Tall Ships Return to Oakland in February

From a press release from Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority:

The brig Lady Washington and the topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain return to the Bay Area in February, stopping first at Oakland's Jack London Square for nearly two weeks of living history activities. The tall ships are scheduled to arrive at 2 Broadway, Oakland, Feb. 9 and they will offer walk-on tours, family sailing activities and educational programs through Feb. 22. Here's the activity schedule:

Feb. 10: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-on tours. $3 donation per person. No reservation required.

Feb. 11-12: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-on tours. $3 donation per person. No reservation required.

Feb. 11-12: 2 p .m. to 5 p.m. Lady Washington & Hawaiian Chieftain Battle Sail. $40-$60.

Feb. 12: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lady Washington Adventure Sail. $35.

Feb. 14-17: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-on tours. $3 donation per person. No reservation required.

Feb. 18-19: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-on tours. $3 donation per person. No reservation required.

Feb. 18-19: 2 p .m. to 5 p.m. Lady Washington & Hawaiian Chieftain Battle Sail. $40-$60.

Feb. 19: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lady Washington Adventure Sail. $35.

Feb. 21-22: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-on tours. $3 donation per person. No reservation required.

A Battle Sail includes both ships, which maneuver around each other in 18th century fashion and fire real cannon with real gunpowder (no cannon balls) at each other. Guests are encouraged to verbally taunt their adversaries. In both Battle Sails and Adventure Sails, guests have a chance to take the helm of a real tall ship and help raise a sail. Buy tickets online at www.historicalseaport.org or call 800-200-5239.

Both ships are scheduling tall ship educational programs for K-12 students in the Bay Area. Schools designated Title I by the U.S. Department of Education are eligible for a large discount on the cost of the programs. For more information, contact Roxie Underwood, 800-200-5239, education@historicalseaport.org.

Lady Washington is a wooden replica of one of the first U.S.-flagged vessels to explore the west coast of North America in the late 18th century. Launched in 1989, the modern Lady Washington has appeared in several Hollywood films, including Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Star Trek: Generations. She is the official ship of the State of Washington.

Hawaiian Chieftain is a steel-hulled interpretation of a typical coastal trader of the early 19th century. Launched in 1988, she accompanies Lady Washington on her annual trips to California.