Port Alberni Tall Ships® Festival

Port Alberni is relatively new to the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Race Series hosted by the American Sail Training Association (ASTA) In fact the first time Port Alberni put on a Marine Festival of any kind was in 2002 when we had two tall ships turn up. The R. Tucker Thompson out of Whangarie, New Zealand and the HMCS Oriole out of Esquimalt, British Columbia. It was a three day event and attracted about 4,000 people.

From those initial beginnings the Port Alberni Tall Ships Society was established in February 2004 in the hopes of attracting more tall ships in 2005. It was the dream of the PATSS to forge deeper connections to our community's maritime heritage and where possible to help new generations of young sailors learn some of life's most important lessons at sea.

In 2005 the TALL SHIPS CHALLENGE® Race Series returned to the Pacific Coast and Port Alberni was on the list of Host Ports. Nine ships arrived in our harbour that July day and they came from Russia, the USA, Mexico, Canada and New Zealand. Along with the tall ships came close to 23,000 people to view them, take pictures of them and to walk upon them. Festivities including ship tours, non-stop entertainment, maritime themed events, a Mars Bomber, vendors of all descriptions and a Beer Garden provided something for everyone to enjoy.

As July 11 & 12/2008 approach we welcome the world to come to Port Alberni once again to be part of our International event in celebration of BC 150. Experience our rich maritime history in the Alberni Valley as well as life on Vancouver Island's rugged west coast. The Festival of Sails will be a stones throw away from the Port Alberni Maritime Discovery Centre. Constructed from an actual coastal lighthouse this museum is dedicated to exhibiting and interpreting our fascinating cultural, environmental and industrial maritime history. View the tall ships that once plied our harbour and those that have come to show their respect.

Port Alberni Tall Ships Society
Tel: 250-724-3314
Website: www.portalbernitallships.ca