Photo: Shane Mizer.

It’s that time of year again! The ol’ timey tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain have pulled into Humboldt Bay and tied up at the Bonnie Gool dock next to the Adorni Center, a day ahead of schedule.

You can/should visit them. It’s only a 3-buck donation to walk on for a tour of these princesses, and somewhat more to go on a full-fledged sail of the bay. In the latter category, you have three options: a full-fledged “Battle Sail,” in which the two ships duke it out with the great guns; an “Adventure Sail,” for those looking to brush up on their boatswainery; and an “Evening Sail,” which is like and Adventure Sail but with sunsets.

Here’s a full press release with details from the Grays Harbor Historical Seaport Authority:

Two tall ships that make annual visits to Eureka are expected to pull into Bonnie Gool Dock on April 21 and stay through April 27. The brig Lady Washington, the official ship of Washington State, and Hawaiian Chieftain typically spend a week in Humboldt Bay offering public tours, excursions, and education programs to local K-12 students. New this year is a 15 percent discount for online purchases of four or more Battle Sail or Adventure Sail tickets. Here’s the ships’ public schedule:

  • 4/22: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., walk-on tours, $3 donation.
  • 4/23-24: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., walk-on tours, $3 donation.
  • 4/23-24: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Battle Sail, $39-$75.
  • 4/24: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Adventure Sail, $39-$47.
  • 4/26-27: 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., walk-on tours, $3 donation.
  • 4/27: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Evening Sail, $35.

Battle Sails are recreations of a typical 18th-century naval skirmish, complete with real cannon, real gunpowder, but no cannon balls. Guests are encouraged to help raise a sail and verbally taunt their adversaries. Tickets are $75 adults, $67 students/seniors/active military, $39 children 12/under.

Adventure Sails feature opportunities for guests to help raise a sail, learn a sea shanty, or take the helm of a real tall ship, conditions permitting. Tickets are $47 adults, $39 children 12/under.

Evening Sails are value-priced at $35 per ticket. The programming is similar to the weekend Adventure Sail, with the additional chance at enjoying a spectacular Pacific Ocean sunset.

Purchase all tickets on our website or call 800-200-5239. A 15 percent discount is available for online purchases of four or more Battle Sail or Adventure Sail tickets. The discount is applied instantly at the time of purchase. The discount is not available for telephone orders or walk-up purchases at the ships.