PORT LUDLOW — Two tall ships began a Port Ludlow weekend of activities, public sails and walk-on tours on Thursday night, drawing a group of sailing enthusiasts and local onlookers for a look onboard and a chat with the crew.
“I love these big ships,” said Port Ludlow resident Frank Mitchell.
“They are part of America’s history, and is how many people got here in the first place.”
Mitchell’s ancestors didn’t arrive on such a ship, but he was born near the English seaport of Hull where many of the original ships were built.
The brig Lady Washington and topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain docked at the Port Ludlow Marina, 1 Gull Drive, a little before 5 p.m.
First visit in 19 years
The visit is the first to Port Ludlow by the Lady Washington since 1991 and the first ever by Hawaiian Chieftain.
The ships, home-ported in Aberdeen, left Thursday morning from Sequim, where the crews offered dock-side tours on Wednesday. The two had docked at Port Angeles from April 13 to Tuesday of this week.
They will leave Port Ludlow for Friday Harbor on Monday.
During the passage to Port Ludlow from Sequim, the ships sailed most of the way.
“The winds were pretty good so we didn’t use the engines all that much,” said steward Aaron Walker, who — like the rest of the 11-member crew — was dressed in a 18th-century sailing costume.
In Port Ludlow, the ships will have dock-side tours, adventure sails and battle sails.
Tours hosted by crew in period costume are scheduled from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
A $3 donation per person is requested.
The family-oriented adventure sails feature demonstrations of tall ship handling, a sea shanty, and a chance for guests to sail a real tall ship.
A three-hour Adventure Sail is scheduled aboard Lady Washington 10 a.m. Sunday, with tickets costing $55 for adults; $45 for students, seniors and active military, and $35 for children 12 and under.
Battle sails, mock recreations of typical 18th century naval actions, feature booming cannon and close quarters maneuvers. The three-hour sails are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets are $60 for adults; $50 for students, seniors and active military, and $40 for children 12 and under.
Passage can be booked on the ships from Port Ludlow to Friday harbor on Monday. Tickets are $135.
Tickets for all events are available online at www.historicalseaport.org or by phoning 800-200-5239.
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Jefferson County reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
