Festival of Sail showcases maritime history

The Festival of Sail taking place in San Francisco from July 23 through July 27 stretches along the waterfront from Pier 40 at AT&T Park to the Hyde Street Pier. You can experience world-renowned Tall Ships firsthand this summer as they sail under the Golden Gate Bridge for four days of history, entertainment and festivities for young and old.

These international, awe-inspiring vessels will be docked along the waterfront offering the public the unique opportunity to tour, sail and learn about our rich maritime history. Each ship has a unique story to tell and will be open daily for ship tours. You can tour several ships and interact with their crews. A limited number of Day and Evening cruises will be available including mock cannon battles and sunset sails. And, enjoy the Parade of Sail as a magical procession of Tall Ships sail around the bay with their sails unfurled. The Grand Parade of Sail begins at noon on Wednesday, July 23, under the Golden Gate Bridge.

For a full schedule of events and information, visit www.festivalofsail.org. BART riders can purchase discounted boarding passes to tour the vessels. Visit myBART.org for more information.

The Festival of Sail is divided into three Villages, showcasing the environmental, educational, and international aspects of maritime history. Each Village will include several Tall Ships and other interesting vessels offering daily boarding and ship tours. The International Sail Village at Justin Herman Plaza outside the San Francisco Ferry Building is just steps away from the Embarcadero BART station.

The Green Village at Pier 30/32 is about a mile south of the Ferry Building along The Embarcadero and is served by San Francisco Muni's J, K, N and T lines as well as various buses. Further south and still included in the Green Village is Pier 40, which is served San Francisco Muni and is several blocks from the Caltrain Station at 4th and King Streets. Transfer to Muni from the Embarcadero BART station.

The Marine Education Village at the Hyde Street Pier and Pier 45 is about two miles northwest of the Ferry Building and is served by several San Francisco Muni and Golden Gate Transit bus lines, as well as Blue and Gold Fleet ferries. Transfer to Muni from the Embarcadero BART station.

Enjoy easy access to all Festival of Sail Villages courtesy of Red and White Fleet, offering a special water taxi service that connects all three Villages of the Festival of Sail. The service will be offered from July 24 - July 27.

 Photo credits: Courtesy of Festival of Sail