What is a Tall Ship?

A tall ship is a large sailing vessel. Tall ships encompass, among others, barques, barquentines, sloops and schooners. There are several classes, depending upon their size and sail configuration.

What is a Tall Ships Challenge® Race Series

The Tall Ships Challenge Race Series began in 2001 on the Great Lakes. Thirty vessels from six countries, and 1000 sail trainees and cadets participated in the races, sail training rallies and port festivals in seven US and Canadian ports. Since then there have been five Tall Ship Challenges, with 2006 being once again in the Great Lakes. The Challenge series brings together people from around the world in celebration of sail training, traditionally-rigged vessels and maritime history. www.tallships.sailtraining.org/

What is ASTA?

ASTA stands for American Sail Training Association. The American Sail Training Association is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization focused on youth education, leadership development and the preservation of the maritime heritage of North America. www.tallships.sailtraining.org/

What ships are coming to this festival?

Twelve magnificent ships will be coming to Huntington Cleveland Harborfest. Click here to learn more about the vessels.

Will the ships sail when they are here in Cleveland?

Yes - five ships will sail during the day and evening. They include the Windy II, Providence, Pride of Baltimore II, Appledore IV and the Royaliste. Please visit our Private Parties & Charters link for more information.

What is the Channel 3 Parade of Sail?

The Channel 3 Parade of Sail is the opening event of the Huntington Cleveland Harborfest. The majestic Tall Ships are escorted one by one into the harbor and to their positions dockside. They are scheduled to be in the North Coast Harbor at 4PM on July 12. This is the only time visitors have the opportunity to see all of the Tall Ships at full sail.

Are the ships handicapped accessible?

Ship crews will accommodate any visitor as best as possible, within the constraints of ships built in the 1800's. For wheelchairs, the ships are available for viewing from dockside, not on deck.

What are the hours of the Huntington Cleveland Harborfest?

General admission hours are 9:30am - 7pm. Gates, activities, the vendor marketplace and food concessions open at 9:30am. Ship boarding hours are Thursday through Sunday 11am - 6pm. Port organizers reserve the right to close ship boarding lines at 5pm to accommodate wait times and those already in line.

What will the festival cost?

A single day pass to the festival only, will cost just $10 for adults; $8 for youth (5-17) and seniors. Children (Under 5) are free of charge

Are there any items I cannot carry into the festival village?

Yes. The following items are prohibited:
Backpacks, alcohol, large umbrellas, lawn furniture, air horns, backpacks, bottles and cans, food and coolers, weapons, drugs, laser pointers, pets, fireworks/pyrotechnics, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and promotional materials not authorized by Harborfest.

Is there a discount for groups?

With groups of 20 or more, general admission is $8. This includes 2 complimentary tickets for the tour director and motorcoach driver. Groups also have the opportunity to enjoy a buffet breakfast and lunch each day at the Great Lakes Science Center. Private charters and sailaways on the Windy II are also available at a discounted rate. Please visit the Groups page for more information .

What is the Passbook?

The North Coast Harbor All Access Passbook has an all-inclusive price of $42.50 for adults and $38.50 for youth and seniors. This includes admission to the Great Lakes Science Center, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Steamship William G. Mather Museum and the Goodtime III (valid July 12-31, 2006), as well as entrance into the Huntington Cleveland Harborfest (July 12 - 16)

What activities will be available?

The festival village will include a marketplace, live entertainment, street performers, and much more. This is a family event and there will be activities for all family members to enjoy.

Will there be activities for children?

Yes, there will be a Kids Village filled with educational and fun activities for children. Children will learn about everything from tying knots to predicting weather in this interactive, educational area of the festival.