The Tall Ships Challenge, rotating among the East Coast, Great Lakes and Pacific Coast, mixes racing with festival stops from port to port. On a three year cycle, the last West Coast visit in 2008 brought in a modern collection of traditionally rigged sailing vessels. The grand four day stop at the San Pedro waterfront attracted over 250,000 spectators. Visitors are treated to first hand ship tours, themed entertainment, and educational experiences for both the young and old.
Starting out from the British Columbia port in June, the international fleet of schooners, brigantines, brigs and barques, race their way southward, arriving in southern California by mid August. TallShips LA brings in a fantastic sight of these majestic ships, visiting the largest port on the West Coast, the Port of Los Angeles on San Pedro Bay. The initial Tall Ships gathering began in New York Harbor in 1964, a wonderful complement to the New York World's Fair. The enthusiasm surrounding these grand vessels brought about the idea of an annual tour, covering the shores of Europe and the United States.