'Festival Of Sail' Begins In San Diego Bay

SAN DIEGO -- A procession of more than 20 tall ships from around the world will make its way into San Diego Bay Wednesday for the start of the "Festival of Sail."

The four-day event is held by the Maritime Museum of San Diego, which displays the historic ships Star of India and Californian and a replica of the 18th century British royal frigate HMS Surprise along downtown's Embarcadero.

Among the ships taking part in the parade are the U.S. Coast Guard's 295-foot-long Eagle, the Colombian training ship Gloria and a replica of HMS Bounty, that was initially built for the 1962 film "Mutiny on the Bounty" and used in the 2006 blockbuster "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."

The procession can best be seen from North Island, Shelter Island, Harbor Island or along the Embarcadero from the Coast Guard Station to Seaport Village, according to organizers.

Other planned activities include mock cannon battles on San Diego Bay, cruises on a 1914 pilot boat, sailing on America's Cup vessels, concerts and family activities.

More than 150 vendors will be on hand for the festival, which will run from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Sunday along Harbor Drive, between Grape and Ash streets.

"Passports" to tour the tall ships are $20 for adults and $15 for children, seniors and active-duty members of the military.