diego Bay at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 31. The parade will be led by San Salvador, a replica of Juan Cabrillo’s 16th-century galleon. More than a dozen majestic windjammers will sail into San Diego’s harbor in a magnificent nautical procession. The best spots to view from shore include the Maritime Museum, Cabrillo National Monument, local restaurants and businesses on Shelter Island, Harbor Island and the North Embarcadero. Please note that the list of ships scheduled to appear in the parade is subject to change. Ships should be docked by 6 p.m. at the museum and open for visitation starting on Friday, Sept 1 at noon. The Festival Ships
The festival will include more than twenty tall ships and other extraordinary vessels from around the world. The official tall ship of California, Californian, the gaff topsail schooner Bill of Rights, Irving and Exy Johnson, twin ships from San Pedro, and many more have been invited to attend. A complete list of the participating ships can be found at www.sdmaritime.org. Please note that the list of ships scheduled to appear in the festival is subject to change. Cannon Battle
Join the crew for a cannon battle at sea and experience naval warfare during the Age of Sail! Several ships will engage in cannon battle reenactments on San Diego Bay during the festival. Individuals can purchase tickets to be on board for the experience. Tickets are $65 for adults and $40 for children 12 and under. This is not recommended for children under 5. A Festival of Sail ticket is also required. Tickets are for sale now at www.sdmaritime.org. Cannon battle sails will sell out so get tickets early. Kids Zone
Petting zoo and jump house will be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both are included with admission. Cannon Firings
The Museum’s Shore Battery Artillery Team will also salute the ships with several rounds of fire as they pass by during the parade. The unit will demonstrate how the guns are cleaned and then will fire the 3- and 4- pound guns for a “noon salute” each day as well as firing volleys at the ships during the Cannon Battles on the Bay. Tall Ship Tickets
Visitors must purchase a tall ships ticket to tour the festival ships. Each participating ship has its own unique stamp and guests can get their tickets stamped at each vessel. Tickets are an exceptional value at only $11 for adults and $9 for children (age 3-12), seniors (62 and over) and military (valid identification required). Tickets are for sale now on the Maritime Museum’s website at www.sdmaritime.org and will also be for sale at the festival. Tickets include entrance to the Maritime Museum of San Diego during the event and the vendor area is free. Location, Parking
The Festival of Sail will be located along the North Embarcadero between Ash and Grape streets. Parking will be extremely limited, so we urge festival visitors to use public transportation. The County Center/Little Italy trolley station is only three blocks from the festival. For those that must drive their cars, nearby paid parking lots are available.
