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CONVENTION + VISITORS BUREAU / 53
SetYourSAILS
for Portland, July 18-20, 2015
Barque Picton Castle based in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
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It is with a fierce pride that Mainers
preserve the rich maritime culture that has
been an intimate part of their history for
hundreds of years. For three days in July,
the Iberdrola USA Tall Ships Festival will
transform Portland's waterfront into a
floating pageant as some of the finest and
most unique sailing vessels in the world
parade, moor, and welcome visitors aboard.
In the early 19th century, Maine built more
ships than any other state and continued
to do so until the emergence of steel ships
in the 1890s. Maine’s dominance in the
shipbuilding industry came about for three
reasons: the presence of large forests of
shipbuilding timber; Maine’s 3,000 miles of
tidal coastline, suitable for building vessels
and launching them into deep water; and a
large workforce of highly skilled tradesmen.
Maine was responsible for 75 to 95% of the
four, five, and six-mast schooners built on
the East Coast from 1870 to 1899.
Over a century later, the billowing sails of
majestic wooden sailing ships continue to
capture the hearts of so many. It was in
2000 when the last fleet of tall ships
moored along Maine’s coast as part of
OpSail Maine; since then Portland has
eagerly awaited their return. In addition to
the schooner Bowdoin, currently owned and
operated by Maine Maritime Academy, and
the Portland-based Harvey Gamage, there
are numerous domestic and international
tall ships expected to make an appearance.
Event participants can tour these amazing
sea crafts, and meet with their crews in a
convivial festival atmosphere. Select ships
will even offer visitors brief ventures into
Casco Bay. For tickets and more informa-
tion visit . Come sea!