Tall Ships Tacoma 2008

In 2005, Tacoma hosted a Tall Ships® festival that drew 30 classic sailing vessels to the Thea Foss Waterway and Tacoma waterfront. Estimates placed the number of attendees at over half a million people – clearly a huge turnout for a most successful event. The festival created nearly $1 million in television and print coverage for the community and supported businesses across the region through increased tourism.The 2008 festival will feature many popular events, including a Parade of Sail, tours of vessels, maritime educational workshop and programs, and opportunities to sail aboard a tall ship. There also will be musical entertainment, food vendors, and activities for children. The effort is in conjunction with the American Sail Training Association, which awarded Tacoma “Port of the Year” honors for the 2005 festival.While it’s too early to know which vessels may attend in 2008, many of the captains from the 2005 Tall Ships line-up have indicated they look forward to returning to Tacoma.