Thunder, rain welcome tall ships to Port of Brownsville

Rolling thunder and rain greeted the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain as they sailed toward the Port of Brownsville Monday afternoon, but that didn't stop onlookers from greeting the tall ships as they docked.

A handful of people braved the wind and rain to meet the ships at about 3 p.m. The tall ships, owned by the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Society, traveled through Port Orchard Bay under sun breaks until just about the time they docked when the rain started. The duo slowly made their way toward Burke Bay, intermittently shooting off their cannons as they sailed.

The Port of Brownsville is one of about 40 ports the two vessels will visit this year throughout Washington, California, Oregon and British Columbia. The 112-foot Lady Washington and 103-foot Hawaiian Chieftain will be at the Port of Brownsville until Thursday morning.

"We invite people aboard to learn about how seamen lived in 18th-century times," said Joe Follansbee, spokesman for the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Society.

The ships are open to the public for dockside tours through Wednesday and also will host three Battle Sails.

"There's an opportunity to get a feel for what 18th-century maritime was all about," Follansbee said.

Dockside walk-on tours are scheduled for 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26 and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27. A $3 donation is appreciated.

Battle Sails — reservations are recommended — are slated for 6-9 p.m. Aug. 26, 2-5 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Aug. 27.

Tickets are $60 per adult, $50 for seniors, students and active military, and $40 for children younger than 12. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 200-5239 or online at www.historicalseaport.org.

Contact Bremerton Patriot Editor Kassie Korich at editor@bremertonpatriot.com or (360) 308-9161.

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