Tall Ships Philadelphia/Camden Kicks Off Four-Day Festival

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The Delaware River and Philadelphia and Camden, New Jersey, waterfronts will be filled with historic tall ships, and one giant rubber ducky, as the Tall Ships Festival launches today.

Beginning today and running through Sunday, June 28, a number of tours, daily sailings, activities and entertainment will be presented along the riverfront in both New Jersey and Philadelphia. Children’s activities include cannon demonstrations, privateer encampment, sword fighting, weapon demonstrations, sail training and knot tying.

Thirteen ships will be available for tours, including El Galeon, a replica of a 16th Century Spanish merchant vessel; Gazela, a three-masted ship built in 1901; L’Hermione, a replica of the 145-foot French naval ship that carried Lafayette to the U.S. in 1780; and Picton Castle, a 284-ton Canadian ship that has circumnavigated the globe five times. Barque Eagle, a three-masted U.S. Coast Guard ship, will be offering free tours and access throughout the entire festival.

A multi-day on-board ship tour pass is available for $25. The pass provides all-weekend access to the festival grounds, tours on the historic ships, and activities in both Philadelphia and Camden. Single-day passes are $16. Sailing excursions are also available daily for $85.

–Lissa Poirot



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