PORT ANGELES — Ahoy ye landlubbers and scurvy dogs, the tall ships be nigh!
But they are going to be a little late.
Lady Washington, Privateer Lynx and the schooner Bill of Rights will arrive from Aberdeen on Friday night — a day later than originally expected.
A small-craft advisory is in effect today for coastal waters and the Strait of Juan de Fuca with winds in excess of 25 knots, and rain is forecast for much of the day, the National Weather Service said.
The foul weather is forecast to diminish later today and early Friday, allowing the ships smoother sailing up the coast and along the Strait.
Tours and other events involving the three ships will begin Saturday, said Victoria McDonald of the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce, who said she spoke to a crew member aboard the Lady Washington on Wednesday night.
Next week, the three ships will depart for Victoria to join the American Sail Training Association’s Tall Ships Challenge 2005, which will attract dozens of ships for a race around the West Coast, said Mark Toy, marine operations manager of Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority in Aberdeen.
The full armada will pass through Port Angeles on June 27, to clear customs and refuel, then sail east toward Admiralty Inlet and Puget Sound to the Tall Ships Tacoma 2005 festival for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Between Friday night and next Thursday, the 112-foot brig Lady Washington, 122-foot square topsail schooner Privateer Lynx and 129-foot wooden gaff Bill of Rights will dock in Port Angeles, giving the public a chance to learn about naval history.
A 150-yard water security zone will be in effect around the tall ships and enforced by the Coast Guard.
