There was a steady flow of people walking riding and shuttling down Collingwood’s pier Saturday to see the three tall ships tied up at Millenium Park.
The Tall ships sailed into Collingwood Friday night after taking part in a battle re-enactment for the War of 1812 Bi-centennial in Wasaga beach.
On Saturday, the ships were open to visitors and people lined up for the ten minute tour. Warren Bryer and his kids made this part of their weekend activities around our region.
“The tall ships we have never seen them before, we are from Bolton we thought we would come up and see what they are all about,” says Bryer.
For Ottawa’s Nicholas Ng-a-fook and his family the ships are an educational opportunity.
“It was a good chance to bring our kids to the region and show our kids a few things about the history of Georgain bay and Collingwood,” Ng-a-fook.
There are a total of 10 tall ships making stops in 15 ports across the province this summer. This weekend there three more ships tied up in Owen Sound.
The tall ships in Collingwood are The Madeline, Friends of Goodwill and the Lynx. They are between 92 and 122 feet long with traditional 19th century rigging. Madeline's third mate says the old fashioned ships are a pleasure to sail.
“It's great silent all you hear is sometimes you hear sea gulls the waves splashing up the wind blowing through the rigging, it like being back in the 18th or 17th century when they didn't have Diesel engines and the smell of diesel fuel, everybody gets relaxed and it’s like wow!” says James Graczyk.
But most people only get a short visit onboard one of these floating museums. Even so Collingwood’s Frank Hale is thrilled to have the chance.
“It's a beautiful thing to watch and appreciate how they built the rigging how they built the sails, how they powered it, I just can't get enough of it,” says Hale.
Tours on the ships will continue all day Sunday.
