The Tall Ships are Taking Over Savannah

The tall ships are taking over Savannah. After more than a year of planning by Savannah Riverfront, Visit Savannah and other local government and business entities, the Savannah TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® is finally upon us — and the forecast couldn’t be better! Savannah will welcome these 14 vessels with some of her sunniest spring weather of the season so far.

This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event, as Savannah is the only port in the Southeast during the 2012 TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE®. The TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® only comes to the Atlantic Coast every three years, and this year Savannah is kicking off the race. These tall, multi-masted ships have not sailed into the Savannah Harbor since 1998, when three ships visited our harbor. The weekend, the Savannah TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® will greatly exceed the magnitude of the inaugural event more than a decade ago, with 14 vessels, including 13 tall-masted ships and the famed Theodore Too Tugboat lining both sides of the Savannah Harbor.

As pirates and other nautical characters rove through the festival grounds, visitors will be able to view, board and tour most of the ships, and three ships are offering sailaway excursions. This event will give visitors a sense of Savannah’s rich maritime heritage and will serve as a wonderful weekend for the entire family. In the Circa 1812 area, visitors will be able to enjoy lectures and maritime-inspired movie screenings for all ages, located near 1812 era vessels, Lynx and Pride of Baltimore II. The Kids Cove Adventure is sure to be a family favorite, with paddleboats, knot-tying, puppet shows, Krispy Kreme doughnut dunking and Planet Ocean and Motion with touch tank. And in the International Experience area, don’t miss performances from the Indonesia–Dewaruci Naval Cadets Marching Band and the SCAD International Festival Dance Groups.

Daily tickets will be $20 for adults and $10 for kids until Wednesday at midnight. Ticket prices will be available day-of and after midnight Wednesday but will edge up to $25 for adults and $12 for children. Kids under 4 years are free for the entire festival and there are three-day passes available for purchase as well. And guests can skip the lines by purchasing a TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Quick Pass.

You don’t want to miss what is sure to be one of the most spectacular events Savannah has ever seen! Click here for more information and to purchase tickets for you and yours visit. www.SavannahTallShipsChallenge.com Find us on Facebook at Savannah Tall Ships and follow us on Twitter @SAVTallShips.