PEI

'Will leave you amazed': 9 tall ships to visit Charlottetown on Canada Day weekend

Climb aboard a tall ship. Nine tall ships will visit Charlottetown during the RDV2017 Tall Ships Regatta from June 30 to July 2.

Deck tours will be available during the 3-day event

The Bark Europa will be among the nine tall ships visiting Charlottetown for the Canada Day weekend. (RDV2017)

If you ever wanted to climb aboard a tall ship, you'll have the chance this summer as nine tall ships visit Charlottetown during the RDV2017 Tall Ships Regatta. 

The ships will dock at the Port Charlottetown and Queen's Wharf  from June 30 to July 2 and the public will be able to visit the ships for free. 

The nine tall ships include: Bark Europa, Oosterschelde, Blue Clipper, USCGC Eagle, Rona II, Jolie Brise, Vahine, BAP Union, and HMCS Oriole.

Supporting vessels include the HMCS Charlottetown and Canada C3 that will be docked in Charlottetown. 

The Québec City cultural performers and the Pirates of Halifax will be part of the regatta as well.

"It's an honour for the City of Charlottetown to be a guest port for the RDV2017 Tall Ships Regatta; we can't wait to welcome the crews and passengers of these historic cathedrals of the high seas," said Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee.

"Given our important partnership with Québec City, we're pleased to have the added component of the Québec City cultural artist performers while the ships are in port. These performances, along with the Pirates of Halifax, will add a lively air to the festivities – definitely an event not to be missed!"

Deck tours 

The deck tours will be available from 2 to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 30 at Port Charlottetown and Queen's Wharf.

There will also be deck tours on the same day from  4-7 p.m. at Port Charlottetown.

Oosterschelde will be among the nine tall ships visiting Charlottetown. (RDV2017)

On Saturday, July 1, and Sunday, July 2, deck tours will take place at both locations from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

"From June 30th to July 2nd, Charlottetown will serve as a spectacular backdrop to a truly impressive celebration. RDV2017 is honoured with this partnership," said François Moreau. president of Rendez-vous naval de Québec. 

"Get ready to enjoy a unique experience that will leave you amazed."

C3 journey includes Charlottetown

HMCS Charlottetown will also offer deck tours along with the icebreaker Canada C3. 

"Canada C3 is an epic journey from coast to coast to coast to connect Canadians and celebrate Canada in way that has never happened before. It is a signature project for Canada 150 with many rich and diverse layers and wonderful partnerships," said Geoff Green, Canada C3 Founder and Expedition Leader.

Canada C3 will visit Charlottetown as part of its 150-day sailing journey. (Canada C3/Facebook)

"The RDV2017 Tall Ships Regatta is one of three major events happening in Charlottetown as part of our Canada 150 celebrations," said Councillor Bob Doiron, Chair of the City's Economic Development, Tourism, Arts and Culture committee.

"Between this event, our amplified Canada Day activities in Victoria Park and the STIHL Timbersports Canadian Champions Trophy, as well as other Canada 150 national initiatives, it's going to be an amazing time to be in the Capital City."

More information can be found on the RDV2017 Tall Ships Regatta website.

Anyone interested in joining the Sail Training International trainee program to sail on one of the tall ships can find more information on its website or email trainees@rdv2017.com. 

A full schedule for the Canada Day activities, the RDV 2017 Tall Ships Festival and the STIHL Timbersports Canadian Championships Trophy is available online at the City of Charlottetown's website